- Must visit
Turner Contemporary
Major contemporary gallery on the seafront inspired by J. M. W. Turner. Essential for modern art, sea views, and Margate's creative revival.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Manchester to Margate
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€30
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€38
Fastest journey on Sep 19
8 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
8 h 47 m
Buses on Sep 19
8
Distance
339 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Margate is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Margate will cost around €38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €30.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Margate without transferring at least once.
NX540 · NX0223:50 PM8h40Manchester, Coach Station12:30 AMMargate, Cliftonville Darwin Court€301One-way1 transfer- NX540 · NX0223:50 PM8h35Manchester, Coach Station12:25 AMMargate, Marine Terrace€301One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX02212:15 PM8h55Manchester, Coach Station9:10 PMMargate, Cliftonville Darwin Court€351One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0225:10 AM9h05Manchester, Coach Station2:15 PMMargate, Marine Terrace€351One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX02212:15 PM8h50Manchester, Coach Station9:05 PMMargate, Marine Terrace€351One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0223:50 PM8h35Manchester, Coach Station12:25 AMMargate, Marine Terrace€301One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0223:50 PM8h40Manchester, Coach Station12:30 AMMargate, Cliftonville Darwin Court€301One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX02212:15 PM8h50Manchester, Coach Station9:05 PMMargate, Marine Terrace€351One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX0228:50 AM8h55Manchester, Coach Station5:45 PMMargate, Marine Terrace€401One-way1 transfer
- NX540 · NX02212:15 PM8h55Manchester, Coach Station9:10 PMMargate, Cliftonville Darwin Court€351One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Margate
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Margate among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €47 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €47, while a flight costs an average of €324.
Distance: 210 miles (339 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€47 Average price Cheapest | €121 Average price | €324 Average price | €93 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 0m Average total duration 8h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 51m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.0 - 2.0kg 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 Margate is a bus with an average price of €47.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Margate:
A bus is €74 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Margate costing on average €121.
A bus is €277 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Margate costing on average €324.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Margate is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 51m.
Other travel options to Margate take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 59m.
Bus takes on average 8h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Margate including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Margate among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €47 compared to roughly €93 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €46. The journey takes 8h 30m versus 5h 23m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
Manchester to Margate Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 9h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 02:15PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 9h45 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45AM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €77 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 11:30PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price €30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 10:10AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price €40 |
Live departures
Manchester to Margate bus times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Margate buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NX424 · NX022 | 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 10h15 | 10:10 AM Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
| NX540 · NX022 | 5:10 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h05 | 2:15 PM Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 8:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h55 | 5:45 PM Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 8:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h00 | 5:50 PM Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 12:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h55 | 9:10 PM Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 12:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h50 | 9:05 PM Margate, Marine Terrace | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 3:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h40 | 12:30 AM Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court | 1 transfer | |
| NX540 · NX022 | 3:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h35 | 12:25 AM Margate, Marine Terrace | 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 Margate 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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Sep 19
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Why should you book Manchester to Margate buses with Omio?
National Express operates all buses services from Manchester to Margate.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Margate.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- 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 National Express with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Margate.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- 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 Margate.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Manchester to Margate
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Manchester to Margate run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €23 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 05:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 210 miles (339 km) distance in 7h 55m.
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 210 miles (339 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price €23 |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 7h 55m |
First bus 5:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 from Manchester to MargateYou can travel by bus between Manchester to Margate with National Express for as low as €23. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
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 National Express Duration
7h 55m
Cheapest National Express Price
€23
National Express frequency
5 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.
Complete guide to Margate
Things to do in Margate
Discover the best of Margate — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Margate trip today.
- Must visit
Shell Grotto
Intriguing underground passage decorated with shell mosaics. Part museum, part mystery, and one of Margate's best-known heritage sites.
- Recommended
Margate Museum
Small local museum telling Margate's social and seaside history through photographs, objects, and changing volunteer-led displays.
- Must visit
Margate Main Sands
Margate's sandy main beach beside the old harbour. Ideal for classic seaside views, sunsets, and easy access to the old town.
