- Recommended
Stafford Castle Visitor Centre
Main local museum inside Stafford Castle Visitor Centre, covering the castle, archaeology, and town history. A strong first stop for context.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
kr0.00
Average ticket price on Sep 18
kr-0.12
Fastest journey on Sep 18
3 h
Average journey duration on Sep 18
3 h 13 m
Buses on Sep 18
6
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Stafford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Stafford without transferring at least once.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stafford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of kr338 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 29m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of kr338, while a train costs an average of kr338.
Distance: 47 miles (76 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
kr338 Average price Cheapest | kr200 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
1h 29m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40AM | Arrival Time 08:14AM | Duration 3h34 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr0.00 |
Operator Northern Rail | Departure Time 06:34AM | Arrival Time 11:37AM | Duration 5h03 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr268 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 10:18AM | Duration 3h08 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr0.00 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 11:46AM | Duration 3h26 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr0.00 |
Operator CrossCountry | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr280 |
Operator Transport for Wales | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:31AM | Duration 2h11 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price kr404 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 03:22PM | Duration 3h12 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr0.00 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 04:40PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr0.00 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 3h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price kr0.00 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stafford buses for today, Thursday, September 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:10 AM Manchester | 3h08 | 10:18 AM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:20 AM Manchester | 3h26 | 11:46 AM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:10 PM Manchester | 3h12 | 3:22 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:20 PM Manchester | 3h20 | 4:40 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:30 PM Manchester | 3h00 | 8:30 PM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:40 AM Manchester | 3h34 | 8:14 AM Stafford | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Take a bus from Manchester to Stafford and enjoy the approximately 47 miles (76 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55.
Distance 47 miles (76 km) |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Stafford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stafford trip today.
Main local museum inside Stafford Castle Visitor Centre, covering the castle, archaeology, and town history. A strong first stop for context.
Major county museum with art, social history, and changing exhibitions. One of the area’s best museum visits and easy to reach from Stafford.
National museum in nearby Stoke-on-Trent exploring ceramics, design, and factory heritage. Excellent for understanding Staffordshire’s global pottery story.
Award-winning riverside park with flower displays, walks, play areas, and seasonal events. One of Stafford’s most enjoyable central outdoor spaces.
Main pedestrian-friendly shopping street lined with historic buildings and independent businesses. Useful for atmosphere, architecture, and central orientation.
Central market square and civic gathering area with regular markets and surrounding heritage buildings. A practical and lively place to experience local life.
A long-standing Staffordshire tea loaf, this rich fruit cake is traditionally made with local ale and dried fruit, then served sliced with butter.
A hearty oatcake from nearby North Staffordshire, served like a pancake with cheese, bacon, or fillings. It is a defining regional breakfast and snack.
A traditional local cheese made in Staffordshire. Crumbly, mild, and creamy, it has been produced in the county for centuries and suits ploughman’s lunches.
Established Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for curries, tandoori dishes, and attentive service in a smart modern space.
Popular casual spot for artisan pizza, craft beer, and cocktails. Lively atmosphere and reliable choice for modern comfort food in Stafford.
Elegant restaurant at The Dog & Doublet, known for polished British cooking, afternoon tea, and a relaxed canal-side country setting.
Stafford is moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while rail fares and central stays can still raise trip costs.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Stafford Railway Station -> Stafford Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stafford 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 Stafford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stafford buses use the Manchester, Airport to Penkridge, Crown Bridge station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stafford bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need