- 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
$16
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 39 m
Buses per day
11
Distance
168 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sunderland to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sunderland to Manchester will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
Of the 11 buses that leave Sunderland for Manchester on Sun, Jul 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 26 the direct buses cover the 168 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Sun, Jul 26 the slowest buses will take 3 h 55 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.
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX133 · NX170
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sunderland 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 3h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $8, and a flight costs an average of $101.
Distance: 104 miles (168 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$13 Average price Cheapest | $56 Average price | $344 Average price | $39 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 3h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 10m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Sunderland to Manchester:
A bus is $42 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Manchester costing on average $56 (€56).
A bus is $331 (€331) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sunderland to Manchester costing on average $344 (€344).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
Flight takes on average 7h 10m.
Tickets start at around $13 (€13) compared to roughly $39 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€26). The journey takes 3h 28m versus 2h 44m 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 National Express, Megabus, 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 National Express | Departure Time 12:05AM | Arrival Time 03:50AM | Duration 3h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $33 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 09:20AM | Duration 3h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 10:00AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 11:05AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:15PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 01:15PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 01:10PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:15AM | Arrival Time 02:30PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 05:05PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 07:40PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $21 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:25PM | Arrival Time 05:40PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $20 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 08:55PM | Duration 5h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:05PM | Duration 4h35 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 08:20PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 3h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 3h25 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $14 |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Manchester buses for today, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX172 | 5:50 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h30 | 9:20 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | 6:00 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h00 | 10:00 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX426 · NX170 | 7:45 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h30 | 12:15 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX172 | 8:55 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h55 | 12:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX133 · NX170 | 10:15 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h15 | 2:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 10:55 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 2:10 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | 12:20 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h20 | 4:40 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX172 | 1:30 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h40 | 5:10 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:25 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 5:40 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | 3:30 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h35 | 8:05 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 1 transfer | |
NX172 | 6:05 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h25 | 9:30 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 6:05 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h15 | 9:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, July 26 | |||||
NX172 | 12:05 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h45 | 3:50 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Sunderland to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $8 (€8) if you book in advance.
There are 7 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 104 miles (168 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 104 miles (168 km) |
Average bus duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€8) |
Buses per day 11 |
Direct buses 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 15m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 Sunderland 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 Sunderland to Manchester buses use the Sunderland, Interchange to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Airport. Use this guide to compare Sunderland and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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, 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need