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Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€15.17
On Wed 28
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly, the fastest train takes 1h 48m with an average travel time of 1h 51m. 26 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:03 and the last at 22:51. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:03 Birmingham International | 1h 56m, 1 change | 09:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
08:41 Birmingham International | 1h 48m, Direct | 10:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:08 Birmingham International | 1h 51m, 1 change | 10:59 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
09:41 Birmingham International | 1h 48m, Direct | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
10:08 Birmingham International | 1h 51m, 1 change | 11:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly
- CrossCountry
- LNR & WMR
- Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry combines one of the UK’s widest intercity networks with fast long-distance services linking the South West, South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland without relying on a London terminus.
Its Class 220 and 221 Voyager trains reach 125 mph, while Class 170 Turbostars cover regional routes. A Voyager fleet refurbishment is adding improved seating, lighting and Wi-Fi.
First Class
Standard
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CrossCountry’s Voyager services can get busy as they progress along their routes, so choosing the right carriage can make a noticeable difference. On Class 220 and 221 trains, Coach B (on 5-car sets) or specific designated seats in Coach D (on 4-car sets) serve as the unreserved seating areas, making them worth checking if you are travelling with a flexible ticket or cannot reserve a seat."
"It is also worth checking if your service is being operated by one of the £75 million refurbished Voyager trains. The updated trains can be identified by their distinctive red livery with a white X and feature USB-A and USB-C charging ports built into the seat frames, making it easier to keep devices charged throughout a longer journey."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Birmingham International
Address:
Stationlink Road, National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, West Midlands, B40 1PA
Public Transport Links:
AirRail Link: The free AirRail Link people mover connects the station directly to Birmingham Airport terminal in just 90 seconds, operating daily from 03:30 to 00:30. Follow the signs from the station concourse.
Bus: Local bus services, including routes X1, X12, 75 and 75A serve Birmingham International station, with connections to Birmingham city centre and the surrounding areas.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located outside the station entrance on Stationlink Road.
Platforms:
Birmingham International serves as the main rail interchange for Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre, with direct connections to and from Birmingham New Street every 15 minutes at peak times. The station is managed by Avanti West Coast and has five platforms, with step-free access to all platforms.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"The AirRail Link people mover that connects the station to the airport terminal follows the route of the world's first commercial Maglev system, which opened here in 1984. If you're visiting the NEC, you don't need to even go outside – covered walkways and travelators connect the station directly to the exhibition centre buildings, whatever the weather.
Just a short ride from the station, Birmingham Airport's arrivals area has a variety of coffee shops and restaurants for a quick bite or drink, including Greggs and M&S Simply Food."
FAQs about Birmingham International Station
Is Birmingham International train station the same as Birmingham Airport?
No, they are two separate sites, but connected via the free AirRail Link. The station is located at the National Exhibition Centre, approximately 500 metres from the airport terminal.
How do I get from Birmingham International Station to the airport?
Take the free monorail from the station concourse. It connects directly with the airport terminal in 90 seconds and operates daily from 03:30 to 00:30. Follow the clearly signposted AirRail Link route from the main station entrance.
Can you walk from Birmingham International train station to the airport?
The airport terminal is only approximately 500 metres from the station, but a direct walking route is not available. Take the free AirRail Link instead.
Where is the train station at Birmingham International?
Birmingham International station is located on Stationlink Road, approximately 8 miles east of Birmingham city centre. It’s directly connected to Birmingham Airport and the National Exhibition Centre.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Address:
Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
Tram: Piccadilly tram station is on the Blue and Yellow lines of the Metrolink network, serving Manchester Airport, Bury, Altrincham and other areas.
Bus: First and Stagecoach operate many routes across the city and Greater Manchester, including Fallowfield, West Didsbury and Cheetham Hill. Both of the city’s free bus routes also stop at the station.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: You can catch a cab or have the driver drop you off at the station’s taxi rank on Fairfield Street.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Piccadilly Gardens (9-min walk)
Manchester Art Gallery (14-min walk)
The John Rylands Library (20-minute walk)
Manchester Cathedral (22-min walk)
AO Arena (22-min walk)
Airport Transfers:
About seven direct services run to Manchester Airport every hour (taking 13–21 minutes). Trains are operated by Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales (TfW).
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Use the lift to the left of the waiting area or on Fairfield Street to avoid the concourse crowds and long stair routes. It is ideal for getting around the station with luggage and moving between rail platforms, the tram stop and taxi rank."
FAQs: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Is there parking at Manchester Piccadilly station?
Yes, the station has a 24-hour long-stay car park on Boad Street with 856 spaces and 32 accessible bays. For short stays and drop-offs, use the car park on Fairfield Street (open 24 hours). There are 47 spaces and three accessible parking bays.
What time does Manchester Piccadilly train station open?
Manchester Piccadilly generally opens about 20 minutes before the first train, around 02:40.
Are there lockers at Manchester Piccadilly station?
There aren’t any self-service lockers at Manchester Piccadilly, but the station does have a left luggage office. The office is located between platforms 10 and 11. Drop off and pick up your belongings from 07:00–23:00, Monday to Saturday and 08:00–23:00 on Sunday.
What food places are in Manchester Piccadilly station?
Manchester Piccadilly station has a range of coffee kiosks, fast food outlets and grocery shops. Options include Tortilla, M&S and Caffè Nero.
Does Manchester Piccadilly station have toilets?
Yes, there are toilets opposite platforms 11 and 12 at Manchester Piccadilly. Additional facilities are on the upper concourse and near the waiting lounge by platforms 13 and 14. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly?
Tickets from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly typically cost €59.72, but can be as cheap as €15.17 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 51m, though it can be as quick as 1h 48m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, there is a direct train between Birmingham International and Manchester Piccadilly. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly?
You can typically book tickets from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Birmingham International from Manchester Piccadilly?
The distance between Birmingham International and Manchester Piccadilly is approximately 74 miles (119km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly?
There is 26 train running from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Birmingham International to Manchester Piccadilly?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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