Manchester to Luton bus with National Express

Wed, Nov 05
+ Add return
National Express
FlixBus
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Luton

Showing times and prices for Nov 05

Cheapest price

$27

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

3 h

Average duration

3 h 30 m

Buses per day

18

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Luton will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.

Fast buses

Of the 18 buses that leave Manchester for Luton on Wed, Nov 05, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Nov 05 the direct buses cover the 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 30 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h .

On Wed, Nov 05 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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
02:00PM3h40
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
05:40PMLuton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
$271One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
02:20PM3h20
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
05:40PMLuton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
$271One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
06:50PM3h00
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
09:50PMLuton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
$341One-way
0 transfers
FlixBusFlixBus
06:30PM3h20
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
09:50PMLuton, Dunstable Road (Challney)
$341One-way
0 transfers
National ExpressNX540 · NX230
06:15AM5h05
Manchester, Coach Station
11:20AMLuton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
$511One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Luton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a flight costs an average of €72.

Distance: 134 miles (216 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Train
Flight

€22

Average price

Cheapest

€85

Average price

€190

Average price

5h 37m

Average total duration

5h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 38m

Average total duration

3h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

National Express

Most popular bus company

East Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Manchester to Luton Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:45AM
Arrival Time
08:05AM
Duration
5h20
Departure days
Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$61
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:15AM
Arrival Time
09:35AM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:40AM
Arrival Time
10:00AM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:15AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
5h05
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
06:35AM
Arrival Time
11:20AM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15AM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
5h00
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:30AM
Arrival Time
12:15PM
Duration
4h45
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:20AM
Arrival Time
12:40PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
08:30AM
Arrival Time
12:40PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$57
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:30AM
Arrival Time
01:45PM
Duration
4h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:00AM
Arrival Time
03:10PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:45AM
Arrival Time
04:10PM
Duration
4h25
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
12:45PM
Arrival Time
05:05PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$51
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
01:30PM
Arrival Time
06:45PM
Duration
5h15
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
07:40PM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$63
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:00PM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
3h40
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
02:20PM
Arrival Time
05:40PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
03:45PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
5h10
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
04:45PM
Arrival Time
08:55PM
Duration
4h10
Departure days
Sat
Cheapest price
$53
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
05:45PM
Arrival Time
10:05PM
Duration
4h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$55
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:30PM
Arrival Time
09:50PM
Duration
3h20
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
FlixBus
Departure Time
06:50PM
Arrival Time
09:50PM
Duration
3h00
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$18
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
07:15PM
Arrival Time
01:45AM
Duration
6h30
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$52
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
09:45PM
Arrival Time
04:20AM
Duration
6h35
Departure days
Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$50
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:40PM
Arrival Time
05:35AM
Duration
5h55
Departure days
Tue, Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$69
Operator
National Express
Departure Time
11:55PM
Arrival Time
05:35AM
Duration
5h40
Departure days
Thu, Sat
Cheapest price
$62

Live departures

Manchester to Luton bus times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Luton buses for today, Tuesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 8:35 PM

ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
national_expressNX42211:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h55
5:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, November 5
national_expressNX540 · NX230
Delayed
8:20 AM 5:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
4h20
9:35 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX230
Delayed
8:20 AM 6:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
5h05
11:20 AM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX230
Delayed
8:20 AM 7:15 AMManchester, Coach Station
5h00
12:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX707
On time
8:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h20
12:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX240
On time
8:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h20
12:40 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
9:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h15
1:45 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX707
On time
11:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station
4h10
3:10 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX230
On time
12:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h30
5:15 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
1:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h15
6:45 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus2:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h40
5:40 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX590 · NX7072:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h55
7:55 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus2:20 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
3h20
5:40 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX540 · NX737
On time
3:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
5h10
8:55 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
national_expressNX540 · NX707
On time
5:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station
4h20
10:05 PM Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station
1 transfer
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus6:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
3h20
9:50 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 transfersDirect
meinfernbus_flixbusFlixBus6:50 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
3h00
9:50 PM Luton, Dunstable Road (Challney)0 transfersDirect
national_expressNX540 · NX230
On time
7:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station
6h30
1:45 AM Luton, London Luton Airport 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 Luton 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.

Wed
Nov 05
Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
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Fri
Nov 14
Sat
Nov 15
Sun
Nov 16
Mon
Nov 17
Tue
Nov 18

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Manchester to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of bus
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
134 miles (216 km)
Average bus duration
5h 7m
Cheapest ticket price
$13 (€10)
Buses per day
18
Direct buses
3
Fastest bus
3h 0m
First bus
00:05
Last bus
23:55

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Manchester to Luton start from as low as $13 (€10) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $27 (€22) depending on the train type and class.
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 from Manchester to LutonYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Luton with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $13 (€10). 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 0m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
FlixBus frequency
4 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
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€46)
National Express frequency
17 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.

FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Luton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Luton can start from as little as $26 (€21) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Luton is $47 (€39); 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 Luton is 4 h 10 min   to travel the 134 mile (216 km) long route, with around there are 13 buses per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first bus from Manchester to Luton leaves at 1: 30PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last bus from Manchester to Luton leaves at 11: 40PM.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Luton without having to change trains with National Express. There is 1 direct bus from Manchester to Luton each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
When taking a bus from Manchester to Luton, you can count on National Express or FlixBus for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible bus providers who offer a service between Manchester and Luton 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 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Luton, London Luton Airport Bus Station, located 2.7 miles (4.4 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Luton from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4 h 10 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Manchester to Luton by bus is September.
You have options as you can travel between Manchester and Luton 3 different ways: train, bus or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Luton:
  • 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 Luton for bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Luton are:
  • Stockwood Discovery Centre, a museum featuring local history exhibits, gardens, and a collection of horse-drawn carriages
  • Wardown House Museum and Gallery, a Victorian mansion offering art exhibitions and insights into Luton's history
  • Luton Hoo Estate, a historic country house with expansive gardens and a golf course
  • Whipsnade Zoo, a large zoo home to a variety of animals and conservation programs
  • The Hat Factory Arts Centre, a cultural venue hosting performances, workshops, and art exhibitions.
The best things to do in Luton include:
  • The Mall Luton, a large shopping center with a variety of retail stores and dining options
  • Woodside Animal Farm, a family-friendly attraction featuring a range of animals, play areas, and seasonal events
  • Luton Indoor Market, a bustling market offering a variety of goods from fresh produce to unique crafts
  • Stockwood Park, a large public park perfect for picnics, walks, and outdoor sports
  • The Galaxy, an entertainment complex featuring a cinema, bowling alley, and restaurants.
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 Luton 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 Luton, 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 Luton.
    Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Luton:
    • 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 Luton:
    • 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 Luton. 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 Luton with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus
    Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Luton with the following bus companies: National Express and FlixBus.
    Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Luton with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.

    popular bus stations

    Popular bus stations from Manchester to Luton

    Manchester
    Luton
    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 Luton.
    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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