- Recommended
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Community-run museum in a historic jail with exhibits on local life, trade, and Stirling’s civic past.
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
6 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 55 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
313 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Stirling is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stirling will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 1 buses that leave Manchester for Stirling on Mon, Aug 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 17 the direct buses cover the 313 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 Mon, Aug 17 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stirling among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 9m. 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 $16, and a flight costs an average of $138.
Distance: 194 miles (313 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price | $170 Average price | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m Average total duration Fastest 4h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 11m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Stirling:
A bus is $39 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stirling costing on average $76 (€61).
A bus is $133 (€108) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Stirling costing on average $170 (€138).
Other travel options to Stirling take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 11m.
Bus takes on average 5h 33m.
Tickets start at around $37 (€30) compared to roughly $85 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $48 (€39). The journey takes 5h 33m versus 4h 3m 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 01:10AM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10AM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 12:15AM | Duration 6h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $41 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stirling buses for tomorrow, Monday, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:10 PM Manchester | 6h55 | 11:05 PM Stirling | 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 Stirling run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:07, the last at 22:07. The fastest bus covers the 194 miles (313 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 194 miles (313 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 1:07 AM |
Last bus 10:07 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Stirling — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stirling trip today.
Community-run museum in a historic jail with exhibits on local life, trade, and Stirling’s civic past.
Interactive visitor center at Bannockburn using immersive displays to explain the 1314 battle and Robert the Bruce’s victory.
Museum inside the castle exploring the history of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders through uniforms, medals, and stories.
Dramatic approach to the castle with broad views over the city and surrounding hills; especially atmospheric at sunset.
Atmospheric old quarter of steep lanes, stone buildings, and heritage sites that best captures Stirling’s medieval character.
Historic old town spine lined with civic buildings, churches, and views toward the castle; ideal for a first walk in Stirling.
A comforting soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. It is a classic Scottish starter, especially valued for its rich flavour and links to east coast fishing.
Scotland’s famous savoury pudding of oats, spices and offal, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is central to Scottish celebrations and Burns suppers.
Mashed swede and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This simple side is a staple of traditional Scottish meals and cold-weather cooking.
Established brasserie with a varied menu of Scottish and European dishes. Relaxed atmosphere, central location and strong local reputation.
Traditional pub and restaurant serving Scottish classics, cask ales and whisky in a historic atmosphere close to Stirling Castle.
Popular casual restaurant specialising in steaks, burgers and grills. Lively, reliable and well known for generous portions in central Stirling.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than Edinburgh, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Service is often included or optional. Tip restaurants 10-12.5% if service was good, round up taxi fares, and tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Stirling A84 (Castleview Park & Ride) -> Stirling Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stirling 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 Stirling, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stirling buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Stirling, A84 (Castleview Park & Ride) station pair, with some services arriving at Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stirling 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.
Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station. ATMs are available at Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station.
Ticket office support is available at Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station.
Available at Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stirling, Gooscroft Bus Station: Station is accessible for wheelchairs.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need