- 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 on Sep 19
€36
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€37
Fastest journey on Sep 19
8 h 55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
9 h 13 m
Buses on Sep 19
4
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Stratford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stratford to Manchester will cost around €37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €36.
It's difficult to get from Stratford to Manchester without transferring at least once.
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FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Stratford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €20 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 16m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €20, while a flight costs an average of €363.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€20 Average price Cheapest | €363 Average price | €108 Average price | €84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration 1h 48m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Stratford to Manchester:
A bus is €89 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stratford to Manchester costing on average €108.
A bus is €343 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Stratford to Manchester costing on average €363.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 46m.
Bus takes on average 4h 53m.
Tickets start at around €20 compared to roughly €84 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €64. The journey takes 4h 53m versus 3h 59m 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.
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 04:55AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €14 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 6h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 02:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:30AM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:00AM | Arrival Time 04:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:10AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 04:20PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:40AM | Arrival Time 03:45PM | Duration 4h05 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 9h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:00PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 08:10PM | Duration 4h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:00PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:40PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Tue, Thu | Cheapest price €10 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:10PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 8h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:00PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30PM | Arrival Time 11:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:25PM | Arrival Time 05:30AM | Duration 9h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40PM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 02:00AM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:59PM | Arrival Time 05:50AM | Duration 5h51 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price €23 |
The table below shows live departures for Stratford to Manchester buses for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:25 PM London, Stratford City Bus Station | 9h05 | 5:30 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, September 19 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:55 AM London, Stratford City Bus Station | 8h55 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 10:00 AM London, Stratford City Bus Station | 9h30 | 7:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 12:10 PM London, Stratford City Bus Station | 9h20 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Stratford to Manchester run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €9 if you book in advance.
There are 14 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 3h 40m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 14 |
Fastest bus 3h 40m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Stratford 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 Stratford to Manchester buses use the London, Victoria Coach Station to Manchester, Shudehill Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. Use this guide to compare Stratford and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
London, Stratford City Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Five Guys (in the station), Wahaca (0.2 km), The Real Greek (0.3 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located inside Westfield Stratford City.
Ticket office support is available at London, Stratford City Bus Station.
Available at London, Stratford City Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at London, Stratford City Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
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, Princess Road / Moss Lane East is 2 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East. ATMs are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East.
Available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East: Accessible for wheelchairs.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need