- 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 08
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$47
Fastest journey on Sep 08
4 h
Average journey duration on Sep 08
4 h 49 m
Buses on Sep 08
4
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Glasgow to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Manchester will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 4 buses from Glasgow to Manchester, including 4 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 295 km distance in an average of 4 h 49 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest buses will take 5 h 10 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
FlixBus
NX181
NX590
FlixBus
FlixBus
NX181
NX590Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $45 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, while a flight costs an average of $401.
Distance: 183 miles (295 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$45 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price | $401 Average price | $122 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Manchester:
A bus is $31 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Manchester costing on average $76.
A bus is $355 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Glasgow to Manchester costing on average $401.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 21m.
Bus takes on average 4h 56m.
Tickets start at around $45 compared to roughly $122 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $77. The journey takes 4h 56m versus 3h 54m 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 Megabus, FlixBus, National Express.
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 08:40AM | Arrival Time 01:50PM | Duration 5h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:20AM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 5h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:40PM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 4h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $23 |
Operator National Express | Departure Time 11:00PM | Arrival Time 04:05AM | Duration 5h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $53 |
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Manchester buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:40 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 4h00 | 2:40 AM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 0 transfersDirect | |
NX181 | 11:00 PM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h05 | 4:05 AM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
NX590 | 8:40 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h10 | 1:50 PM Manchester, Coach Station | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus | 10:20 AM Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station | 5h00 | 3:20 PM Manchester, Shudehill Interchange | 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 Glasgow to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 56m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $20 but you can travel from only $13 by train.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest bus covers the 183 miles (295 km) distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 183 miles (295 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $20 |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 3h 0m |
First bus 12:06 AM |
Last bus 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 77 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.
National Express operates two direct buses from Glasgow to Manchester every day of the week. Passengers can also choose from a number of indirect options. Direct journeys between these Glasgow and Manchester take around five hours.
Buses from Glasgow Buchanan Street Bus Station to Manchester bus Station are operated by National Express, the UK's leading bus service. National Express buses depart from Buchanan bus Station in Glasgow and arrive at Manchester bus Station. National Express offer both direct and indirect services, with direct services being significantly faster.
Direct journeys on buses from Glasgow to Manchester take 5 hours or just over 5 hours. Indirect journeys with one change can take between 8 and 14 hours and may involve waiting time at Birmingham bus Station.
National Express operates two direct buses per day from Glasgow to Manchester. The first daily bus departs Glasgow late morning and arrives late afternoon. The second daily bus service departs before midnight and arrives in Manchester in the early hours of the following morning. The two direct services operate at the same times of day, seven days a week. There are also a number of indirect buses departing Glasgow throughout the day, from early in the morning until late at night. Indirect journeys involve a change at Birmingham bus Station.
Departure Station: National Express buses for Manchester depart from Glasgow's Buchanan Bus Station, the city's main bus and bus terminal. Facilities include toilets, left baggage, shops, cafe and an ATM. Located at the northern end of Glasgow's busy Buchanan Street, it is a five minute walk to the bus station from both centre of the city and from Glasgow Queen Street overground station.
Arrival Station: buses from Glasgow arrive at Manchester bus Station, which is located in the heart of the city on Chorlton Street. The bus station has a cafe, toilet, ATM, ticket machines, charging points and a shop. From the bus station, it is a very short walk to the main Manchester shopping area and around an eight minute walk to Manchester Picadilly Station.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Manchester buses use the Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station to Manchester, Coach Station station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester, Shudehill Interchange. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Manchester bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Buchanan (in the station), Coffee Express (in the station), Fast Bites (in the station).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station.
Available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow, Buchanan Bus Station: Elevators, ramps.
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, 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, 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