Which buses operate to Manchester airport?

Air Travel

By Kristy Tolley

Buses to Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United Kingdom, serving millions of passengers each year. It’s located approximately 14 km south of the city center of Manchester, and there are several modes of transportation to get there, including by bus. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different bus operators that offer services to Manchester Airport, their routes, and what you can expect from each of them.

National Express: Connecting Major Cities

National Express is one of the largest coach operators in the UK, offering connections to and from major cities across the country, including Manchester Airport. They have direct services to the airport from London, Birmingham, Liverpool, and Leeds, among other locations. National Express coaches are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and onboard toilets, making them a popular choice for long-distance journeys.

Megabus: Affordable Travel Option

Megabus is another coach operator that offers services to Manchester Airport, with routes from Glasgow, Edinburgh, and London. Megabus is known for its affordable prices, with fares starting as low as £1 (plus a 50p booking fee), making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. However, please note that Megabus services can be less frequent and may take longer than other operators.

Stagecoach: Local Services to Airport

Stagecoach is a well-known bus operator in the UK, offering local and regional bus services across the country. They have several routes that connect towns and cities to Manchester Airport, including services from Stockport, Altrincham, and Manchester city center. Stagecoach buses are equipped with comfortable seats, free Wi-Fi, and USB charging points, providing a convenient and reliable way to get to the airport.

Transdev: Comfortable Express Coaches

Transdev is another coach operator that offers services to Manchester Airport, with routes from Blackburn, Burnley, and Skipton. Their coaches are equipped with comfortable seats, air conditioning, and free Wi-Fi, making them a popular choice for travelers looking for a comfortable and stress-free journey. Transdev also offers a guaranteed seat reservation service, allowing you to secure your seat in advance.

Magic Bus is a bus operator that offers local services in Manchester, including routes to Manchester Airport. Their services are popular with students and young people, as they offer affordable fares and frequent services. Magic Bus routes to the airport include services from Piccadilly Gardens, Fallowfield, and Didsbury, among other locations.

Arriva: Services from Surrounding Towns

Arriva is a bus operator that offers services from surrounding towns to Manchester Airport, including services from Wigan, Bolton, and Leigh. Arriva buses are equipped with comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi, making them a popular choice for commuters and travelers. Please note that some services may have limited availability, so it’s advisable to check the timetable in advance.

Northern Rail: Train and Bus Combo

Northern Rail is a train operator that operates services to Manchester Airport, including a combination of train and bus services. They offer services from locations such as Blackpool, Preston, and York, with connections to the airport via bus services. Northern Rail trains are equipped with comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi, providing a convenient and reliable travel option.

First Bus: Extensive Network Coverage

First Bus is a bus operator that offers services across the UK, including services to Manchester Airport. They have several routes that connect towns and cities to the airport, including services from Bolton, Rochdale, and Oldham. First Bus services are equipped with comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi, making them a popular choice for commuters and travelers.

Flixbus: International Connections

Flixbus is a coach operator that offers international services to Manchester Airport, including services from Amsterdam, Brussels, and Paris. Flixbus is known for its affordable prices, with fares starting as low as €5, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. However, please note that Flixbus services can be less frequent and may take longer than other operators.

Airport Shuttle: Dedicated Airport Service

The Airport Shuttle is a dedicated bus service that operates to Manchester Airport, offering services from locations such as Stockport, Altrincham, and Manchester city center. The Airport Shuttle buses are equipped with comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi, providing a convenient and reliable way to get to the airport. The service operates 24/7, and tickets can be purchased online or onboard the bus.

Conclusion: Selecting the Right Bus

There are several bus operators that offer services to Manchester Airport, each with their own routes, fares, and amenities. When selecting the right bus for your journey, consider factors such as convenience, comfort, and affordability. It’s also advisable to check the timetable in advance, as some services may have limited availability. By doing your research and planning ahead, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey to Manchester Airport.

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Kristy Tolley

Kristy Tolley, an accomplished editor at TravelAsker, boasts a rich background in travel content creation. Before TravelAsker, she led editorial efforts at Red Ventures Puerto Rico, shaping content for Platea English. Kristy's extensive two-decade career spans writing and editing travel topics, from destinations to road trips. Her passion for travel and storytelling inspire readers to embark on their own journeys.

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