- Must visit
Ashmolean Museum
The University of Oxford’s world-famous museum of art and archaeology, known for collections ranging from Ancient Egypt to European painting. A top cultural stop in the city.
Cheapest price
$24
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 9 m
Buses per day
19
Distance
203 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Oxford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Oxford will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $24.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Oxford without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX541 · NX160
NX181 · NX160
NX590 · NX160
NX590 · NX160
NX541 · NX160
NX540 · NX737
NX540 · NX737
NX540 · NX737Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Oxford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $87.
Distance: 126 miles (203 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$33 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price | $226 Average price | $72 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.2kg 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Oxford:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Oxford costing on average $83 (€67).
A bus is $193 (€155) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Oxford costing on average $226 (€182).
Other travel options to Oxford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 56m.
Bus takes on average 4h 12m.
Tickets start at around $33 (€27) compared to roughly $72 (€58) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $40 (€32). The journey takes 4h 12m versus 3h 8m 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 Megabus.
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 National Express | Departure Time 02:45AM | Arrival Time 09:25AM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:50AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 10:35AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 6h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:15AM | Arrival Time 12:35PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 03:25PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 5h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:50PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 07:05PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 08:35PM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 5h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 09:05PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:40PM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 7h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 6h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:40PM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $59 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 04:45AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $52 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Oxford buses for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX540 · NX737 | On time 6:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h15 | 11:15 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 | On time 7:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h15 | 1:45 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:00 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 5h20 | 1:20 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX422 · UCX5 | On time 11:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 7h45 | 7:25 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, June 2 | |||||
NX421 · UCX5 | 2:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h40 | 9:25 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 2:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 6h50 | 9:40 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX181 · NX160 | 4:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h05 | 10:20 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | On time 5:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h20 | 10:35 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · UCX5 | 5:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h50 | 12:35 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX737 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h40 | 1:05 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | On time 9:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h35 | 2:35 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 | On time 10:15 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 3:20 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX160 | On time 10:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 3:25 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | On time 11:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h35 | 5:05 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 | On time 12:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h15 | 6:05 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX590 · NX160 | 2:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h05 | 7:05 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · UCX5 | On time 2:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h45 | 8:25 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 | On time 3:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h35 | 9:05 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 | On time 6:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 5h15 | 11:15 PM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX737 | On time 7:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h15 | 1:45 AM Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station | 1 transfer | |
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 Oxford run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $17 (€13) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 126 miles (203 km) distance in 4h 50m.
Distance 126 miles (203 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 (€13) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 4h 50m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 days |
Discover the best of Oxford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Oxford trip today.
The University of Oxford’s world-famous museum of art and archaeology, known for collections ranging from Ancient Egypt to European painting. A top cultural stop in the city.
A distinctive anthropology and archaeology museum celebrated for densely displayed objects from around the world. Its atmospheric interior makes it one of Oxford’s most memorable visits.
A major natural history museum with dinosaur skeletons, scientific specimens, and a striking neo-Gothic hall. Popular with both families and architecture lovers.
Oxford’s most famous street, lined with historic college buildings, churches, and classic views. Ideal for a first walk through the city centre.
One of Oxford’s signature urban spaces, surrounded by the Radcliffe Camera, Bodleian buildings, and college architecture. A prime photography location.
A scenic open space with classic views of college buildings, the river, and meadows. One of Oxford’s most photogenic walking areas.
A historic Oxford speciality: richly seasoned pork sausages, traditionally flavoured with herbs and spices, long associated with the city and its pubs.
A regional Oxfordshire pastry from nearby Banbury, filled with spiced currants and dried fruit. It is a classic local sweet treat tied to the county’s baking tradition.
A hearty Oxford institution popularised by historic local dining rooms: slow-cooked beef in rich gravy with dumplings, ideal for traditional English comfort food.
A famous historic pub with a garden by the river, offering classic pub food and a relaxed Oxfordshire countryside feel close to the city.
A long-established fine dining restaurant by the river, respected for refined British cooking and a calm, romantic setting.
A well-known riverside pub outside central Oxford, popular for classic British dishes, Sunday roasts and a scenic traditional atmosphere.
Oxford is pricey by UK standards, driven by high accommodation costs and busy tourist areas, though pubs, chains, and supermarkets help keep food spending manageable.
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip about 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes; not expected in pubs unless table service.
Official public transport app
Oxford, Gloucester Green Bus Station -> Oxford Railway Station
Manchester to Oxford buses offer a simple, comfortable, and convenient way to travel between these two English cities. While there are no direct services, travelers can choose from 11 indirect options during the week, and 9-11 at weekends. Journey times can be as short as 4 hours 40 minutes, but as long as 8 hours 20 minutes.
Only National Express offers buses from Manchester to Oxford. The UK's biggest coach company runs indirect services every day, all year-round.
Journey times between Manchester and Oxford will vary considerably, so check schedules when booking. The quickest bus journeys take 4 hours 40 minutes, with a change in Birmingham. The slowest can take 8 hours 20 minutes, so there's a lot of variation.
There will be 11 indirect services between Manchester and Oxford every weekday, and 9-11 options on Saturdays and Sundays. All require at least one change, which will generally take place in Birmingham.
Departure Bus Station: Manchester to Oxford buses will leave from Manchester Coach Station. The Coach Station is situated in central Manchester, around 200 meters from Manchester Piccadilly Station (the city's premier transport hub). Travelers can catch trams or overground rail services to Piccadilly, then walk to their coaches, but taxis from most central locations will be the fastest way to reach the Coach Station. The Number 1 bus is another option (alight at Chorlton Street), while anyone coming from Manchester International Airport should take National Express coaches straight to the Coach Station.
Arrival Bus Station: When travelers make the trip from Manchester to Oxford, buses will arrive at Oxford's Gloucester Green Bus Station. Gloucester Green is centrally located, just south of the Ashmolean Museum, north of the Castle, and west of most of the city's historic colleges. Walking is a good route to most nearby attractions, but buses to the city center stop at George Street. The 14A runs straight into the town center, as does the S3 Gold service. If travelers need to get to Oxford Rail Station for onward travel, they need to head west. It's a 15 minute walk, or a 5 minute bus ride.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Oxford 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 Oxford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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