- Must visit
The Rugby Football Museum
Celebrates the origins of rugby football at the school where the sport developed. Essential for sports history fans.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$10
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$16
Fastest journey on Sep 20
2 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
3 h 13 m
Buses on Sep 20
4
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Rugby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Rugby will cost around $16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 4 buses from Manchester to Rugby, including 4 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 140 km distance in an average of 3 h 13 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 3 h 35 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 Rugby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $31 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 19m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $31, while a train costs an average of $53.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price | $59 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 21m Average total duration 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration Fastest 1h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Rugby:
A bus is $22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Rugby costing on average $53.
Other travel options to Rugby take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 51m.
Tickets start at around $31 compared to roughly $59 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28. The journey takes 3h 51m versus 2h 19m 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 FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 02:05PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 04:35PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 04:55PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 01:55AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Rugby buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:30 AM Manchester | 3h35 | 2:05 PM Rugby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:10 PM Manchester | 3h15 | 6:25 PM Rugby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 PM Manchester | 3h35 | 12:05 AM Rugby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:10 PM Manchester | 2h45 | 1:55 AM Rugby | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, September 20 | |||||
![]() | 4:50 AM Manchester | 2h55 | 7:45 AM Rugby | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:10 AM Manchester | 3h35 | 10:45 AM Rugby | 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 Rugby run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:36. The fastest bus covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 2h 30m.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Rugby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rugby trip today.
Celebrates the origins of rugby football at the school where the sport developed. Essential for sports history fans.
The town's main museum tells Rugby's story from Roman finds to social history, with strong local collections and family displays.
Contemporary gallery within the town museum complex, showing changing exhibitions and giving a cultural focus to central Rugby.
Large formal park with play areas, gardens, and sports facilities. A favourite green space for relaxing near the centre.
Pleasant canal-side walking area with wildlife, boats, and heritage features. Popular for gentle strolls close to town.
Open green riverside and meadow landscape on Rugby's edge, valued for walking, birdlife, and quiet local scenery.
A flaky pastry pie traditionally filled with pork and seasoned jelly. A classic Midlands pub and picnic staple linked to nearby Warwickshire butchers.
Slow-cooked beef in rich gravy, often with root vegetables. This hearty dish suits the region’s farming heritage and is common in local pubs.
Thick slices of roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, vegetables, and gravy. A beloved Sunday tradition across Rugby and Warwickshire.
Popular Indian restaurant with a long-standing local reputation for curries, tandoori dishes, and warm service in central Rugby.
Well-known casual venue serving pizzas, pasta, and Italian comfort food. Family-friendly atmosphere with broad appeal in Rugby town centre.
Established pub restaurant in Rugby known for steaks, grills, and classic British dishes in a relaxed, traditional setting.
Moderate for England. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain fairly affordable for most visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis and small cafe bills if service was good.
Official public transport app
Rugby, Clifton Road (Stand A) -> Rugby Town Centre, Rugby
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Rugby 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 Rugby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Rugby buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Leicester, Fosse Park Avenue (Asda) station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Rugby 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, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
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