Manchester to Leicester bus with National Express

Sat, Nov 29
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Leicester

Showing times and prices for Nov 30

Cheapest price

$23

Average price

$37

Fastest journey

3 h 35 m

Average duration

4 h 14 m

Buses per day

15

Distance

119 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Leicester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Leicester will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $23.

Fast buses

Of the 15 buses that leave Manchester for Leicester on Sun, Nov 30, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Nov 30 the direct buses cover the 119 km distance in an average of 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 35 m .

On Sun, Nov 30 the slowest buses will take 4 h 40 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.

FlixBusFlixBus
10:30AM3h35
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
02:05PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$231One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX120 · NX777
09:45PM4h45
Manchester, Coach Station
02:30AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$271One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX120 · NX150
08:40AM4h15
Manchester, Coach Station
12:55PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$321One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX120 · NX180
07:45PM4h05
Manchester, Coach Station
11:50PMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$321One-way
1 transfer
National ExpressNX424 · NX777
11:55PM5h10
Manchester, Coach Station
05:05AMLeicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
$341One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Manchester to Leicester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Leicester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €19.

Distance: 73 miles (119 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train

€18

Average price

Cheapest

€47

Average price

3h 55m

Average total duration

3h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 33m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest
National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Manchester to Leicester Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
07:40AM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:10AM
Arrival Time
08:55AM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:25AM
Arrival Time
10:35AM
Duration
6h10
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$33
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
07:50AM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:40AM
Arrival Time
12:55PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$32
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
10:30AM
Arrival Time
02:05PM
Duration
3h35
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$12
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:20AM
Arrival Time
04:25PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$31
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:30AM
Arrival Time
04:15PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
11:50AM
Arrival Time
04:30PM
Duration
4h40
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$24
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
12:20PM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Fri
Cheapest price
$30
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:20PM
Arrival Time
07:30PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$22
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:30PM
Arrival Time
07:25PM
Duration
4h55
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$29
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:25PM
Arrival Time
08:00PM
Duration
4h35
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:45PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Tue, Thu
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:45PM
Arrival Time
11:50PM
Duration
4h05
Departure days
Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$28
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45PM
Arrival Time
02:30AM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$26
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55PM
Arrival Time
05:05AM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$34
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:59PM
Arrival Time
05:20AM
Duration
5h21
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Cheapest price
$34

Live departures

Manchester to Leicester bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Leicester buses for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:15 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX181 · NX183
Delayed
1:35 AM 4:10 AMManchester, Coach Station
4h45
8:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX170 · NX240
Delayed
12:35 PM 4:25 AMManchester, Coach Station
6h10
10:35 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX120 · NX150
Delayed
6:45 PM 8:40 AMManchester, Coach Station
4h15
12:55 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus10:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h35
2:05 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX121 · NX15111:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
4:15 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
4h40
4:30 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus2:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
5h10
7:30 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
national_expressNX121 · NX1502:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
7:25 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNX170 · NX183
On time
3:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h35
8:00 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX120 · NX180
On time
7:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h05
11:50 PM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX120 · NX777
On time
9:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
2:30 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX424 · NX777
On time
11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h10
5:05 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX172 · NX180
On time
11:59 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h21
5:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station
1 transfer
Sunday, November 30
national_expressNX421 · NX7772:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h55
7:40 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNX181 · NX1834:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h45
8:55 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
national_expressNX170 · NX2404:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station
6h10
10:35 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's Bus Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus · FlixBus7:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
5h05
12:55 PM Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda)1 transfer
national_expressNX172 · NX180
On time
11:59 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h21
5:20 AM Leicester, St.Margaret's 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 Leicester by train or bus

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Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Leicester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus

Buses from Manchester to Leicester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) if you book in advance.

There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 73 miles (119 km) distance in 3h 35m.

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
73 miles (119 km)
Average bus duration
3h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
$10 (€8)
Buses per day
11
Direct buses
1
Fastest bus
3h 35m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55
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, FlixBus, Megabus from Manchester to LeicesterYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Leicester with National Express, FlixBus, Megabus for as low as $10 (€8). 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
3h 35m
Cheapest Price
$10 (€8)
FlixBus frequency
3 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.

