The cheapest and fastest buses from Southampton to Manchester
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
7 h 10 m
Average duration
7 h 37 m
Buses per day
16
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Southampton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Southampton to Manchester will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NX032 · NX421
NX032 · NX540
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX032 · NX540
NX160 · NX120
NX160 · NX120
NX160 · NX120
NX032 · NX540
NX032 · NX540Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Southampton to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Southampton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. 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 $18, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $110 Average price | $141 Average price |
6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Southampton to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 8h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:45AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $74 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $50 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 09:45PM | Duration 8h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:15PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $60 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 8h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $58 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $63 |
Live departures
Southampton to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 11:20 AM 4:15 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 8h05 | 12:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 11:20 AM 5:25 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 8h45 | 2:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 11:20 AM 6:45 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 9h05 | 3:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX120 | On time 9:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h25 | 4:25 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 11:20 AM 9:15 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 8h50 | 6:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:45 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 8h45 | 7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:00 AM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 8h30 | 7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX120 | On time 12:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h10 | 7:20 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | On time 12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 8h45 | 9:00 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | On time 1:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 8h30 | 9:45 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX120 | On time 4:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h10 | 11:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:00 PM Southampton Central (SOU) | 10h30 | 3:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 5:15 PM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 10h15 | 3:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | On time 5:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 8h15 | 1:45 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX424 | On time 7:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 11h05 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX421 | On time 8:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 11h05 | 7:35 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Southampton to Manchester by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Mar 22
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Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Why should you book Southampton to Manchester buses with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Megabus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Megabus, but also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Megabus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Southampton to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of National Express to find the best option for your trip from Southampton to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Southampton to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Southampton to Manchester
Buses from Southampton to Manchester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 6h 20m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 7h 10m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Buses per day 13 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Cheapest month Mar |
Cheapest day Mon |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Jan - Mar |
Busiest day Fri |
Least busy day Tue |
Best day to book ahead 7 days |
Bus providers: Megabus, National Express from Southampton to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Southampton to Manchester with Megabus, National Express for as low as $18 (€15). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Megabus
National Express
FAQs: Bus from Southampton to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Southampton 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.

- Megabus
- Megabus is ADA-compliant and provides assistance to customers with disabilities, including those using wheelchairs or mobility scooters, and those with service animals.
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- Manchester Art Gallery, a public art museum housing an extensive collection of fine art and decorative pieces
- Science and Industry Museum, an interactive museum exploring Manchester's industrial heritage and scientific achievements
- Manchester Cathedral, a historic Gothic-style cathedral known for its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere
- The John Rylands Library, a neo-Gothic library with an impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts
- Castlefield, a historic area with Roman ruins and picturesque canals, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
- Old Trafford, the iconic football stadium and home to Manchester United, offering tours and a museum dedicated to the club's history
- The Northern Quarter, a vibrant district known for its independent shops, cafes, and street art
- Visit the Manchester Opera House for a captivating performance
- Explore the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks, a popular area with bars and clubs
- Enjoy a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, offering beautiful landscapes and recreational activities.
- Megabus
- Megabus reservations cannot be canceled or refunded, but they can be traded in for another journey up to 3 hours before your original scheduled departure for a fee.
- National Express
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a refund minus a cancellation fee. Changes can be up to 24 hours before departure for a fee.
- Megabus
- One piece of luggage is included per passenger reservation. For guidance, a piece of luggage must not exceed 62 inches (length + width + height) and should not weigh more than 50 pounds (23kg).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- Megabus
- Additional luggage can be purchased by buying an additional travel ticket in advance or by adding up to two additional pieces when booking for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Southampton to Manchester
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café Express (in the station)
- Sandwich Bar (in the station).
- Available outside the station.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available near the entrance.
- Bus: U1, U2, U6, X4 Train: South Western Railway
- 06:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi
- Café at the Station (in the station)
- Fast Food Express (in the station).
- Available outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 50, 192, 201, 203, 205, 219, 255, 256 Train: Manchester Piccadilly Metro: Piccadilly Gardens
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Most popular bus connections from Southampton
More options for your journey from Southampton to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need



