- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$63
Fastest journey
6 h 30 m
Average duration
7 h 6 m
Buses per day
15
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 $63 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
It's difficult to get from Southampton to Manchester without transferring at least once.
NX032 · NX424
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX032 · NX540
FlixBus · FlixBus
NX160 · NX541
NX160 · NX541
NX160 · NX541
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio 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 $21. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 $21, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price | $159 Average price | $80 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 0m Average total duration 6h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Southampton to Manchester:
A bus is $62 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Southampton to Manchester costing on average $100 (€82).
A bus is $121 (€99) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Southampton to Manchester costing on average $159 (€130).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 6m.
Bus takes on average 6h 30m.
Tickets start at around $38 (€31) compared to roughly $80 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $41 (€34). The journey takes 6h 30m versus 4h 30m 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 04:05AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 12:10PM | Duration 7h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:05AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:25AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 7h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 04:05PM | Duration 7h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 9h25 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 8h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:55AM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 7h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:15PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 9h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 10:10PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $44 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:30PM | Arrival Time 01:40AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $28 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:45PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $34 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 02:15AM | Duration 7h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $30 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:30PM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $40 |
The table below shows live departures for Southampton to Manchester buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX160 · NX541 | On time 12:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h00 | 7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX541 | On time 4:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 6h30 | 10:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:05 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 7h45 | 11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 8:15 AM 4:15 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 7h55 | 12:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:20 AM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 7h30 | 11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | Delayed 8:15 AM 5:25 AMSouthampton, Coach Station | 8h25 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 AM Southampton Central (SOU) | 7h45 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:25 AM Southampton, Burgess Rd / Broadlands Rd (Southampton University) | 7h25 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX541 | On time 9:00 AM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h05 | 4:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX541 | On time 12:10 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 7h00 | 7:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | On time 12:15 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 9h15 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX160 · NX541 | On time 4:00 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 6h30 | 10:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX032 · NX540 | On time 5:30 PM Southampton, Coach Station | 8h45 | 2:15 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 | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Buses from Southampton to Manchester run on average 14 times per day, taking around 6h 30m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) 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 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Buses per day 14 |
Fastest bus 7h 10m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 7 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 exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly, 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.

Most Southampton to Manchester buses use the Southampton, Coach Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Southampton and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Southampton, Coach Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Café Express (in the station), Sandwich Bar (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the entrance for cash withdrawals.
Ticket office support is available at Southampton, Coach Station.
Available at Southampton, Coach Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Southampton, Coach 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, 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.
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