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Birmingham to Manchester train ticket prices
Travelling from Birmingham to Manchester by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as £9.50*, with average fares of £10.12. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Average
£10.12
From 21 Dec to 27 Dec
Cheapest
£9.50
On Tue 23 Dec
Birmingham to Manchester train times
From Birmingham to Manchester, take the fastest train in 1 hour 27 minutes, typically 1 hour 33 minutes. Daily, 35 trains depart from Birmingham, with the first at 09:01 and the last at 22:01. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
15:01 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 28 minutes, Direct | 16:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
15:07 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 37 minutes, 1 change | 16:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
15:30 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 30 minutes, Direct | 17:00 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:01 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 28 minutes, Direct | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
16:07 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 37 minutes, 1 change | 17:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
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Birmingham to Manchester Train journey information
Plan your journey from Birmingham to Manchester with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
First train
09:01
Last train
22:01
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 27 minutes
Distance
70 miles (113km)
Price
From £9.50
Train operators
CrossCountry: Birmingham to Manchester trains
It only takes around 1 hour and a half to get from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly with CrossCountry, and with 20 CrossCountry trains running daily, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
You can sit back and relax as your train takes you through legendary Midlands and northern hangouts and rolling countryside. CrossCountry provides services that link towns and cities throughout England, Scotland, and Wales, connecting major UK cities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cardiff with a fast and convenient train service.
Luckily, it’s easy to get to Manchester from Birmingham. Buy cheap train tickets with TrainPal, and don’t forget to add your Railcard for an even bigger discount.
Departing from Birmingham New Street
Birmingham New Street is the busiest of Birmingham’s three train stations and is a central UK railway hub. It first opened all the way back in 1854!
Although Birmingham New Street is managed by Network Rail, it is a central hub for CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast services, as well as regional services in the Midlands.
Main stops
The main stops along this journey include Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield, and Stockport. Although stops may vary depending on the time of the service.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
The Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly train drops you off in the largest and most well-connected train station in Manchester. It is in the city's southeast and is a highly accessible railway station, with buses, taxis, and Metrolink trams nearby. Manchester Victoria train station is only a 25-minute walk if you are making an onward connection by rail.
Manchester Piccadilly services other major UK destinations, including Liverpool, York, Edinburgh, Sheffield, Newcastle, Leeds, and Bradford. Many train operators serve this station, including Northern Rail, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, and Transport for Wales.
There’s lots to do around Manchester Piccadilly. It’s just a five-minute walk from the station into the city centre, with shopping, restaurants, and cafes nearby. You could visit the neighbouring Manchester Art Gallery, the city’s famous creative district and premier hangout spot - the Northern Quarter or enjoy shopping at the Arndale Centre just minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Travelling in Standard gives you access to onboard Wi-Fi, charging stations, and tables alongside snacks and drinks from the onboard shop.
- First Class: Travelling from Birmingham to Manchester First Class gives you access to larger, more spacious seating as well as free complimentary refreshments.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: Up to three items of luggage: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets can travel for free. Each passenger can bring a maximum of two pets.
- Bicycles: Book a space before travelling.
- Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Birmingham to Manchester train travel guide
The train journey from Birmingham to Manchester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can get to Manchester in just 1 hour 27 minutes, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
1. How can I save money on Birmingham to Manchester train tickets?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. How do I find the best train route from Birmingham to Manchester?
Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Birmingham to Manchester.
3. What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from Birmingham to Manchester is 1 hour 27 minutes . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
4. Are there direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from Birmingham to Manchester. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Birmingham to Manchester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Birmingham to Manchester trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
3. Do Birmingham to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Birmingham to Manchester are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.
2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.
3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Birmingham to Manchester
Family & Friends Railcard
£6.75
With Family & Friends Railcard
£10.12
Without
How to buy cheap Birmingham to Manchester train tickets
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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.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
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