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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 train with prices starting from €44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 train costs an average of €44, and a flight costs an average of €47.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
€68 Average price Cheapest | €163 Average price |
3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Watford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 $53 (€44)
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 10m |
Buses per day 6 |
First bus 00:05 |
Last bus 23:55 |
Key Takeaways
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 $53 (€44)
Bus providers: National Express, FlixBus from Watford to ManchesterYou can travel by bus between Watford to Manchester with National Express, FlixBus for as low as $53 (€44). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
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.
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.
There are 12 buses a day from Watford to Manchester which require at least one change with National Express or FlixBus. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Watford to Manchester, you can count on National Express or FlixBus for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible bus providers who offer a service between Watford and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to Manchester from Watford is worth doing with a journey time of min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Watford to Manchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel from Watford to Manchester including taking a train or flight.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Watford to Manchester:
- National Express
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Accessible toilets.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Watford to Manchester for bus companies National Express and FlixBus.
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.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus providers National Express and FlixBus.
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.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
To find the cheapest bus tickets for your trip from Watford to Manchester, follow these tips:
Start your search now and compare ticket prices to find the best deal!
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.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Watford to Manchester:
- National Express
- 10€ per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Watford to Manchester. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- Guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Watford to Manchester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Watford to Manchester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Watford to Manchester with the following bus providers: National Express and FlixBus.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Watford to Manchester
Watford
Manchester
Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingATMTaxisAccessibilityWCTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 05:00-23:30
Car connection
ShudehillWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Taxis
- Available outside the interchange.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Shudehill Interchange
- Bus: 42, 43, 135 Tram: Metrolink
Manchester, Airport
Amenities at bus station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Officeinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 00:00-23:59
Distance to city center
2 kmCar connection
Terminal Road NorthWifi
- Free Wi-Fi
Dining
- Burger King (in the station)
- Giraffe (in the station).
Taxis
- Available outside the terminal, with several companies offering services.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, assistance
WC
- Available in the station.
Public transit options for Manchester, Airport
- Bus: 43, 103 Train: Manchester Airport
Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East
information
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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