FlixBus announces new route from Manchester to Leeds and Newcastle - when buses will start & route info

Manchester travellers wanting to get around the country while watching their wallets will soon have another option after coach operator FlixBus unveiled its latest route to and from the city.

The operator will begin running services from Manchester across the Pennines to Leeds and then on to Newcastle and says the cost of living crisis and long industrial disputes on the railways are causing more passengers to look again at coaches.

FlixBus has launched a number of new routes from Manchester in recent times, including a service heading across the Scottish border to Glasgow and a 14-hour overnight route taking intrepid travellers to Paris.

The new services linking the city with Yorkshire and the North East will begin running in April, the company says.

What is the new FlixBus service from Manchester to Leeds and Newcastle?

FlixBus says it will launch a daily coach service taking travellers from Manchester to Newcastle via Leeds at the start of April. Buses will depart from the Shudehill Interchange in the city centre and cross the Pennines to Leeds, then drop passengers off in Middlesbrough and Sunderland before reaching its final destination on Tyneside.

The full details of the timetable as well as the prices will be unveiled closer to the time of the service launching, ManchesterWorld understands.

FlixBus is teaming up with Stockport company Belle Vue to run the new service to Newcastle, with the operator taking delivery of a FlixBus branded coach to link Manchester to the North East.

Passengers will have free WiFi, USB charging points and on-board toilets and will also be wheelchair accessible.

FlixBus started running UK services in April 2021 and now offers travellers trips to more than 40 destinations across the country as well as longer routes into Europe.

What has been said about the new FlixBus service?

FlixBus says passengers are increasingly looking at coach services due to factors such as the cost of living crisis and industrial action on the railways. The company is also suggesting its modern coaches can help environmentally-conscious travellers cut their carbon emissions.

Andreas Schorling, managing director of FlixBus UK, said: “Delivering new routes with high quality, award-winning operators like Belle Vue is truly exciting, as we continue on our mission to become the largest network in the country.

“Belle Vue has a clear vision for the transport industry to be clean, green and safe, with a reputation for high levels of passenger satisfaction and appetite for growth. We believe they will be a brilliant addition to our network of trusted partners, particularly ahead of the busy summer season.

“We are passionate about providing green transport for everyone everywhere, and our partnership with Belle Vue strengthens our ambition to connect all towns and cities in the UK.

“The new route will also support the government’s ambitions to ‘level up’ all parts of the country, encouraging travellers to use sustainable, eco-friendly transport methods. The North West has been an area of high passenger demand since our launch and Manchester in particular has been central to our growth, so we’re proud to be investing in sustainable and affordable transport options for the city, offering more connections than ever for passengers.”

Phil Hitchen, managing director of Belle Vue, said: “We have been following the rise of FlixBus in the UK over the past two years, and have been impressed by their ambition, rapid success and focus on sustainability.

“We felt it was a great time to join their network, which is showing great promise for growth and profitability in 2023, as well as being on track to become the largest in the UK.

“We see this service as the beginning of a long-term partnership that we plan to quickly evolve and grow.”