Travel Guide: London to Manchester by coach with FlixBus

Travelling from London to Manchester with FlixBus is a comfortable and convenient way to travel between two of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Sit back, relax and enjoy the changing scenery as you journey through the English countryside, with onboard amenities designed to make your trip more enjoyable. 

Whether you're travelling for business or pleasure, FlixBus offers a reliable and affordable way to reach Manchester from London, helping you arrive refreshed and ready to explore everything the city has to offer.

Departing from London

FlixBus offers several departure points throughout London, ensuring a convenient start to your journey. To facilitate a smooth boarding process, it's recommended to arrive at least 15 minutes before departure. Here is a detailed list of transport options to get to your FlixBus stop in London:

The London Underground (Tube)

The Tube is the quickest and most efficient way to navigate London. With 11 lines covering over 400 kilometres, it comprehensively spans London, with well-marked stations providing easy access to your FlixBus departure point.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway)

The DLR serves as both a metro and a train, connecting the city center with the eastern areas and major attractions like Canary Wharf, Greenwich, Stratford, and London City Airport. The DLR operates seamlessly with the Tube network, providing a smooth travel experience.

London Buses

The extensive bus network in London reaches areas not serviced by the Tube or DLR, offering scenic routes through the city. Buses run frequently, with easy access to route information and schedules. Tickets are available at stations, on the bus, or through mobile apps.

Tramlink

Though primarily serving London's southern suburbs, the Tramlink provides a comfortable and reliable transportation option, complementing the city's other transit services.

London Taxis

With a fleet of iconic black cabs available around the clock, London taxis provide a convenient, direct way to reach your departure point. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at designated ranks, or booked via mobile apps, making them an excellent choice if you have heavy luggage or prefer a door-to-door service.

Arriving in Manchester

Upon your arrival at your FlixBus stop in Manchester, you'll find a range of transportation options to help you reach your final destination or begin exploring the city. Manchester has an extensive public transport network, including buses, trams and taxis, making it easy to travel around the city and discover its many attractions. H4 Metrolink Tram Service

Metrolink is Manchester's tram system, providing a fast and efficient way to navigate the city. With seven lines covering over 60 miles, it spans Manchester and surrounding areas. Trams are frequent, making it easy to get to your destination quickly.

Buses

Manchester has an extensive bus network, with services reaching all corners of the city. Buses are a cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're planning on making multiple trips. However, they can be slower due to traffic, so they might not be ideal for longer journeys.

Trains

Manchester has two major train stations - Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria. These stations provide excellent connections to the rest of the city and the wider UK. The local train service is a quick and efficient way to travel across the city and to nearby towns.

Taxis

Manchester has a large number of taxis available around the clock. They offer a convenient, though more expensive, option if you have heavy luggage or prefer a direct, door-to-door service. Taxis can be hailed on the street, found at taxi ranks, or booked via mobile apps.

Cycling

Manchester is a bike-friendly city with numerous cycle lanes and bike-sharing schemes. It's a great way to explore the city at your own pace, especially during the warmer months.

Exploring Manchester

Manchester is a city rich in history, culture and creativity, offering something for every type of traveller. From world-famous sporting landmarks to cultural attractions and historical architecture, here are some of the top places to visit: 

• Manchester Arena: One of the UK’s largest entertainment venues, Manchester Arena hosts major concerts, sporting events and live performances throughout the year. With performances from global artists and a range of nearby restaurants and bars, it’s a popular destination for visitors looking for an unforgettable night out. 
• Manchester Cathedral: Located in the heart of the city, Manchester Cathedral is a Grade I listed building with origins dating back to the 13th century. Visitors can admire its impressive architecture, stained glass windows, and historical features. Explore the cathedral's rich history and don't miss the medieval stone carving of a dragon and the tombstone dedicated to the Manchester Martyrs.
• National Football Museum: Football fans can explore the history of the world’s most popular sport at the National Football Museum. Home to thousands of football-related objects, including photographs, artifacts, and memorabilia, it offers insight into the game’s cultural impact in the UK and beyond. Highlights include the England national team's 1966 World Cup trophy and the ball used in the first FA Cup Final.
• The Lowry: Situated in Salford, The Lowry is a leading arts and entertainment venue featuring theatres, galleries and exhibitions. Named after renowned artist L.S Lowry, it’s a must-visit for those interested in art, performance and Manchester’s creative scene.

Whether you're a sports fan, history buff or art enthusiast, Manchester has something for everyone. Enjoy your journey with FlixBus and make the most of your visit to this dynamic city.

Plan your trip from London to Manchester

Ready to go? Now you’ve got the lowdown on all of the best things to do in Manchester, and you have everything you need to plan the journey; it’s time to book the trip. Book cheap coach tickets from London to Manchester in just a few clicks with FlixBus.

The FlixBus Advantage

Book tickets in minutes

Arranging your London coach to Manchester couldn’t be simpler. Whether you use our website or app, it’s easy to select your route, choose a seat and secure your tickets with just a few taps.

Stay connected with our wide network

No need for the journey to end in Manchester. Thanks to our extensive network of destinations, there are many more exciting cities to discover next, in the UK and beyond.

Travel for less

We believe that comfortable travel should be accessible to everyone, so we offer excellent value throughout the year. Keep more money in your pocket with our affordable coach fares.

Coaches to Manchester from London: everything you need to know

• Bus ticket price: you can travel between London and Manchester starting from £9.99.
• Average duration: the bus from London to Manchester lasts approximately 4 hours 10 minutes.
• Distance covered: the distance between London and Manchester is 200 miles, with some variation depending on the bus route and intermediate stops.
• London to Manchester bus schedules: to check coach departure times between London and Manchester, select your travel data to view all available journeys, including timetables and prices. You’ll then be shown every available trip option with full schedules and fares. You can do this by using the selector at the top of the page or via the interactive map.
• Bus departure frequency: about 16 departures per day.
• Bus departure and drop off points: in London, there are 15 coach stops. As for Manchester, it has 2 stops.. You can locate the FlixBus stops on the map above on this page.
• Weekend trips: with FlixBus, you can depart London on Friday and return on Sunday for a perfect weekend getaway in Manchester.