- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Watford to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Jul 15
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
4 h 26 m
Average duration
4 h 26 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
238 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Watford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Manchester will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Fast buses
Of the 1 buses that leave Watford for Manchester on Wed, Jul 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 15 the direct buses cover the 238 km distance in an average of 4 h 26 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 26 m .
On Wed, Jul 15 the slowest buses will take 4 h 26 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.
8:39 AM4h26Watford1:05 PMManchester$531One-way0 transfers
- 8:39 AM4h26Watford1:05 PMManchester$531One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Watford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $53. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. 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 $53, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$54 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price | $205 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Watford to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $54 (€44).
This is compared to other travel options from Watford to Manchester:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Manchester costing on average $83 (€68).
A bus is $151 (€124) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Watford to Manchester costing on average $205 (€169).
The fastest way to travel from Watford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 2m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 56m.
Bus takes on average 6h 32m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Watford and Manchester including taking a train, flight, and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
Watford to Manchester Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 07:35AM | Duration 6h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator West Midlands Trains | Departure Time 07:15AM | Arrival Time 12:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 07:32AM | Arrival Time 01:20PM | Duration 5h48 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 07:47AM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 6h23 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator West Midlands Trains | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 4h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator West Midlands Trains | Departure Time 08:39AM | Arrival Time 01:05PM | Duration 4h26 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 10:40AM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 12:10PM | Arrival Time 06:05PM | Duration 5h55 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 01:40PM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 5h20 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 02:40PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 5h15 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 03:10PM | Arrival Time 09:20PM | Duration 6h10 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Uno | Departure Time 04:03PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 5h57 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Uno | Departure Time 05:43PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 4h57 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 06:17PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 5h38 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 07:54PM | Arrival Time 01:45AM | Duration 5h51 | Departure days Mon, Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator Arriva UK | Departure Time 10:17PM | Arrival Time 06:15AM | Duration 7h58 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $82 |
Live departures
Watford to Manchester bus times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Manchester buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:39 AM Watford | 4h26 | 1:05 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Manchester by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, 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.
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Why should you book Watford to Manchester buses with Omio?
National Express as well as Uno or Arriva UK offer buses services from Watford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Watford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs National Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for National Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Uno or Arriva UK to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Manchester.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare National Express with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Watford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Buses from Watford to Manchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $53 (€43) but you can travel from only $48 (€39) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 4h 26m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $48 (€39)
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $53 (€43) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 4h 26m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $48 (€39)
Bus providers: National Express, Uno, Arriva UK from Watford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Watford to Manchester with National Express, Uno, Arriva UK for as low as $48 (€39). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
National Express
About
National Express is the UK’s leading long-distance coach company, operating over 550 services per day and serving more than 900 destinations nationwide. It also runs frequent services to major UK airports — including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and Bristol — 24 hours a day. All National Express coaches are air-conditioned and offer free Wi-Fi and onboard entertainment. Most vehicles are equipped with seat belts and power outlets at every seat, allowing you to charge your phone or laptop during your journey. Ticket options include Restricted Fare, Standard Fare, and Fully Flexible Fare, with the latter providing maximum flexibility for cancellations or changes.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 28m
Cheapest Price
$70 (€57)
National Express frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Additional luggage
10€ per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
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.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Accessible toilets.
Bikes
Folding Bikes are allowed; non-folding bikes are not allowed.
Uno
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 57m
Cheapest Price
$84 (€69)
Uno frequency
2 a day
Arriva UK
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 10m
Cheapest Price
$78 (€64)
Arriva UK frequency
10 a day
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
- Must visit
Albert Square
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Curry Pie
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Fish and Chips
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Slattery
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Mana
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Mughli
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bus from Watford to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford 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.
Cheap bus tickets from Watford to Manchester can start from as little as $53 (€43) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Watford to Manchester is $54 (€44) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Watford to Manchester is 4h 26m to travel the 147 miles (238 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Watford to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Watford to Manchester leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 9 buses a day from Watford to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express, Uno, Arriva UK. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Watford to Manchester, you can count on National Express, Uno, Arriva UK for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Watford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Watford is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 26m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Watford to Manchester is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Watford and Manchester including taking a train, flight, and bus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Watford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Watford to Manchester for bus company National Express.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Manchester are:
- 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.
The best things to do in Manchester include:
- 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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Watford to Manchester depends on the bus companies:
- 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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company National Express.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Watford to Manchester.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Watford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Two medium-sized suitcases up to 20kg each and one small piece of hand luggage.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Watford to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Watford to Manchester.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Watford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Watford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Watford to Manchester with the following bus company: National Express.
Since neither Watford nor Manchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Watford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Manchester and Watford
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