- Must visit
National Waterways Museum Gloucester
National museum of inland waterway life with historic boats, canal stories, and interactive displays in a dockside warehouse.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$26
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$31
Fastest journey on Sep 18
5 h
Average journey duration on Sep 18
6 h 22 m
Buses on Sep 18
6
Distance
180 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Gloucester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Gloucester will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 6 buses from Manchester to Gloucester, including 6 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct buses cover the 180 km distance in an average of 6 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 5 h .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest buses will take 6 h 55 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Gloucester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $97.
Distance: 111 miles (180 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Gloucester:
A bus is $67 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Gloucester costing on average $97.
Other travel options to Gloucester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 48m.
Tickets start at around $31 compared to roughly $49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $18. The journey takes 4h 48m versus 2h 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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:50AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 7h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:45PM | Arrival Time 02:45AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Gloucester buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:05 PM Manchester | 6h30 | 6:35 PM Gloucester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 PM Manchester | 5h00 | 2:45 AM Gloucester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, September 18 | |||||
![]() | 1:50 AM Manchester | 7h35 | 9:25 AM Gloucester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Buses from Manchester to Gloucester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 111 miles (180 km) distance in 3h 30m.
Distance 111 miles (180 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Gloucester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Gloucester trip today.
National museum of inland waterway life with historic boats, canal stories, and interactive displays in a dockside warehouse.
Main city museum covering Gloucester’s Roman origins, local history, and art collections. A strong starting point for understanding the city.
Dockside venue exploring soldiers’ stories through exhibitions in a dramatic historic setting. Known for changing military-themed displays.
Atmospheric dockside district with restored warehouses, outlet shopping, waterside paths, and strong industrial character.
Large central park with lakes, play areas, open lawns, and seasonal events. Popular for relaxing walks near the city centre.
Historic shopping street linking key central sights, lined with notable buildings and useful for exploring Gloucester on foot.
Double Gloucester cheese is a rich, firm cow's milk cheese from Gloucestershire, long tied to local dairies and famously used in the county's cheese-rolling tradition.
Single Gloucester is a milder, more crumbly traditional cheese from the county, protected for local production and valued as a classic regional table cheese.
Gloucester Old Spot pork highlights meat from the county's famous heritage pig breed, prized for succulent, well-marbled pork in roasts and sausages.
Stylish dockside restaurant at Gloucester Docks known for steaks, British classics, and polished service in a smart but relaxed setting.
Historic city centre pub serving cask ales and hearty British food in a traditional timber-framed setting popular with locals and visitors.
Well-regarded waterside restaurant at Gloucester Docks with modern British dishes, cocktails, and a lively contemporary atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are mid-priced, buses are reasonable, and attractions are generally cheaper than in London or Bath.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafe tips are small and not expected.
Official public transport app
Gloucester Transport Hub -> The Cross, Gloucester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Gloucester 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 Gloucester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Gloucester buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Gloucester, Transport Hub station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Gloucester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
Gloucester, Transport Hub has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi available in main waiting area. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Gloucester, Transport Hub.
Available at Gloucester, Transport Hub: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Gloucester, Transport Hub: Wheelchair accessible ramps available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need