- 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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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Folkestone
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 04
- Cheapest price on Nov 04
- $36
- Average ticket price on Nov 04
- $47
- Fastest journey on Nov 04
- 8 h 25 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 04
- 10 h 8 m
- Buses on Nov 04
- 5
- Distance
- 354 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Folkestone is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Folkestone will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Folkestone without transferring at least once.
NX540 · NX0074:55 PM 8h25 Manchester, Coach Station 1:20 AM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $36 1 One-way 1 transfer- NX540 · NX007
11:30 AM 10h15 Manchester, Coach Station 9:45 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $36 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX541 · NX007
7:25 AM 9h40 Manchester, Coach Station 5:05 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $36 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX424 · NX007
11:55 PM 12h35 Manchester, Coach Station 12:30 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $45 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX421 · NX007
2:45 AM 9h45 Manchester, Coach Station 12:30 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $80 1 One-way 1 transfer
- NX540 · NX007
4:55 PM 8h25 Manchester, Coach Station 1:20 AM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $36 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX541 · NX007
7:25 AM 9h40 Manchester, Coach Station 5:05 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $36 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX421 · NX007
2:45 AM 9h45 Manchester, Coach Station 12:30 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $80 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX540 · NX007
11:30 AM 10h15 Manchester, Coach Station 9:45 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $36 1 One-way 1 transfer - NX424 · NX007
11:55 PM 12h35 Manchester, Coach Station 12:30 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square $45 1 One-way 1 transfer
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 33m. 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
Plan this route
Journey facts
- Distance219 miles (354 km)
- Average bus duration8h 33m
- Cheapest ticket price$26
- Buses per day6
- Fastest bus7h 20m
- First bus12:05 AM
- Last bus11:55 PM
- Cheapest MonthMar
- Cheapest DayWed
- High SeasonJul - Sep
- Low SeasonApr - Jun
- Busiest DaySun
- Least Busy DayTue
- Best time to book21 days
Understand & plan this route
Explore this journey
Book with confidence
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 Folkestone trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Folkestone.
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 $53 ; 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 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.
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 Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 12:30PM | Duration 12h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $45 |
Live departures
Manchester to Folkestone bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Folkestone 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX541 · NX007 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h40 | 5:05 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX007 | 11:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h15 | 9:45 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX007 | 4:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h25 | 1:20 AM Folkestone, Middelburg Square | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, November 4 | |||||
| NX421 · NX007 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h45 | 12:30 PM Folkestone, Middelburg Square | 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 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.
Bus companies
Bus companies from Manchester to Folkestone
Buses from Manchester to Folkestone with National Express. Overnight buses available on this route with National Express. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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.
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Manchester and Folkestone
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 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.
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 {providersWithBike}.
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.
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.
Plan your visit to Folkestone
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 Folkestone.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 · $3 · 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.
Bus stations for Manchester to Folkestone
Check bus stations information for Manchester and Folkestone, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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 1 away from the city centre.
Most popular bus connections from Manchester
Most popular buses to and from Folkestone and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Folkestone
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