The cheapest and fastest buses from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 12 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 8 buses that leave Stoke-on-Trent for Manchester on Tue, Nov 25, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Nov 25 the direct buses cover the 53 km distance in an average of 1 h 12 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Tue, Nov 25 the slowest buses will take 1 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.
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX424
FlixBus
FlixBus
FlixBusTravel Information
Compare bus and train for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stoke-on-Trent 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 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €2.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
€8 Average price Cheapest | €11 Average price |
1h 56m Average total duration 1h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Live departures
Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester buses for today, Monday, November 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:25 PM Stoke-on-Trent | 1h15 | 5:40 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:35 PM Stoke-on-Trent | 1h05 | 10:40 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, November 25 | |||||
FlixBus | 4:35 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 5:50 AM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:35 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h35 | 6:10 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX424 | 4:55 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h10 | 6:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:25 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 1:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester by bus or train
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.
Nov 25
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Nov 28
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
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Dec 06
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Dec 08
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Buses from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 26m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 (€6) but you can travel from only $3 (€2) by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 1h 5m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€6) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 1h 5m |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester start from as low as $8 (€6) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $10 (€8) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 4 daily trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester with 4 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 1h 5m but the average duration is 1h 26m
Train Operators
- Travel from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester with FlixBus and National Express
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is FlixBus.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station and arrive in Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
- First train typically departs at 12:05 AM and the last at 11:55 PM
Bus providers: FlixBus, National Express from Stoke-on-Trent to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester with FlixBus, National Express for as low as $3 (€2). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
National Express
Buses from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Buses from the Potteries town of Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire to the city of Manchester run at most times of the day, catering to morning, afternoon and evening travellers and usually accomplishing the 40-mile journey in 90 minutes or less. However, as services are often spread thinly with several hours between departures, it's a good idea to check ahead to avoid a long wait.
Which bus companies travel from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
National Express covers the route between these cities, as well as connecting many other towns in the north of England.
How long is the bus from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
The quickest buses from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester take around 75 minutes, while the slowest generally add another 35 minutes or so to the travel time. Most journeys, though, take an hour and a half or less. All services are direct, with no switching of buses needed.
How many buses are there from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
Buses from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester leave eight times a day, distributed unevenly from just after rush hour to slightly before midnight. Departure times are irregular, with the main clusters in the morning and early evening and a long gap in services around lunchtime. A similar pattern continues throughout the week, including Saturday and Sunday.
What are the departure and arrival stations for buses from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
Departure bus station: buses to Manchester leave from Stoke-on-Trent's city-centre bus station, which is less than 10 years old and cost over £15 million, so it can be counted upon to have up to date amenities. It's part of a development that includes a wide range of shopping, leisure and entertainment facilities. First Bus services run every five minutes or so to and from Fenton, Burslem, Longton and other destinations, plus there's a shuttle to the Bet365 football stadium on match days.
Arrival bus station: Manchester bus station is on Chorlton Street, just minutes on foot from Piccadilly railroad station. In the immediate vicinity, there's a choice of tram stops connecting the station to the airport, the university and the Manchester suburbs. The Palace and Royal Exchange Theatres, the Bridgewater Hall concert venue, Albert Square with its Gothic architecture and lots of restaurants, bars, hotels and other key tourist attractions are all within an easy stroll.
FAQs: Bus from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stoke-on-Trent 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.

Passengers board the bus most frequently from Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Manchester, Coach Station, located 0.9 miles (1.5 km) away from the city centre.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- 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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- 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.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
- 05:00-23:30
- Free Wi-Fi
- Available outside the interchange.
- Elevators, ramps
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
- 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
- 00:00-23:59
- Free Wi-Fi
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
- Available in the station.
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Most popular bus connections from Stoke-on-Trent
More options for your journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
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