- Recommended
Folkestone Museum
Small local museum covering Folkestone’s history, archaeology, and changing seaside life. A useful first stop for understanding the town.
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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Folkestone
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Folkestone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a flight costs an average of $491.
Distance: 219 miles (354 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$57 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price | $491 Average price | $96 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 1m Average total duration 8h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration 1h 54m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.1 - 2.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Folkestone is a bus with an average price of $57.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Folkestone:
A bus is $125 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Folkestone costing on average $182.
A bus is $434 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Folkestone costing on average $491.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Folkestone is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 54m.
Other travel options to Folkestone take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 20m.
Bus takes on average 8h 31m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Folkestone including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Folkestone among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around $57 compared to roughly $96 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $40. The journey takes 8h 31m versus 5h 9m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Manchester to Folkestone Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 10h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $66 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 11:00PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $51 |
Live departures
Manchester to Folkestone bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Folkestone buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:30 PM Manchester | 9h30 | 10:00 PM Folkestone | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:45 PM Manchester | 8h55 | 1:40 AM Folkestone | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Folkestone by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Manchester to Folkestone buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Folkestone.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Folkestone.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Folkestone.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Folkestone.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Folkestone
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Folkestone run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 219 miles (354 km) distance in 7h 20m.
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 219 miles (354 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 |
Buses per day 6 |
Fastest bus 7h 20m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
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
Bus providers: National Express from Manchester to FolkestoneYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Folkestone with National Express for as low as $26. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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
7h 20m
Cheapest National Express Price
$26
National Express frequency
6 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.
Complete guide to Folkestone
Things to do in Folkestone
Discover the best of Folkestone — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Folkestone trip today.
- Recommended
Folkestone Artworks Visitor Centre
Changing contemporary art exhibitions in a leading regional gallery. Known for ambitious programming and strong links to the town’s creative revival.
- Recommended
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Volunteer-run military museum in nearby Capel-le-Ferne with artefacts from wartime Kent. Compact but informative for local defence history.
- Must visit
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Clifftop park and promenade with gardens, family spaces, and wide sea views. One of the town’s best walking areas from coast to harbour.
- Must visit
Harbour Arm
Revived harbour promenade with public art, events, and dramatic views over the Channel. A signature place in modern Folkestone.
- Recommended
The Old High Street
Historic hillside lane in the Creative Quarter, lined with independent shops, art spaces, and old buildings. Ideal for a characterful stroll.
- Gluten-free
Dover Sole
Fresh Dover sole landed on the Kent coast, usually grilled or pan-fried. A classic local seafood choice tied to Folkestone’s fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Briny oysters from the nearby Kent coast, often served raw with lemon. They reflect the area’s long shellfish tradition and seaside identity.
Fish And Chips
Lightly battered local fish with chips, a staple of English seaside towns. In Folkestone it is prized for very fresh catch and harbour setting.
The Lobster Shack
Popular casual seafood spot on Folkestone Harbour Arm serving fresh fish, oysters and shellfish with a lively seaside atmosphere.
Marleys
Established harbour restaurant specialising in mussels, fish and Belgian-style dishes. Relaxed, dependable and well known among locals.
Rocksalt
Refined restaurant in The Harbour Arm area known for seasonal small plates and polished cooking in a stylish modern setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than London, but peak-season stays and seafront meals can raise daily costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Round up taxi fares. Cafe tipping is optional.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.50
To the city center
Middelburg Square -> Folkestone Central Station
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Stagecoach buses serve most local routes in Folkestone. Contactless card payment is generally accepted on board.
- Use the Stagecoach Bus app for tickets and live bus times. Check route details before travel, especially on Sundays.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Folkestone
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Folkestone 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 Folkestone, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Folkestone can start from as little as $26 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Folkestone is $57 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Manchester to Folkestone is 7h 20m to travel the 219 miles (354 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Manchester to Folkestone leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Folkestone leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 6 buses a day from Manchester to Folkestone which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Manchester to Folkestone, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Folkestone. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Manchester and Folkestone and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
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 Folkestone, Middelburg Square, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Folkestone from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 20m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Folkestone is March.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Folkestone including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Folkestone:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Folkestone for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Folkestone 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Manchester to Folkestone.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Folkestone:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Folkestone:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Folkestone.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Folkestone with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Folkestone with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Folkestone with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Manchester nor Folkestone are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Folkestone among Omio's users.
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 Folkestone, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas like the town center and near the port. Be aware of unofficial taxi services and only use licensed operators to avoid overcharging scams. Additionally, watch out for distractions used by scammers in crowded spots. Staying alert and securing personal belongings can help ensure a safe visit.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Manchester to Folkestone
Most Manchester to Folkestone buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Folkestone, Middelburg Square station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Folkestone 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 Folkestone
Which Manchester station do buses to Folkestone leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Folkestone 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.
Which Folkestone station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Folkestone arrive at Folkestone, Middelburg Square. Folkestone, Middelburg Square is 0 miles (1 km) from Folkestone city centre.
Folkestone, Middelburg SquareFolkestone, Middelburg Square, Folkestone CT20 1AU, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Folkestone, Middelburg Square from Folkestone city centre
Bus17, 91A, 71, 71A, 16, 91, 972, 975, 103, 73, 74 · 4m · $4 · every ~36 min
Folkestone, Middelburg Square bus station facilities and services
Folkestone, Middelburg Square has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Folkestone, Middelburg Square. ATMs are available at Folkestone, Middelburg Square.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Folkestone, Middelburg Square.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Folkestone, Middelburg Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Folkestone, Middelburg Square: Accessible via ramps and lowered curbs.
More options for your journey from Manchester to Folkestone
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Folkestone and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Folkestone
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