- Must visit
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Outstanding pottery museum with working bottle kilns, period workshops and live demonstrations. The best place to understand Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic story.
Cheapest price on Sep 05
$9
Average ticket price on Sep 05
$11
Fastest journey on Sep 05
1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 05
1 h 17 m
Buses on Sep 05
15
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around $11 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
On Sat, Sep 05, we found 15 buses from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent, including 15 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 05 the direct buses cover the 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 17 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Sat, Sep 05 the slowest buses will take 1 h 20 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $10 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 11m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, while a train costs an average of $20.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$10 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 54m Average total duration 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 11m Average total duration Fastest 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Stoke-on-Trent:
A bus is $10 (€8) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Stoke-on-Trent take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 24m.
Tickets start at around $10 (€8) compared to roughly $15 (€12) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $4 (€3). The journey takes 1h 24m versus 1h 4m 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 FlixBus, National Express.
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 12:20AM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:50AM | Arrival Time 06:10AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:20AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:30AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 10:50AM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 04:45PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 06:50PM | Duration 1h20 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 09:55PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:40PM | Arrival Time 10:55PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:55PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:59PM | Arrival Time 12:35AM | Duration 1h36 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 01:20AM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 1h36 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent buses for today, Friday, September 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 9:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h15 | 10:55 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h15 | 12:25 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 11:59 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h36 | 1:35 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, September 5 | |||||
FlixBus | 12:20 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1h15 | 1:35 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 6:10 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 7:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 8:30 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:20 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h40 | 10:00 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h30 | 10:00 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:40 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 1h20 | 10:00 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 9:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 10:50 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 1:30 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 1:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h35 | 3:15 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 3:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h35 | 4:45 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1h20 | 6:50 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Buses from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 (€6) but you can travel from only $4 (€4) by train.
There are 11 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 1h 15m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€6) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 11 |
Fastest bus 1h 15m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
Outstanding pottery museum with working bottle kilns, period workshops and live demonstrations. The best place to understand Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic story.
Excellent city museum and art gallery with the world's largest public Spitfire collection plus Staffordshire ceramics, archaeology and natural history.
Award-winning visitor centre inside a working factory, exploring Wedgwood design, craft and collections. Strong choice for ceramics and design fans.
Award-winning lakeside estate with formal gardens, woodland walks, shopping village and seasonal events. One of the area's most popular leisure destinations.
Large Victorian park with lake, bandstand and landscaped grounds near Hanley. Ideal for a scenic walk and classic city-park atmosphere.
Historic former pottery district with independent shops, heritage buildings and a strong artistic identity. Great for exploring local character.
A famous oat-based savoury pancake from The Potteries, usually filled with cheese, bacon or egg. It is Stoke-on-Trent's best-known traditional street and breakfast food.
A hearty North Staffordshire stew of slow-cooked beef, root vegetables and stock. It is a traditional local comfort dish often served in pubs and homes.
Crumbly white cheese made in Staffordshire and nearby Cheshire. It is a classic regional dairy product, often eaten with bread, oatcakes or salads.
Popular local oatcake kitchen serving classic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Casual, affordable and strongly associated with Potteries food culture.
Refined modern British dining in a polished setting. Known for high-quality tasting menus and one of the area's strongest fine dining reputations.
Well-regarded Indian restaurant with a long-standing reputation for quality curries and attentive service. Comfortable venue suited to a relaxed dinner.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals usually cost less than in London or Manchester, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
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 expect tips.
Official public transport app
Hanley Bus Station -> Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent City Centre
National Express operates buses from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent. The average journey between the two locations takes about one and a half hours. There are seven bus trips each day, and all journeys are direct. The first bus each day departs in the early morning at about 4:00 a.m. and the last bus leaves just before 10:00 p.m. Regular baggage per passenger is free; additional baggage space can be purchased.
All buses from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent are operated by National Express. All trips are direct, taking between one hour 15 minutes and one hour 45 minutes to complete depending on the time of day and the traffic intensity. All buses offer toilet facilities. Cheaper prices can be obtained by booking in advance.
Coach journeys from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent take approximately one and a half hours to complete and cover approximately 45 miles. The shortest journey takes one hour 15 minutes (in the evening) and the longest one hour and 45 minutes (at afternoon peak time).
Seven buses leave Manchester each day bound for Stoke-on-Trent. The first bus departs in the early morning, at about 4:00 a.m., and the last at night just before 10:00 p.m. All buses operate directly between the two centres, with no transfers. There is no difference in the prices of the various trips each day.
Departure bus station: All buses bound for Stoke-on-Trent depart from Manchester bus Station. The station is very centrally located and is easily accessed using public transport. It offers modern travel amenities, including WiFi and a restaurant. The station is open 24 hours a day.
Arrival bus station: All buses from Manchester arrive at the Stoke-on-Trent bus station. The bus station is a new building sporting iconic architecture in the city center. Amenities are limited at the station itself, but facilities catering for travellers are located very nearby. Most areas of Stoke-on-Trent are reachable via the city's well-developed public transport network from the bus station. Stoke-on-Trent is a historic pottery centre and boasts numerous galleries and museums.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent buses use the Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent 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, 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.
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station is 2 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Fast food outlets are present inside the bus station.
Free WiFi available for passengers. ATMs are there is an ATM available within the station.
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station.
Available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station: The station is equipped with ramps for wheelchair access.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need