Driving Time between Bristol, England and Manchester, England

A picture depicting driving

Road Trip: Bristol to Manchester

If you're planning a road trip from Bristol to Manchester, you're in for a treat. This scenic journey is about 163 miles long and takes around 3 hours and 15 minutes without stopping, but who wants to do that? So, buckle up and let's hit the road!

Route 1: M6

If you want to get to Manchester quickly, this is the route to take. Take the M32 north towards the M5. Join the M5 and follow the signs to Birmingham. At junction 4A, merge onto M42 towards Tamworth. At junction 7, exit onto M6 towards Birmingham (North East & Leeds). Follow M6 all the way to Manchester. This route is around 163 miles long and takes about 3 hours and 15 minutes without stopping.

Route 2: A38 and M5

This route is a bit slower, but you'll get to enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way. Head north out of Bristol on the A38, towards Gloucester. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A4019 towards Cirencester. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto the A417 towards Swindon. Join the M5 heading north towards Birmingham. Take the M6 at junction 8, towards Coventry. Follow the M6 all the way to Manchester. This route is around 172 miles long and takes around 3 hours 30 minutes.

Route 3: A38 and M6 Toll

If you're looking for a slightly quicker route, but still want to enjoy some beautiful scenery, this route is for you. Head out of Bristol on the A38, towards Gloucester. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A4019 towards Cirencester. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto the A417 towards Swindon. Join the M5 heading north towards Birmingham. At junction 4A, take the M42 towards Tamworth. At junction 9, take the A446 towards Lichfield. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the M6 Toll. Follow the M6 Toll all the way to Manchester. This route is around 167 miles long and takes around 3 hours.

Route 4: The Scenic Route

If you're not in a rush and want to enjoy the stunning scenery along the way, this route is for you. Head out of Bristol on the A38, towards Gloucester. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A4019 towards Cirencester. At the next roundabout, take the third exit onto the A417 towards Swindon. Join the M5 heading north towards Birmingham. At junction 11A, exit onto the A417 towards Cirencester. Follow the A419 to Cirencester. At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A429 towards Warwick. At the next roundabout, take the second exit onto the A46 towards Coventry. Join the M42 towards Tamworth. At junction 9, take the A446 towards Lichfield. At the roundabout, take the second exit onto the M6 Toll. Follow the M6 Toll all the way to Manchester. This route is around 178 miles long and takes around 4 hours.

  • Gloucester Cathedral
  • Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
  • Shakespeare's Birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon
  • Warwick Castle

No matter which route you take, the journey from Bristol to Manchester is a beautiful one. Take your time, explore the towns and cities along the way, and have a great road trip!