- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$9
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 12 m
Buses per day
15
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 $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $9.
Of the 15 buses that leave Stoke-on-Trent for Manchester on Wed, May 27, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 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 Wed, May 27 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
FlixBusOmio 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 $8. 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 $8, and a train costs an average of $4.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$10 Average price Cheapest | $14 Average price | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 2m Average total duration 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.0kg 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 Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester:
A bus is $5 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester costing on average $14 (€12).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 32m.
Tickets start at around $10 (€8) compared to roughly $15 (€12) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $5 (€4). The journey takes 1h 32m versus 1h 9m 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, National Express.
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 02:15AM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:15AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:15AM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 1h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 11:50AM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:25PM | Arrival Time 01:40PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 1h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:50PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $9 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 1h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 1h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 1h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $8 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:35PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 1h05 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $9 |
The table below shows live departures for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester buses for today, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 2:15 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 3:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 4:15 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 5:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 | 10:15 AM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h35 | 11:50 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:20 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h30 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 12:25 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 1:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:35 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 3:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 5:25 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 6:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:00 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h30 | 7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:05 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h25 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:45 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h35 | 10:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 8:45 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h15 | 10:00 PM Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:35 PM Stoke-On-Trent, Hanley Bus Station | 1h05 | 11:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 (€6) but you can travel from only $4 (€4) by train.
There are 6 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 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€6) |
Buses per day 7 |
Direct buses 6 |
Fastest bus 1h 5m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 84 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 on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
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.
National Express covers the route between these cities, as well as connecting many other towns in the north of England.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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