- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 04
- Cheapest price on Nov 04
- €10
- Average ticket price on Nov 04
- €24
- Fastest journey on Nov 04
- 2 h 50 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 04
- 3 h 6 m
- Buses on Nov 04
- 3
- Distance
- 124 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darlington will cost around €24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €10.
Fast buses
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 3 buses from Manchester to Darlington, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct buses cover the 124 km distance in an average of 3 h 6 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 50 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest buses will take 3 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus1:00 PM 2h50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange 3:50 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) €10 1 One-way 0 transfers
NX170 · NX59111:47 AM 3h08 Manchester, Miles Platting 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) €31 1 One-way 1 transfer- NX170 · NX591
11:35 AM 3h20 Manchester, Coach Station 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) €31 1 One-way 1 transfer
- FlixBus
1:00 PM 2h50 Manchester, Shudehill Interchange 3:50 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) €10 1 One-way 0 transfers - NX170 · NX591
11:47 AM 3h08 Manchester, Miles Platting 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) €31 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX170 · NX591
11:35 AM 3h20 Manchester, Coach Station 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) €31 1 One-way 1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Darlington run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 40m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:23, the last at 23:26. The fastest bus covers the 77 miles (124 km) distance in 2h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 77 miles (124 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price €5 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 15m |
First bus 12:23 AM |
Last bus 11:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Frequently asked questions about your Manchester to Darlington trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Darlington.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Darlington can start from as little as €5 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Darlington is €23 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The earliest bus from Manchester to Darlington leaves at 12:23 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Darlington leaves at 11:26 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Manchester to Darlington with National Express, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
Manchester to Darlington Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €47 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 01:00PM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:07AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h48 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:47AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €14 |
Live departures
Manchester to Darlington bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darlington buses for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 1:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 2h50 | 3:50 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 4 | |||||
| NX170 · NX591 | 11:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 3h20 | 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
| NX170 · NX591 | 11:47 AM Manchester, Miles Platting | 3h08 | 2:55 PM Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Manchester to Darlington buses with Omio?
National Express as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Manchester to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Darlington.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Darlington.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Darlington.
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Manchester to DarlingtonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Darlington with National Express, FlixBus for as low as €5. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€5
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average National Express Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest National Express Price
€12
National Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Manchester and Darlington
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
When taking a bus from Manchester to Darlington, you can count on National Express, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Darlington. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Manchester and Darlington and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Darlington for bus company National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Darlington:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Darlington depends on the bus companies:
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company {providersWithBike}.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Manchester to Darlington.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Darlington:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Darlington:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Manchester to Darlington. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Darlington with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Darlington with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Darlington with the following bus company: National Express, FlixBus.
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
MIMA School of Art Gallery
University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.
- Recommended
Piercebridge Roman Fort Museum
Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.
- Recommended
High Row
Historic town centre street lined with shops and civic buildings. It is central to exploring Darlington's market character and Victorian urban fabric.
- Recommended
Market Place
Traditional covered market area with surrounding lanes and street life. It is ideal for soaking up local atmosphere in a compact historic setting.
- Recommended
South Park
Large town park with formal gardens, a café building, aviary area, and bandstand. It is one of Darlington's best-loved green spaces for a stroll.
Parmo
A Teesside takeaway classic: chicken in a creamy béchamel-style sauce with chips. It is strongly associated with nearby Middlesbrough and the wider area.
Pan Haggerty Broth
A rich North East beef and vegetable broth, slowly cooked with pearl barley or split peas. It is a traditional working-class staple in County Durham homes.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Pan Haggerty
Layered potatoes, onions and cheese baked until golden. A beloved North East comfort dish, often served in pubs and homes across Durham and Teesside.
The Old Yard Tapas Bar
Well-known traditional pub venue serving cask ales and hearty British favourites in a historic, characterful atmosphere.
Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill
Established town-centre restaurant known for polished British and European cooking in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Akbar The Great
Popular Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for classic curries, attentive service and a comfortable modern dining room.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.80
To the city center
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Most local buses accept contactless card and mobile payments; the £2 single fare cap is commonly available on participating services.
- Darlington town centre is walkable from Feethams and nearby bus stops; check live departures in the Arriva UK Bus app before travel.
Plan your visit to Darlington
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Darlington.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Darlington, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets and train stations. Be wary of unofficial taxi services to avoid overcharging. It's also advisable to keep an eye on personal belongings and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night. Always use licensed transportation and stay informed about local safety updates.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Darlington
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darlington by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Darlington including taking a bus and train.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Darlington
Most Manchester to Darlington buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darlington bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in Manchester
Arrival bus stations in Darlington
Which Manchester station do buses to Darlington leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Darlington leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · €2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeShudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange from Manchester city centre
Bus163, 118, 119, 18, 112, 114, 117, 81 · 3m · €2 · every ~69 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 2m · €2 · every ~23 min
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, AirportManchester Airport, Manchester M90 3RR, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · €5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · €1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · €2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · €2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · €4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · €4 · every ~8 min
Manchester, Airport bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Which Darlington station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Darlington arrive at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre). Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) is from Darlington city centre.
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre)Darlington Feethams Dolphin Centre, Darlington DL1 5PT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) from Darlington city centre
Bus6B, 6 · 5m · €4 · every ~6 min
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) bus station facilities and services
Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants available nearby.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Available at the station. ATMs are available within walking distance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre): Wheelchair accessible.
Bus stations for Manchester to Darlington
Check bus stations information for Manchester and Darlington, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
When departing from Manchester , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Manchester, Coach Station, Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, Manchester, Airport, Manchester, Miles Platting . When arriving in Darlington , you can end your journey in bus stations like Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre) .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Darlington, Feethams (Dolphin Centre), located 0 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Darlington and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Darlington
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