- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$3
Average price
$6
Fastest journey
25 m
Average duration
51 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
13 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Manchester Airport will cost around $6 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $3.
Of the 9 buses that leave Manchester for Manchester Airport on Sun, Jun 21, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 13 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 25 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 1 h 30 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 Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 18m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $3, and a bus costs an average of $3.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$7 Average price | $6 Average price Cheapest | $4 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 0m Average total duration 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48m Average total duration Fastest 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Manchester Airport:
A train is $2 (€1) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Manchester Airport costing on average $7 (€6).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 30m.
You'll arrive about -1h -2m sooner (30m by bus vs 28m by car) and save roughly $-2.85 (€-2.33) compared to fuel and tolls ($7 (€6) vs $4 (€4)). 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 National Express, FlixBus, Bee Network.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 07:09AM | Arrival Time 08:39AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:09AM | Arrival Time 09:39AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:38AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 1h22 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $4 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 08:59AM | Arrival Time 10:39AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $3 |
Operator Transport for Wales | Departure Time 09:48AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 2h22 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 09:59AM | Arrival Time 11:39AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 10:25AM | Duration 0h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 0h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 0h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 0h25 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 0h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator Transport for Wales | Departure Time 01:57PM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 2h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $7 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 0h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 0h25 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 0h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $9 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Manchester Airport buses for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:09 AM Manchester | 1h30 | 8:39 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:09 AM Manchester | 1h30 | 9:39 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:59 AM Manchester | 1h40 | 10:39 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:48 AM Manchester | 2h22 | 12:10 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:59 AM Manchester | 1h40 | 11:39 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:00 AM Manchester | 0h25 | 10:25 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:20 AM Manchester | 0h25 | 10:45 AM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:57 PM Manchester | 2h13 | 4:10 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:05 PM Manchester | 0h25 | 2:30 PM Manchester Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Manchester Airport run on average 10 times per day, taking around 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) but you can travel from only $3 (€3) by train.
There are 9 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 07:09, the last at 21:50. The fastest bus covers the 8 miles (13 km) distance in 20m.
Distance 8 miles (13 km) |
Average bus duration 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€3) |
Buses per day 10 |
Direct buses 9 |
Fastest bus 20m |
First bus 7:09 AM |
Last bus 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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