- Must visit
The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Major naval heritage attraction with historic warships, exhibitions, and dockyard buildings explaining Britain's maritime story.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Gillingham
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$48
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$48
Fastest journey on Sep 20
7 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
7 h 35 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
300 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Gillingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Gillingham will cost around $48 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 buses from Manchester to Gillingham, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 300 km distance in an average of 7 h 35 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 35 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 7 h 35 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.
6:35 AM7h35Manchester2:10 PMGillingham$481One-way0 transfers
- 6:35 AM7h35Manchester2:10 PMGillingham$481One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Gillingham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Gillingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $52 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, while a flight costs an average of $490.
Distance: 186 miles (300 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$52 Average price Cheapest | $143 Average price | $490 Average price | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 43m Average total duration 7h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 1m Average total duration 2h 1m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
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 |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Gillingham is a bus with an average price of $52.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Gillingham:
A bus is $90 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Gillingham costing on average $143.
A bus is $438 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Gillingham costing on average $490.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Gillingham is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 1m.
Other travel options to Gillingham take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 12m.
Bus takes on average 7h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Gillingham including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Gillingham 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 $52 compared to roughly $83 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $31. The journey takes 7h 13m versus 4h 41m 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 Gillingham Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:35AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 03:40PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 11h10 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Live departures
Manchester to Gillingham bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Gillingham 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:45 PM Manchester | 7h45 | 12:30 AM Gillingham | 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 Gillingham 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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Sep 20
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Why should you book Manchester to Gillingham buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Gillingham.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Gillingham.
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 Gillingham.
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 Gillingham.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Gillingham
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 02:45, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 186 miles (300 km) distance in 6h 10m.
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 186 miles (300 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 2:45 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 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 GillinghamYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Gillingham with National Express for as low as $23. 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
6h 10m
Cheapest National Express Price
$23
National Express frequency
5 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 Gillingham
Things to do in Gillingham
Discover the best of Gillingham — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gillingham trip today.
- Recommended
Eastgate House
Literary museum in Dickens's former home, displaying personal objects and exploring the author's Rochester connections.
- Recommended
Restoration House
Historic house and museum dedicated to local engineer and entrepreneur Huguenot heritage, with period rooms and displays.
- Must visit
Rochester High Street
Historic high street lined with independent shops and period buildings, leading to the cathedral and castle.
- Recommended
Great Lines Heritage Park
Large urban park with formal gardens, sports spaces, play areas, and broad paths popular with local walkers.
- Recommended
Riverside Country Park
Popular riverside country park with birdlife, open views across the estuary, and easy paths for relaxed walks.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kentish Huffkin
Kentish Huffkin is a light, oval bread roll from Kent, traditionally eaten split and filled or served with local cheese and fruit preserves.
- Vegetarian
Canterbury Tart
Canterbury Tart is a Kent dessert tart, usually filled with apple or jam and topped with almond frangipane, linked to regional home baking traditions.
- Vegetarian
Gypsy Tart
Gypsy Tart is a famous Kent school pudding made with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar in a pastry shell, loved across the county.
Selale Restaurant
Popular Turkish grill restaurant known for generous kebabs, meze and charcoal-cooked dishes in a lively, modern setting.
Namo Indian Nepalese Restaurant
Well-known Nepalese and Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and friendly service in a relaxed local atmosphere.
Mast & Rigging
Established steakhouse and grill offering burgers, ribs and steaks in a casual setting suited to groups and family meals.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for southeast England: rooms and rail can add up, but pubs, chain cafes, and local buses keep daily costs manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple takeaway.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city center
Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre -> Chatham Railway Station
- Distance
- 4 km
- Travel time
- 17 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Arriva buses in the Medway area; you can also use mobile payment where supported.
- Check fares and live bus times in the Arriva UK Bus app before travel, as ticket options can vary by route and operator.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Gillingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Gillingham can start from as little as $23 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Gillingham is $52 ; 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 Gillingham is 6h 10m to travel the 186 miles (300 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 Gillingham leaves at 2:45 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Gillingham leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 5 buses a day from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Gillingham. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Manchester and Gillingham 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 Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, located 5 away from the city centre.
A trip to Gillingham from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 6h 10m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Gillingham is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Gillingham including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Gillingham:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Gillingham for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Gillingham:
- 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 Gillingham:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Gillingham.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Gillingham with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Gillingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Gillingham with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Manchester nor Gillingham 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 Gillingham 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 Gillingham, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in busy areas such as the town center and near transport hubs. Watch for unofficial taxi drivers who may overcharge or take longer routes. It's also advisable to stay aware of local road safety, as some streets can be narrow and busy. Overall, keeping personal belongings secure and using licensed transportation helps 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 Gillingham
Most Manchester to Gillingham buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Gillingham 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 Gillingham
Which Manchester station do buses to Gillingham leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham 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 Gillingham station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Gillingham arrive at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 3 miles (6 km) from Gillingham city centre.
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre47, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, Hempstead, Gillingham ME7 3PD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre from Gillingham city centre
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre is 5 km from Gillingham city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus3A, 3C, 683 · 2m
182, 101 · 3m · $2 · every ~26 min
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre bus station facilities and services
Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping 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: Multiple restaurants in the shopping centre.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre. ATMs are several ATMs inside the shopping centre.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Gillingham, Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre: The area is wheelchair accessible.
More options for your journey from Manchester to Gillingham
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Gillingham and Manchester
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