- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 7 m
Buses per day
9
Distance
181 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Sunderland to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 9 buses that leave Sunderland for Manchester Airport on Sat, Jun 20, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct buses cover the 181 km distance in an average of 4 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest buses will take 4 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
NX426 · NX170
NX426 · NX170
NX172
NX172
NX172
NX172
FlixBus
NX172
NX172Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Sunderland to Manchester Airport 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 3h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $6, and a flight costs an average of $123.
Distance: 112 miles (181 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $75 Average price | $387 Average price | $51 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 11m Average total duration 7h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sunderland to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $55 (€45) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sunderland to Manchester Airport costing on average $75 (€62).
A bus is $366 (€300) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Sunderland to Manchester Airport costing on average $387 (€317).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 15m.
Flight takes on average 7h 11m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $51 (€42) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $30 (€25). The journey takes 4h 15m versus 2h 47m 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 04:20AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 10:45AM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:30AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 4h20 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 05:50AM | Arrival Time 09:50AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:30AM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 5h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 08:55AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 4h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 02:45PM | Duration 5h30 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 09:25AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 6h25 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:55AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 10:00AM | Arrival Time 03:05PM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:55AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 12:20PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:15PM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 01:30PM | Arrival Time 05:45PM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:15PM | Arrival Time 06:25PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $6 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 08:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 02:35PM | Arrival Time 06:35PM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $36 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:20PM | Arrival Time 09:30PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 03:30PM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 3h55 | Departure days Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 04:00AM | Duration 4h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $38 |
The table below shows live departures for Sunderland to Manchester Airport buses for tomorrow, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NX172 | Delayed 4:50 AM 12:05 AMSunderland, Interchange | 4h15 | 4:20 AM Manchester, Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX172 | On time 5:50 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h00 | 9:50 AM Manchester, Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | On time 7:45 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 5h05 | 12:50 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX133 · NX170 | On time 10:00 AM Sunderland, Interchange | 5h05 | 3:05 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX426 · NX170 | On time 12:20 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h55 | 5:15 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX172 | On time 1:30 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h15 | 5:45 PM Manchester, Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 2:15 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 4h10 | 6:25 PM Manchester, Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX426 · NX170 | On time 3:30 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 5h10 | 8:40 PM Manchester, Airport | 1 transfer | |
NX172 | On time 6:05 PM Sunderland, Interchange | 3h55 | 10:00 PM Manchester, Airport | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Airport run on average 9 times per day, taking around 4h 15m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $6 (€5) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 112 miles (181 km) distance in 4h 0m.
Distance 112 miles (181 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€5) |
Buses per day 9 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 5:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport -> Manchester Piccadilly
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sunderland to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Sunderland to Manchester Airport 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 Airport 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