There's no better way to see the British countryside than by bus. The coach trip from Manchester to London is the perfect way to see the country and experience all it offers.
From Manchester, the bus heads south through the picturesque views of England, passing through the Midlands and into London. Some coaches make a few stops on the way, but you can find direct buses that can take about 4 hours to complete the journey.
Once you arrive in London, you'll be able to explore all the city has to offer. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to world-class museums and galleries, there's something for everyone in London. And travelling by bus, you can explore it all without breaking the bank, as they tend to be the most affordable way to travel this route.
Compare bus companies
1. National Express
National Express is one of the most popular bus companies in the United Kingdom. They offer several direct coach services from Manchester to London every day, with a journey time of around 5 hours. National Express buses are comfortable and have plenty of legroom and free WiFi and power outlets.
With buses leaving from early in the morning until late at night, the company has 13 daily departures on this route, and ticket prices start at £13. Usually, these buses make about three stops on the way, but this can vary depending on the day and passenger demands.
One advantage of using National Express is that their coaches depart from the city's official bus station, which is Manchester Central Coach Station. When arriving in London, the final stop is Victoria Coach Station, though there may be other bus stops in the city, like Marble Arch, Finchley Road and Milton Keynes Coachway.
2. Megabus
Megabus offers cheap, comfortable coach travel, as all buses have free WiFi and power outlets. When it comes to luggage, Megabus allows you to take a small piece of luggage on the bus, which has to fit under your seat or on the overhead compartment. You can also transport up to 20kg of luggage on the hold for free.
Megabus has about 12 services daily on this route, and the fastest bus completes the journey in about 4h20. Buses leave Manchester from Shudehill Interchange (stand G), in Manchester city centre, just north of the Arndale Shopping Centre. Arriving in London, buses stop at Victoria Coach Station. The usually bus makes up to 7 stops during the trip.
3. Flixbus
Flixbus offers low-cost, eco-friendly bus travel with free WiFi and power outlets on all of their buses. Their Manchester to London service runs several times a day and takes around 5 hours to complete the journey.
The company has 7 daily departures, and buses usually make at least 3 stops along the way. The buses depart Manchester from Shudehill Interchange station (Stand G) or from a stop opposite the station (Thomas Street, Stand NN). In London, Flixbus coach can stop at Finchley Road, Hammersmith Bridge Road, London Stratford Montifichet Road, Victoria Coach Station or North Greenwich, Millenium Way.
You can take one piece of carry-on luggage inside the bus of 10kg and a checked bag of up to 22kg. If you need additional luggage, you'll have to pay a fee that varies according to the type of luggage.
Why take the bus
Besides being the most cost-effective way to travel, the bus grants a relaxed and comfortable way to travel, so you can sit back, enjoy the scenery, and chat with your fellow travel companion. Finally, taking the bus is a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and do your bit for the environment.
ㅤ