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 Duration
4h 5m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
National Express frequency
11 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.

Megabus

About
Megabus is a low-cost intercity bus service operating across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Known for its affordable fares, including promotional $1 tickets, Megabus offers routes connecting over 500 cities and university campuses in North America. The company provides amenities such as air conditioning, power outlets, free Wi-Fi, and onboard restrooms, with many routes utilizing double-decker buses for scenic views. Megabus aims to provide safe, convenient, and affordable express bus travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 45m
Cheapest Price
$19 (€15)
Megabus frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
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).
Additional luggage
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.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Refund
If Megabus fails to provide on-time reliable service for reasons wholly within their control, refunds or alternative travel arrangements may be offered.
Pregnant on board
Being pregnant on board is allowed, but no specific details or restrictions are provided.
Unaccompagned minor
Unaccompanied minors under the age of 17 are not permitted to travel on Megabus.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cold food and drinks, as well as hot drinks with a lid, are allowed on board, but hot food is not.
Seat reservation
Reserved seats can be purchased for an additional fee, starting from £2.
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.

FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Leicester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Leicester 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 Leicester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Leicester can start from as little as $10 (€8) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Leicester is $23 (€19); 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 Leicester is 2 h 40 min   to travel the 74 mile (119 km) long route, with around there are 10 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Manchester to Leicester leaves at 8: 30AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Manchester to Leicester leaves at 11: 40PM.
Yes, there is 1 direct bus a day from Manchester to Leicester with FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
For the journey from Manchester to Leicester you can take a bus with National Express, FlixBus or Megabus. Be sure to check out all possible bus companies that offer services from Manchester to Leicester on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange, which is located around 0.5 miles (833 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Leicester, St. Margaret's Bus Station, located 0.2 miles (368 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Leicester from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 40 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Manchester to Leicester by bus is December.
You have options as you can travel between Manchester and Leicester 2 different ways: train or bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Leicester:
  • National Express
    • Assistance
    • Priority seating
    • Accessible toilets.
  • FlixBus
    • Assistance
    • Priority boarding
    • Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Leicester for bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Leicester depends on the bus providers:
  • 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.
  • 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.

To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Manchester to Leicester, follow these tips:

  • Book in advance: Tickets are often cheaper when booked early.
  • Be flexible with dates and times: Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money.
  • Use our search filters: Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options.
  • Look for special deals or discounts: Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
  • Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!

    Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Manchester to Leicester.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Leicester:
    • National Express
      • Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
    • 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 Leicester:
    • National Express
      • 10€ per additional bag.
    • FlixBus
      • Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
    Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Manchester to Leicester. 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 Leicester with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Leicester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Leicester with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Manchester to Leicester

    Manchester
    Leicester
    The major bus station for departures in Manchester is Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange for your trip from Manchester to Leicester.
    Manchester, Shudehill InterchangeWifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 05:00-23:30
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Shudehill
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the interchange.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
    • Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
    Manchester, Coach StationWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 06:00-22:00
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Chorlton Street
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Café at the Station (in the station)
    • Fast Food Express (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the main entrance.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Ramps, assistance
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Manchester, Coach Station
    • Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
    Manchester, AirportWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
    Amenities at bus station
    WifiWifi
    ParkingParking
    DiningDining
    ATMATM
    TaxisTaxis
    AccessibilityAccessibility
    WCWC
    ShowerShower
    Ticket OfficeTicket Office
    information
    ticketOfficeHours
    Ticket Office Hours
    • 00:00-23:59
    ticketOfficeHours
    Distance to city center
    2 km
    carConnection
    Car connection
    Terminal Road North
    Wifi
    Wifi
    • Free Wi-Fi
    Dining
    Dining
    • Burger King (in the station)
    • Giraffe (in the station).
    Taxis
    Taxis
    • Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
    Accessibility
    Accessibility
    • Elevators, ramps, assistance
    WC
    WC
    • Available in the station.
    Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
    • Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
    Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
    information

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