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Birmingham to Manchester train ticket prices
€16.92
On Tue 17 Feb
Birmingham to Manchester train timetable
From Birmingham to Manchester, take the fastest train in 2h 4m, typically 2h 5m. Daily, 33 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:01 Birmingham New Street | 2h 4m, 1 change | 11:05 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:07 Birmingham New Street | 2h 18m, 2 change | 11:25 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
10:00 Birmingham New Street | 2h 5m, 1 change | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:01 Birmingham New Street | 2h 4m, 1 change | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
11:07 Birmingham New Street | 2h 26m, 1 change | 13:33 Deansgate | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Birmingham to Manchester train tickets and times
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.
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
Travelling by train from Birmingham to Manchester is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can reach Manchester in just 2h 4m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham to Manchester?
Ticket prices from Birmingham to Manchester average around €16.92, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from Birmingham to Manchester by train?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from Birmingham to Manchester is 2h 4m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Birmingham to Manchester. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Birmingham to Manchester?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Birmingham to Manchester train timetables?
While Birmingham to Manchester trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Birmingham to Manchester is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Birmingham to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Birmingham to Manchester route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
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.
Which train companies operate the Birmingham to Manchester route?
The Birmingham to Manchester route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Birmingham to Manchester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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Your train was disrupted?
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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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