- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Buses per day
14
Distance
93 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Nottingham to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Nottingham to Manchester will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 14 buses that leave Nottingham for Manchester on Sun, May 31, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, May 31 the direct buses cover the 93 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h 45 m .
On Sun, May 31 the slowest buses will take 3 h 30 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
NX240 · NX170
NX240 · NX170
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX133 · NX172
NX183 · NX170Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 19m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a train costs an average of $18.
Distance: 57 miles (93 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price | $26 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 33m Average total duration 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Nottingham to Manchester:
A bus is $18 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Manchester costing on average $36 (€29).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 3m.
Tickets start at around $18 (€14) compared to roughly $26 (€21) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8 (€7). The journey takes 3h 3m versus 2h 16m 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.
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 03:25AM | Arrival Time 07:25AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:10PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:50PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:50PM | Duration 5h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 3h20 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:25PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator Transpennine Express | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:06AM | Duration 5h06 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Manchester buses for today, Saturday, May 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 6:55 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 2h45 | 9:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX183 · NX170 | On time 9:55 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h30 | 1:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX133 · NX590 | 11:00 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h00 | 3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX152 · NX541 | On time 12:45 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h30 | 5:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX170 | On time 1:30 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h20 | 5:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:05 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 2h45 | 4:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX150 · NX120 | 3:00 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h05 | 8:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 5:05 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 2h45 | 7:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX133 · NX172 | On time 6:10 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 3h20 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX541 | On time 7:15 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h10 | 12:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX170 | On time 8:25 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h05 | 12:30 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
NX195 · NX170 | 3:35 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h05 | 7:40 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX180 · NX121 | On time 4:30 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h25 | 9:55 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 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.
Buses from Nottingham to Manchester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 57 miles (93 km) distance in 2h 45m.
Distance 57 miles (93 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Buses per day 13 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 2h 45m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Sit back and relax on buses from Nottingham to Manchester, a stress-free way of making this journey of around 80 miles. Journey times vary from 3.5 hours on direct routes to 5.5 hours when a connection at Leeds is needed. The timetable is sure to fit everybody's schedule and budget whether traveling for business or leisure with up to a dozen departures every day of the week. These start in the early hours of the morning and continue until late at night. The route is operated by National Express Bus Services with departures from Nottingham Bus Station and arrivals at Manchester Chorlton Street Bus Station.
On direct buses from Nottingham to Manchester, the journey time is approximately 3.5 hours. Other routes throughout the day require a connection at Leeds and take up to 5.5 hours.
There are up to a dozen buses from Nottingham to Manchester every day of the week. Two are direct routes and, for the rest, a connection is made at Leeds. The first departure is in the early hours of the morning and the last bus leaves late in the evening.
Departure bus station: Nottingham Bus Station. This is located on Station Street next to Nottingham's main train station. Historic Nottingham with its castle and cobbled streets is just 15 minutes away on foot. It can also be reached by local bus or tram. Among the passenger facilities at Nottingham Bus Station are car parking, a ticket office and automated ticket machines, waiting areas, bathrooms, and a snack bar. Further services such as banks, cash points, pharmacies, shops, and restaurants can be found in the surrounding streets or at the train station. All areas of the bus station are step-free and an adapted toilet is available.
Arrival bus station: Manchester Chorlton Street Bus Station. The bus station is adjacent to Manchester Piccadilly Train Station and just ten minutes on foot from the city center. The short journey can also be made by local bus or tram. Chorlton Street Bus Station has a good range of facilities that include car parking, a ticket office with automated ticket machines, waiting areas, bathrooms, cash points, charging points, a newsagents shop and a café. There is step-free access to all areas of the station, including the bathrooms.
Bus routes from Nottingham to Manchester are operated by National Express Bus Services. This is one of the largest transport providers in the UK with headquarters in Birmingham. Using a modern fleet of buses, its routes cover the whole of the United Kingdom.
National Express operates up to a dozen buses from Nottingham to Manchester every day of the week, with a schedule that runs throughout the year. At least two buses every day are direct with a journey time of 3.5 hours. Other departures stop for passengers to make a transfer at Leeds and take up to 5.5 hours to complete the journey. Departures start in the early hours of the morning and continue until late at night. After stopping at Manchester Chorlton Street Bus Station, some services continue on to Manchester Airport.
Tickets for National Express buses from Nottingham to Manchester are all Standard but individual seat reservations can be made. Inside the bus, there is comfortable aircraft-style seating with room for hand luggage under the seat or in overhead storage racks. Other facilities on board include WiFi, a toilet, power outlets on some buses and, depending on the season, heating or air-conditioning. Each passenger has a luggage allowance of two suitcases each weighing up to 20 kg. These are stored in the hold of the bus. Foldable bicycles can also travel in the hold and there is an extra charge for this. Pets are not allowed on buses but certified service animals accompanying their owners are welcome. Some newer buses have space for one wheelchair and an access lift. Enquiries about this should be made when booking. The toilet, however, is not wheelchair accessible. National Express buses has a dedicated Assisted Travel Team providing help and advice. Team members can be contacted by phone or online.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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