- Must visit
Summerlee Museum of Scottish Industrial Life
Open-air industrial museum beside a former ironworks, featuring furnaces, workers' rows, and major insight into Scotland's heavy industry.
Cheapest price on Sep 23
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$44
Fastest journey on Sep 23
4 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
5 h 27 m
Buses on Sep 23
6
Distance
280 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Motherwell is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Motherwell will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Wed, Sep 23, we found 6 buses from Manchester to Motherwell, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 23 the direct buses cover the 280 km distance in an average of 5 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 40 m .
On Wed, Sep 23 the slowest buses will take 6 h 43 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX181
NX590
NX181
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Motherwell 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 train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 37m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $47, while a flight costs an average of $413.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$47 Average price Cheapest | $67 Average price | $413 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 28m Average total duration 4h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 37m Average total duration Fastest 3h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration 2h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Motherwell:
A bus is $20 (€17) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Motherwell costing on average $67 (€55).
A bus is $366 (€300) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Motherwell costing on average $413 (€338).
Other travel options to Motherwell take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 7m.
Bus takes on average 4h 58m.
Tickets start at around $47 (€39) compared to roughly $75 (€61) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28 (€23). The journey takes 4h 58m versus 3h 30m 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.
Direct services are operated by National Express.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 06:50AM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:09AM | Duration 5h59 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $68 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $0.00 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Motherwell buses for today, Tuesday, September 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:10 PM Manchester | 6h55 | 11:05 PM Motherwell | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, September 23 | |||||
NX181 | 1:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 4h45 | 6:20 AM Hamilton, Bus Station (Interchange) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h41 | 7:51 AM Harthill, Services (Marks & Spencer Harthill Nth BP) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h28 | 7:38 AM Newhouse, Edinburgh Road (Premier Inn Glasgow) | 1 transfer | |
NX590 | 3:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 4h40 | 7:50 PM Hamilton, Bus Station (Interchange) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from Manchester to Motherwell run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 58m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 (€16) if you book in advance.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:35. The fastest bus covers the 173 miles (280 km) distance in 4h 23m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 (€16) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 23m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Motherwell — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Motherwell trip today.
Open-air industrial museum beside a former ironworks, featuring furnaces, workers' rows, and major insight into Scotland's heavy industry.
Modern transport museum with striking architecture and displays covering vehicles, engineering, and Glasgow's civic development.
Award-winning museum telling Scotland's social and industrial story with engaging displays, historic buildings, and family-friendly exhibits.
Large country park with loch views, watersports, woodland trails, and easy access to major heritage sites near Motherwell.
Historic town park with flower displays, broad lawns, and leisure facilities, popular for walks and local events.
Protected wetlands and woodland reserve known for birdwatching, riverside paths, and peaceful nature close to the town centre.
Scotland’s iconic minced sheep offal with oats and spices, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. A Burns Night staple eaten across Lanarkshire.
Mashed swede and potatoes, often served with haggis. This comforting side is a classic part of traditional Scottish home cooking.
A morning roll filled with sliced square sausage. This Lanarkshire and Glasgow breakfast favourite is a familiar local takeaway order.
Popular modern Indian restaurant known for curries, tandoori dishes, and friendly service in a smart but relaxed setting.
Established steakhouse and grill in nearby Hamilton, popular for Scottish beef, hearty mains, and polished casual dining.
Well-liked Turkish and Mediterranean venue serving grilled meats, meze, and seafood in a stylish contemporary atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Glasgow or Edinburgh, while local rail and bus costs stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Service is sometimes included at restaurants; if not, tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafes is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Motherwell 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 Motherwell, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Motherwell buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Motherwell bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange.
Available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange: Elevators, ramps.
Manchester, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café at the Station (in the station), Fast Food Express (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located within the station for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Coach Station.
Available at Manchester, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Coach Station: Ramps, assistance.
Manchester, Airport is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Burger King (in the station), Giraffe (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located throughout the airport, offering multiple currency options.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Airport.
Available at Manchester, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Airport: Elevators, ramps, assistance.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need