- Must visit
Inverness Museum and Art Gallery
The city's main museum, covering Highland history, archaeology, art, and local culture in a central Victorian building.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Inverness
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 29
Cheapest price on Aug 29
$64
Average ticket price on Aug 29
$64
Fastest journey on Aug 29
13 h
Average journey duration on Aug 29
13 h
Buses on Aug 29
1
Distance
462 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Inverness is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Inverness will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Inverness without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus2:10 AM13h00Manchester, Shudehill Interchange3:10 PMInverness, Bus Station$641One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus2:10 AM13h00Manchester, Shudehill Interchange3:10 PMInverness, Bus Station$641One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Inverness
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Inverness among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $56 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 27m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, while a flight costs an average of $389.
Distance: 287 miles (462 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$56 Average price Cheapest | $174 Average price | $389 Average price | $137 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 35m Average total duration 8h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 51m Average total duration 7h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.4 - 2.8kg 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 Inverness is a bus with an average price of $56.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Inverness:
A bus is $118 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Inverness costing on average $174.
A bus is $334 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Inverness costing on average $389.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Inverness is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 27m.
Other travel options to Inverness take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 21m.
Bus takes on average 8h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Inverness including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Inverness among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Manchester to Inverness Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $21 |
Live departures
Manchester to Inverness bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Inverness buses for tomorrow, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 13h00 | 3:10 PM Inverness, Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Inverness 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 Inverness buses with Omio?
Megabus as well as FlixBus offer buses services from Manchester to Inverness.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Inverness.
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of FlixBus to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Inverness.
- 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 Megabus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Inverness.
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 Inverness.
- 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 Inverness.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Inverness
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Inverness run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 5m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:10, the last at 21:15. The fastest bus covers the 287 miles (462 km) distance in 8h 5m.
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 287 miles (462 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 5m |
First bus 1:10 AM |
Last bus 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
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
Bus providers: FlixBus from Manchester to InvernessYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Inverness with FlixBus for as low as $20. 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 Duration
8h 5m
Cheapest Price
$20
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.
Complete guide to Inverness
Things to do in Inverness
Discover the best of Inverness — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Inverness trip today.
- Must visit
Culloden Visitor Centre
A modern visitor centre exploring the Battle of Culloden through artefacts, immersive displays, and Jacobite history.
- Recommended
The Highlanders' Museum
A compact military museum telling the story of the Queen's Own Highlanders and local regimental heritage.
- Must visit
Ness Islands
The River Ness islands and footbridges create one of Inverness's best urban walks, with calm water, trees, and views.
- Must visit
River Ness Walk
A central riverside route ideal for strolling past cathedral, castle views, bridges, and classic Inverness scenery.
- Recommended
High Street
The main pedestrian shopping street, lively with historic facades, local businesses, and easy access to central sights.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A hearty Highland soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Deeply linked to northeast Scotland and widely enjoyed in Inverness pubs and homes.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding made with sheep offal, oats and spices. A classic Burns supper dish and a staple on traditional Highland menus.
- Vegetarian
Vegetarian Haggis
A vegetarian version of haggis using oats, lentils, beans and spices. Popular across Scotland as a meat-free way to try a national classic.
Torrish Restaurant
Refined tasting menus in an elegant setting inside Ness Walk Hotel. Known for modern Scottish cooking with Highland produce and polished service.
The Castle Tavern
Historic pub by Inverness Castle known for cask ales, whisky and classic Scottish fare. A traditional stop for hearty local dishes.
The Kitchen Brasserie
Smart but relaxed bistro and bar near the river, serving modern Scottish dishes, seafood and steaks with a lively local atmosphere.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can rise in peak season, but dining and local buses are usually reasonable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafes: round up or leave small change. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Inverness Bus Station -> Inverness Railway Station
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 6 min
- Contactless card payment is accepted on Stagecoach buses in Inverness. Buy on board or use the official app for mobile tickets.
- Inverness city centre is compact, so many trips from the bus station to central sights are walkable in under 10 minutes.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Inverness
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Inverness 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 Inverness, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Inverness can start from as little as $20 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Inverness is $56 ; 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 Inverness is 8h 5m to travel the 287 miles (462 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 Inverness leaves at 1:10 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Inverness leaves at 9:15 PM.
There are 1 buses a day from Manchester to Inverness which require at least one change with Megabus, FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Manchester to Inverness, you can count on Megabus, FlixBus for the best way to get you to Inverness. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Manchester and Inverness and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Inverness, Bus Station, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Inverness from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 5m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Inverness is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Inverness including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Inverness:
- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Inverness for bus company Megabus, FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Inverness are:
- Inverness Castle, a historic fortress offering panoramic views of the city and River Ness
- Loch Ness, a famous freshwater loch known for its mythical monster and scenic beauty
- Culloden Battlefield, the site of the last battle on British soil with an informative visitor center
- Inverness Cathedral, a striking 19th-century cathedral with impressive architecture
- Clava Cairns, ancient burial cairns and standing stones dating back to the Bronze Age.
The best things to do in Inverness include:
- Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, discover the local history and art through diverse exhibits
- Eden Court Theatre, enjoy a variety of performances including theater, dance, and music in a modern venue
- Ness Islands, take a leisurely walk through the picturesque islands on the River Ness
- Caledonian Canal, enjoy a relaxing boat trip or a scenic walk along this historic waterway
- Merkinch Local Nature Reserve, explore the diverse wildlife and natural beauty of this tranquil reserve.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Inverness depends on the bus companies:
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled 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 FlixBus.
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 Inverness.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Inverness:
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- 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 Inverness:
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Manchester to Inverness. 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 Inverness with the following bus company: Megabus, FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Inverness with the following bus company: Megabus, FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Inverness with the following bus company: Megabus, FlixBus.
Since neither Manchester nor Inverness 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 Inverness 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 Inverness, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport hubs. Some visitors report occasional overcharging by taxi drivers, so it’s advisable to agree on fares beforehand or use licensed services. Always be aware of your surroundings at night and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas. Standard travel safety practices help ensure a secure 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 Inverness
Most Manchester to Inverness buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Inverness, Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Inverness 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 Inverness
Which Manchester station do buses to Inverness leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Inverness leave from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. The station is from Manchester city centre at Shudehill Interchange, Manchester M4 2AF, United Kingdom.
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.
Which Inverness station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Inverness arrive at Inverness, Bus Station. Inverness, Bus Station is from Inverness city centre.
Inverness, Bus StationInverness Bus Station, Margaret St, Inverness IV1 1LT, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Inverness, Bus Station from Inverness city centre
TRUE
Inverness, Bus Station bus station facilities and services
Inverness, Bus Station 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 Inverness, Bus Station. ATMs are available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Inverness, Bus Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Inverness, Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Inverness, Bus Station: Wheelchair access provided.
More options for your journey from Manchester to Inverness
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Inverness and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Inverness
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