Glasgow
Manchester

Glasgow to Manchester: Cheapest Travel Options

Bus: Choose Megabus for affordable tickets from Glasgow to Manchester starting at just £8.99. Ideal for budget travelers. Around 3h 55m trip.

Glasgow to Manchester bus times

Check out the cheapest buses departing from Glasgow to Manchester

CompanyDeparture time/Arrival timeDeparture Station/Arrival StationTransport TypePriceView schedule
Megabus
3h 55m
Megabus
£8.99
Megabus
5h
Megabus
£9.99
Megabus
4h
Megabus
£10.99
Flixbus
5h
Flixbus
11.99
Megabus
4h
Megabus
£13.99

Over 8 schedules for your journey.

Bus Glasgow to Manchester

It takes an average of 4h 30m to travel from Glasgow to Manchester by bus, over a distance of around 295 km. There are normally 8 buses per day traveling from Glasgow to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £8.99 when you book in advance.

Distance295 km
Price£8.99
Frequency8
Fastest3h 55m

What companies travel from Glasgow to Manchester?

Whether you're seeking speed, comfort, affordability, or a blend of all, our detailed overview covers the key players in the industry. Get insights into schedules, booking tips, and amenities offered by each company, ensuring your journey between these iconic cities is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Best Travel Options

Embarking on your journey from Glasgow to Manchester, you’ll find distinct variations across travel modes worth considering:

Travel Time: Trains offer swift connections, typically around 3 hours, ideal for those with snug schedules. Buses, by contrast, are longer, spanning 4 to 5 hours, but may provide a more leisurely trip.

Cost: Bus tickets often present the most affordable option, appealing to budget travelers, while train fares can be higher but compensate with speed and frequent services.

Experience: Train rides deliver a blend of speed, comfort, and convenience, suitable for business or pleasure travelers. Bus journeys allow for relaxed sightseeing and reflection, great for slow travelers.

🧳 Making the short trip of approximately 345 km (214 miles) from Glasgow to Manchester? Read on for more insights to enhance your travel plans!

Best Travel Options

Bus vs Train

Considering bus versus train travel from Glasgow to Manchester, it’s important to highlight these distinctions:

Convenience and Speed: Trains provide a swift, typically under 4-hour connection between cities, appealing to efficiency seekers as opposed to the slightly longer bus journey.

Cost and Value: Bus journeys shine for budget travelers with their cost efficiency, whereas trains balance cost with value-added amenities and speed for an appealing travel proposition.

Environmental Considerations: Both modes of transport offer a nod to sustainability, but traveling by bus has a relatively lower carbon footprint, ideally suiting the environmentally conscious traveler.

Bus vs Train

Frequently asked questions

Discover the scenic journey from Glasgow to Manchester. Ride past rolling hills and vibrant cities. Your essential travel guide to a seamless trip – quick, convenient, and full of charm. Perfect route for savvy travelers.

Cheapest Travel Options

Glide through the grassy hills of the UK and save a penny or two on your Glasgow to Manchester trip. National Express and Megabus make this possible, with tickets ranging from a mere £5 to £25. The delight is in the details – National Express offers a comfortable ride with onboard amenities, while Megabus is synonymous with unbeatable budget-friendly fares. Your travel time? Expect a leisurely 4 to 5 hours through scenic routes.

Planning your journey with cost in mind doesn’t mean skimping on comfort or convenience. Each mode of transportation presents a tailored experience, whether you’re a family seeking spacious seats and activities for kids, a business traveler focused on efficiency, or a solo budget voyager. Agile solutions for group outings are also available, ensuring you all arrive together without breaking the bank. Engage with the available takeaways and ascertain the best and most economical options to cater to your distinctive travel needs.

Cheapest Travel Options
Save money

Cheap tickets from Glasgow to Manchester

The price of tickets from Glasgow to Manchester is cheaper for a one-way standard class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.

Book in advance

Most of the companies release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper tickets from Glasgow to Manchester by booking early.

Be flexible with your travel times

Many of the services are also popular commuter services, lots of companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider traveling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.

Choose a slower or connecting transport

On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting transport. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!

Seasonal Travel Pack Essentials Guide

Seasonal Travel Pack Essentials Guide

<p>Venture to Manchester with just the right essentials in your travel pack, no matter the season. Our concise guide simplifies your packing with versatile items suited for the city’s varied climes—from crisp springs and balmy summers to the golden hues of autumn and the cozy cloak of winter. Stay prepared for Manchester’s ever-changing weather, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable trip.</p>

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Budget-Friendly Things To Do

Embarking on a journey to Manchester? Dive into a treasure trove of activities that won’t break the bank. From strolling through the vibrant Northern Quarter to exploring the historic John Rylands Library, there’s an abundance of free experiences awaiting you. Delight in art, culture, and the great outdoors, all while keeping your spending to a minimum. Manchester is your playground for cost-effective and memorable escapades.
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Exploring Manchester? Navigate seamlessly with diverse transportation options. Find the best in trams, buses, trains, and more to meet all your travel needs in the city. Whether you’re a tourist or commuter, discover the convenience of Manchester’s public transport system.

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Welcome to Manchester, the city of progress and rich industrial heritage. Setting the stage for your visit starts with planning your journey, ensuring smooth travels by bus or train. Embrace the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local scene from the moment you arrive, with practical advice that streamlines your adventure.
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Travel Tips

The best tips from our team for your next trip

"Research sightseeing opportunities along your route, such as landmarks, tourist attractions, or scenic routes, and plan your itinerary accordingly."

"Choosing the right seat, such as one with extralegroom or a window seat, can help maximize comfort during your journey."

"Check the pet policies of the bus or train company you are traveling with, and make sure your pet is allowed on board."

"Learn basic phrases in the local language, such as greetings or common phrases, to show respect and build connections with locals."

"Keep your valuables like cash, passport, andimportant documents in a secure place, like a neck wallet or a money belt.Avoid carrying large sums of money or expensive jewelry."

"Choose a mode of transportation that allows you to work comfortably, such as a train with spacious seating or a bus with Wi-Fi."

"Research the local culture and customs of the places you will be traveling through, and learn about the history, traditions, and values of the people."

"Bring a refillable water bottle and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout your journey."

"Traveling during off-peak hours can save moneyon bus and train fares, as prices tend to be lower during non-peak times."

"Arrive on time for your bus or train, and be respectful of other passengers' schedules."

"Consider choosing eco-friendly transport options like buses or trains instead of driving alone in a car, which can help reduce your carbon footprint."

Travel Hotspots

Discover the Top Transit Hubs

Discover the top transit hubs with our comprehensive list of the busiest and most important bus and train stations. Find out which stations offer the best connections and travel options for your next trip. Plan your trip with ease and efficiency by exploring our guide to the key transit hubs.