- Must visit
SeaCity Museum
Modern city museum focused on Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic story and the city’s role as a major port.
Cheapest price
$43
Average price
$58
Fastest journey
6 h 35 m
Average duration
7 h 21 m
Buses per day
17
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Southampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Southampton will cost around $58 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Southampton without transferring at least once.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX540 · NX032
NX540 · NX032
NX540 · NX032
NX590 · NX160
NX541 · NX160
NX541 · NX160
NX540 · NX032
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Southampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a flight costs an average of $84.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $108 Average price | $168 Average price | $95 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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 Southampton:
A bus is $72 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Southampton costing on average $108 (€89).
A bus is $132 (€108) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Southampton costing on average $168 (€138).
Other travel options to Southampton take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 9m.
Bus takes on average 6h 41m.
Tickets start at around $37 (€30) compared to roughly $95 (€77) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $58 (€47). The journey takes 6h 41m versus 4h 26m 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 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:45AM | Arrival Time 12:40PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 02:50PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 10h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:20AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 05:30PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 8h40 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 6h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $80 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 11:35PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:25PM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:50PM | Arrival Time 12:05AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 01:00AM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 01:30AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 03:00AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $43 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Southampton buses for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX424 · NX032 | On time 11:55 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 11h25 | 11:20 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h40 | 1:30 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h20 | 1:10 PM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX160 | Delayed 10:15 AM 5:15 AMManchester, Coach Station | 7h25 | 12:40 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX032 | On time 7:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 9h00 | 4:20 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h40 | 6:10 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 9h20 | 5:50 PM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 transfer | |
NX541 · NX160 | Delayed 10:15 AM 10:00 AMManchester, Coach Station | 7h15 | 5:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX540 · NX032 | On time 10:55 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 8h55 | 7:50 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h00 | 9:40 PM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 1:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h20 | 10:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
NX590 · NX160 | 2:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 6h35 | 8:35 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h35 | 11:45 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 3:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 8h15 | 11:25 PM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Manchester to Southampton run on average 12 times per day, taking around 6h 41m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 7h 15m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 7h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Southampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Southampton trip today.
Modern city museum focused on Southampton’s maritime history, including the Titanic story and the city’s role as a major port.
Restored historic house museum in the Old Town, presenting over 800 years of local history in atmospheric rooms and gardens.
Aviation museum with historic aircraft and exhibits on flying boat and regional aviation heritage.
The most characterful part of Southampton, with medieval walls, historic lanes, pubs, museums, and easy walking between major sights.
Modern marina district popular for waterfront walks, yacht views, and social-media-friendly skyline and harbor scenes.
Busy waterfront promenade with views toward the port and cruise terminals, especially popular at sunset.
A classic south coast takeaway of battered local fish with chips, closely tied to Southampton's port and seaside food culture.
Oysters from the nearby Solent and Hamble area have long been part of local coastal eating, prized for their fresh briny flavour.
Fresh south coast crab served on bread is a common regional seafood dish, showcasing shellfish landed along the Hampshire coast.
A trusted local favourite serving French and European dishes, appreciated for consistent cooking and a warm neighbourhood feel.
A long-running independent Spanish restaurant known for tapas, seafood, and a cosy, characterful dining room.
A well-regarded modern Asian restaurant and bar with stylish interiors, noted for creative small plates and cocktails.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chains are reasonable, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more.
Around 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Small tips are optional in cafes, pubs, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
Southampton Coach Station, Southampton -> Southampton Central Station, Southampton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Southampton 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 Southampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Southampton buses use the Manchester, Coach Station to Southampton, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Southampton, Burgess Rd (Library). Use this guide to compare Manchester and Southampton bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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, 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, 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.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach Station: Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need