- 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
$20
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
3 h 15 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
177 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South Shields to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from South Shields to Manchester will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 2 buses that leave South Shields for Manchester on Sun, Aug 16, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 16 the direct buses cover the 177 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .
On Sun, Aug 16 the slowest buses will take 3 h 15 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 South Shields to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a flight costs an average of $383.
Distance: 109 miles (177 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $442 Average price | $65 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 24m Average total duration 6h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from South Shields to Manchester:
A bus is $48 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from South Shields to Manchester costing on average $65.
A bus is $425 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Shields to Manchester costing on average $442.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
Flight takes on average 6h 24m.
Tickets start at around $17 compared to roughly $49 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $32. The journey takes 3h 28m versus 2h 52m 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 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
The table below shows live departures for South Shields to Manchester buses for today, Saturday, August 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:05 PM South Shields | 3h15 | 8:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:05 PM South Shields | 3h15 | 9:20 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 16 | |||||
![]() | 10:55 AM South Shields | 3h15 | 2:10 PM Manchester | 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 South Shields to Manchester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 02:10, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 109 miles (177 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 109 miles (177 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 2:10 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South Shields 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 South Shields to Manchester buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare South Shields and Manchester 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, 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