- Recommended
The Silk Museum
The town's leading heritage museum, set in a former silk mill, covering Macclesfield's silk industry, local history, and changing exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Macclesfield
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Aug 30
Cheapest price on Aug 30
$10
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$12
Fastest journey on Aug 30
1 h 13 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
1 h 39 m
Buses on Aug 30
2
Distance
26 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Macclesfield is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Macclesfield will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Macclesfield without transferring at least once.
C32682 · NT1739008:09 AM2h04Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:13 AMMacclesfield station (MAC)$101One-way1 transfer- L89656 · NT17550012:00 PM1h13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1:13 PMMacclesfield station (MAC)$141One-way1 transfer
- L89656 · NT17550012:00 PM1h13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1:13 PMMacclesfield station (MAC)$141One-way1 transfer
- C32682 · NT1739008:09 AM2h04Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:13 AMMacclesfield station (MAC)$101One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Macclesfield
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Macclesfield among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, while a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$7 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 28m Average total duration 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Macclesfield is a bus with an average price of $7 (€6).
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Macclesfield:
A bus is $0.43 (€0.35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Macclesfield costing on average $8 (€6).
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Macclesfield is by train with an average journey time of 25m.
Other travel options to Macclesfield take longer:
Bus takes on average 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Macclesfield including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:02AM | Arrival Time 10:17AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:09AM | Arrival Time 10:13AM | Duration 2h04 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 09:02AM | Arrival Time 11:17AM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $5 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 12:00PM | Arrival Time 01:13PM | Duration 1h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 05:02PM | Arrival Time 07:17PM | Duration 2h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $10 |
Live departures
Manchester to Macclesfield bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Macclesfield buses for tomorrow, Sunday, August 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C32682 · NT173900 | 8:09 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h04 | 10:13 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 1 transfer | |
| L89656 · NT175500 | 12:00 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h13 | 1:13 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 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 Macclesfield by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Macclesfield
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Macclesfield run on average 4 times per day, taking around 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $4 (€4) but you can travel from only $4 (€4) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:57. The fastest bus covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 2h 4m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $4 (€4)
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average bus duration 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€4) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 4m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $4 (€4)
Complete guide to Macclesfield
Things to do in Macclesfield
Discover the best of Macclesfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Macclesfield trip today.
- Recommended
Paradise Mill
Working industrial heritage site with restored looms and machinery, showing how silk was made in Macclesfield's most famous trade.
- Recommended
Avro Heritage Museum
Nearby heritage attraction with extensive aircraft and aviation history displays, often included by visitors exploring the wider Macclesfield area.
- Recommended
Chestergate
Lively central street known for independent shops, historic buildings, and easy access to the town's main heritage and cultural attractions.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market area at the heart of town life, ideal for seeing civic architecture, local trade traditions, and the surrounding old streets.
- Recommended
West Park
Large Victorian park with formal planting, open lawns, and a pleasant setting for walks near the town centre and heritage sites.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Cheese
A famous Cheshire cheese from nearby farms, prized for its crumbly texture and sharp, salty flavour long linked to the county’s dairy heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Brie
A traditional soft cow’s milk cheese from the Cheshire plain, known for its creamy texture and mild flavour; often served on local cheese boards.
- Vegetarian
Cheshire Bitter
A regional ale style historically brewed across Cheshire pubs, valued for balanced malt, gentle bitterness, and local pub culture.
The Wizard Restaurant
Refined modern British restaurant in nearby Prestbury, known for tasting menus, polished service, and a destination fine dining atmosphere.
The Vale Inn
Popular traditional pub in Bollington with Cheshire ales, steak, pies, and gastropub favourites in a cosy, established atmosphere.
Turquoise Sand
Well-known independent restaurant in Macclesfield serving Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with a lively, modern dining room.
British Pound (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than Manchester or London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxi tips are optional, often rounding up. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city center
Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre -> Macclesfield Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 4 min
- Most local buses accept contactless card payment; check with the driver if you need a paper ticket.
- For Jodrell Bank trips, check the latest 14 bus timetable before travel because services can be limited in evenings and on Sundays.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Macclesfield
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Macclesfield can start from as little as $4 (€4) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Macclesfield is $7 (€6) ; 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 Macclesfield is 2h 4m to travel the 16 miles (26 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 Macclesfield leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Macclesfield leaves at 11:57 PM.
A trip to Macclesfield from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 4m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Macclesfield is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Macclesfield including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
No, luggage for the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Manchester to Macclesfield.
Since neither Manchester nor Macclesfield 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield, travelers should be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, especially in crowded areas and public transport hubs. It is advisable to stay alert in busy places and avoid displaying valuables openly. There are occasional reports of taxi scams, so using licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing services is recommended. Travelers should also be aware of local traffic conditions and follow safety guidelines when exploring outdoor areas.
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.
More options for your journey from Manchester to Macclesfield
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Macclesfield and Manchester
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