- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.










Cheapest price
$10
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
2h 45m
Average duration
4h 45m
Buses per day
10
Distance
72 km
Omio 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 $17.
Distance: 57 miles (93 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $35 Average price | $25 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 $35 (€29).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 3m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€14) compared to roughly $25 (€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 $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30AM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $35 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 09:40AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 03:00PM | Duration 6h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 3h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:45PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:05PM | Arrival Time 04:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 07:50PM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:15PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:25PM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 12:30AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $28 |
The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, July 14. 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 | |
NX150 · NX590 | 8:55 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 6h05 | 3:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX183 · NX170 | 9:55 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h15 | 3:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX152 · NX121 | 12:45 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h35 | 5:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX170 | 1:35 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h25 | 7:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 2:05 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 2h45 | 4:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX150 · NX541 | 3:00 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h50 | 8:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 5:05 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 2h45 | 7:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX183 · NX541 | 7:25 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 5h00 | 12:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX240 · NX172 | On time 8:50 PM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 7h00 | 3:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX465 · NX170 | 3:25 AM Nottingham, Broadmarsh Bus Station | 4h00 | 7:25 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX180 · NX121 | 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.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
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.

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