Fastest way from Manchester to London: Flight, about 1h (from €160). Cheapest: Coach, from €9 (about 4h – 4h 45min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 5, 2026): FlixBus, National Express, Avanti West Coast; main departure point: Shudehill Bus Station.
There are 3 ways to get from Manchester to London
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 5, 2026 for a departure on November 26, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | Train | Manchester Piccadilly | €47 | 12 |
| FlixBus | Bus | Shudehill Bus Station | €9 | 31 |
| National Express | Bus | Manchester Bus Station | €14 | 15 |
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Practical tips
Walk-up train fares are the costliest way to travel. Advance tickets are cheaper but tied to a specific train, so book as soon as they go on sale and pick your departure with some margin.
Early morning and weekday commuter hours are the priciest on the train. If your plans are flexible, a mid-morning or mid-afternoon departure, or a quieter day, often means a noticeably lower fare.
Trains arrive at London Euston, while coaches usually stop at Victoria Coach Station. These are in different parts of the city, so check your ticket and plan your onward Underground route before you leave.
London has several airports, each with different rail and coach links into town. Confirm your arrival airport and terminal on your booking, then choose the right train, Underground or coach link before you land.
Bank holidays and summer weekends sell out fast on coaches and trains. Book ahead, avoid the last departure of the day, and keep a later backup option in case of delays.
The journey experience
Manchester to London is one of Britain's busiest intercity routes, and the best choice depends on what matters most to you: the lowest fare, the fastest arrival or the most comfortable ride. Coach, train and plane all cover it, and the comparison table on this page sets durations and price ranges side by side so you can decide in seconds.
The coach is the budget favourite. Seats are generally comfortable, luggage space is generous, and services run through the day and into the night, which suits flexible independent travellers. The train, run by Avanti West Coast, is the smooth city-centre-to-city-centre option: you leave from Manchester Piccadilly and arrive at London Euston, with the Underground right outside. The plane is an option for tight connections, but once you add airport check-in, security and the transfer into town, it rarely beats the train door to door.
British fares move with the day, the hour and how early you book. Buy train Advance tickets as soon as they are released and avoid walk-up fares on the day. Always check your arrival point: trains end at Euston, coaches usually at Victoria Coach Station, and flights at a London airport. Book online and your e-ticket arrives instantly, so there is nothing to queue for.
Frequently asked questions — Manchester → London
It depends on your priority. The coach is by far the cheapest, from €9, but takes around 4 h to 4 h 45. The train takes about 2 h and costs from €47, so it suits you if time and comfort matter more. For a tight budget and a flexible schedule, choose the coach.
The train is the fastest option on the ground, taking about 2 h 05 to 2 h 15. The coach takes roughly 4 h to 4 h 45, depending on traffic. A flight lasts about 1 h to 1 h 15 in the air, but airport check-in and transfers add considerable time to the total journey.
Coach tickets start from €9 and typically reach up to €11. Train tickets start from €47 and typically go up to €58, with the best prices on Advance tickets. Flights start from €160 and typically reach up to €161. Booking early is the safest way to secure the lowest fare.
Trains leave from Manchester Piccadilly and arrive at London Euston, where the Underground is right outside. Coaches leave from Manchester Coach Station on Chorlton Street and usually arrive at London Victoria Coach Station. Always check your ticket, as the arrival point can differ by operator and service.
If you fly in, each airport has rail and coach links to central London. Heathrow is served by the Elizabeth line, the Heathrow Express and the Underground. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton all have train and coach connections. Check your airport and terminal on your booking, then choose the link that suits your budget.
Why visit London?
- ✓ Explore the British Museum and its Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and Parthenon sculptures, all with free entry
- ✓ Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, then stroll through St James's Park
- ✓ Ride the London Eye or climb The Shard for panoramic views over the Thames and Tower Bridge
- ✓ Wander through Borough Market, Camden Market and Portobello Road for street food and vintage finds
- ✓ Catch a West End show in Covent Garden or Shaftesbury Avenue, then enjoy a pint in a historic pub
When to visit London?
TEMPERATE OCEANIC CLIMATE
May to September — mild temperatures, long daylight hours and the best chance of dry weather for sightseeing
What to do in London?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit London?
Allow 4 to 5 days to cover London properly. In 2 days, focus on the essentials: Westminster, the Tower of London, the British Museum and a Thames walk. With 4 to 5 days, add Greenwich, Camden, Kew Gardens and a West End show. Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment, and book major attractions online in advance to skip the queues.
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