- 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
$39
Average price
$39
Fastest journey
6 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
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 $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 1 buses that leave Manchester for Motherwell on Sun, Aug 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 09 the direct buses cover the 280 km distance in an average of 6 h 55 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 55 m .
On Sun, Aug 09 the slowest buses will take 6 h 55 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 Motherwell among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $138.
Distance: 173 miles (280 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price | $191 Average price | $75 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 11m Average total duration 4h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration Fastest 2h 30m Onboard + 3h 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 $29 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Motherwell costing on average $69.
A bus is $151 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Motherwell costing on average $191.
Other travel options to Motherwell take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 38m.
Bus takes on average 4h 41m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 06:20AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:09AM | Duration 5h59 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:05PM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 11:53PM | Duration 6h33 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Motherwell buses for today, Saturday, August 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX590 | 3:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 4h40 | 7:50 PM Hamilton, Bus Station (Interchange) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 5 times per day, taking around 4h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 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 40m.
Distance 173 miles (280 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 |
Buses per day 5 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 40m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:35 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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, Coach Station to Hamilton, Bus Station (Interchange) 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