- Must visit
Margate Old Town
Characterful historic quarter with narrow lanes, independent shops, and galleries. The best area for wandering and finding local charm.
- Recommended
Margate Harbour Arm
Revived harbour promenade with sea views, public art, and space to stroll. Especially lively during events and summer evenings.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Fresh Pacific and North Sea oysters are a classic Kent coast treat, prized in nearby Whitstable and commonly enjoyed in Margate for their briny local character.
Fish And Chips
Beer-battered local fish with chips is a staple seaside meal in Margate, tied to the town’s harbour culture and traditional British coastal dining.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Ashmore Farmhouse Cheese
This Kent cheese is a soft washed-rind cow’s milk cheese from the region, often served on local menus and valued for its rich, pungent flavour.
Angela's
A popular old-town restaurant known for modern British cooking, seasonal plates and a relaxed bistro atmosphere near the seafront.
Sargasso
A well-regarded seafood restaurant with refined sharing plates, natural wine and a stylish dining room close to Margate’s harbour.
Forts Cafe
A respected coffee roastery and cafe serving specialty coffee, brunch and pastries in a bright, contemporary space.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Rooms and dining cost less than London, but summer stays and tourist areas can raise hotel, cafe, and local transport prices.
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
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Marine Terrace -> Margate Old Town, Margate
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Margate accept contactless card and mobile payments; the £2.00 single fare cap is widely available on Stagecoach services.
- Margate is compact, so walking is often the quickest way between Marine Terrace, Old Town, and the seafront.
FAQs: Bus from Manchester to Margate
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Margate 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 Margate, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Manchester to Margate can start from as little as €23 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Manchester to Margate is €47 ; 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 Margate is 7h 55m to travel the 210 miles (339 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 Margate leaves at 5:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Manchester to Margate leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 4 buses a day from Manchester to Margate which require at least one change with National Express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Manchester to Margate, you can count on National Express for the best way to get you to Margate. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Manchester and Margate and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Manchester , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Manchester, Coach Station . When arriving in Margate , you can end your journey in bus stations like Margate, Marine Terrace, Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Manchester, Coach Station, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Margate, Marine Terrace, located 0 away from the city centre.
A trip to Margate from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 7h 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Manchester to Margate is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Margate including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Manchester to Margate:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Manchester to Margate for bus company National Express.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Manchester to Margate depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
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 Margate.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Margate:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Manchester to Margate:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Manchester to Margate.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Manchester to Margate with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Manchester to Margate with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Manchester to Margate with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Manchester nor Margate 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 Margate 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 Margate, travelers should be mindful of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the seafront and markets. Be cautious of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed providers to avoid overcharging. Additionally, watch out for scams involving street vendors selling counterfeit goods or overpriced souvenirs. Staying aware of surroundings and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe 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 Margate
Most Manchester to Margate buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Margate, Marine Terrace station pair, with some services arriving at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Margate 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 Margate
Which Manchester station do buses to Margate leave from?
Buses from Manchester to Margate leave from Manchester, Coach Station. The station is from Manchester city centre at Chorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom.
Manchester, Coach StationChorlton St, Manchester M1 3JF, United Kingdom
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester, Coach Station from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 33, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 1m · €2 · every ~231 min
Manchester, Coach Station bus station facilities and services
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Which Margate station do buses from Manchester arrive at?
Buses from Manchester to Margate most often arrive at Margate, Marine Terrace. Some services arrive at Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Margate arrival station.
Margate, Marine TerraceMargate, Station Approach, Margate CT9 5AD, UK
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Marine Terrace from Margate city centre
Bus35 · 7m
944, 8 · 10m · €3 · every ~4 min
Margate, Marine Terrace bus station facilities and services
Margate, Marine Terrace 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 Margate, Marine Terrace. ATMs are available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Margate, Marine Terrace.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Margate, Marine Terrace: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Margate, Marine Terrace: The station is accessible for wheelchair users.
Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court
City-centre transport
Getting to Margate, Cliftonville Darwin Court from Margate city centre
Bus69 · 9m · €3 · every ~2 min
More options for your journey from Manchester to Margate
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Margate and Manchester
Most popular bus connections to Margate
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