No booking fees on the app

No booking fees on the app

Best Price Promise

Best Price Promise

Delay Repay

Delay Repay

24/7 customer support

24/7 customer support

  1. Home
  2. Train Journey
  3. Birmingham to Manchester

Birmingham to Manchester train ticket prices

Travelling from Birmingham to Manchester by train? Find fares from as low as £9.50. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards 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.
Cheapest

£9.50󰄽

On Sat 09 May

  • £19.00󰄽
    Sun03 May
  • £12.49󰄽
    Mon04 May
  • £20.70󰄽
    Tue05 May
  • £9.89󰄽
    Wed06 May
  • £18.00󰄽
    Thu07 May
  • £13.00󰄽
    Fri08 May
  • Sat09 May

Birmingham to Manchester train timetable

Travelling from Birmingham to Manchester, the fastest train takes 1h 27m with an average travel time of 1h 30m. 28 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 09:01 and the last at 22:01. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

09:01

Birmingham New Street
1h 36m, Direct

10:37

Manchester Piccadilly
CrossCountry
Find tickets

09:10

Birmingham New Street
2h 4m, 1 change

11:14

Manchester Piccadilly
Avanti West Coast
Find tickets

10:00

Birmingham New Street
1h 33m, Direct

11:33

Manchester Piccadilly
CrossCountry
Find tickets

11:01

Birmingham New Street
1h 29m, Direct

12:30

Manchester Piccadilly
CrossCountry
Find tickets

12:01

Birmingham New Street
1h 28m, Direct

13:29

Manchester Piccadilly
CrossCountry
Find tickets
View More Trains

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.

Price
From £9.50
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
70 miles (113km)
Journey time
1h 27m
First train
09:01
Last train
22:01
Frequency
28

CrossCountry trains from Birmingham to Manchester

CrossCountry is the primary operator running direct trains between Birmingham New Street and Manchester Piccadilly. Services run frequently throughout the day, and the fastest will get you to Manchester in around 1 hour 30 minutes.

First Class vs Standard — What to choose?

  • Standard Class includes free Wi-Fi and power sockets. Carriages can get busy, particularly on Friday afternoons and during major events in either city.
  • First Class offers wider reclining seats with extra legroom and at-seat tables. Free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks are available on many First Class services. There are no dedicated First Class lounges on this route.

What is the luggage allowance?

There is limited luggage storage on CrossCountry trains, and it is recommended to bring only one medium-sized bag. Larger items can be stowed in the dedicated luggage area in Coaches D and J on Voyager trains. 

How often does the Birmingham to Manchester train run?

CrossCountry runs approximately two trains per hour between Birmingham and Manchester, with services running from early morning through to late at night.

Train travel from Birmingham to Manchester

Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly is one of the UK's most well-connected intercity routes. Travel through the West Midlands and North West England, starting directly from Birmingham city centre.

Birmingham New Street: Getting to the Platform

Birmingham New Street has 12 platforms, all located below the main concourse and accessible via escalators, lifts and stairs. The station is divided into three colour-coded lounges:

  • Blue Lounge: Platforms 1–5

  • Green Lounge: Platforms 6–12

  • Red Lounge: Access to any platform via the 'b' end — useful if you are unsure which lounge to use

Platforms are further divided into lettered sections (e.g. platform 5a and 5b). Check the central departure board on the ground floor to find your lounge and platform. If your ticket shows only a number, your train uses the full platform length.

Onboard trains from Birmingham to Manchester

CrossCountry offers high-quality trains with Wi-Fi, tables, and outlets for working during your commute. Food and drink are provided either by an at-seat trolley service or at an onboard shop, depending on the service.

The scenic side

As the train travels north through Macclesfield and Stockport, the landscape shifts towards the fringes of the Peak District, with rolling hills visible to the east before the train descends into Greater Manchester. To catch the view, you want to sit on the right-hand side of the train.

Key landmarks

Keep an eye out for the skyline of Stoke-on-Trent as you pass through the Midlands, and the viaducts and Victorian architecture around Stockport as you approach Manchester, including Stockport Viaduct, one of the largest brick structures in the world.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly 

Manchester Piccadilly is located on London Road, right at the heart of the city. Buses and taxis are immediately in front of the station, with the Metrolink tram accessible via an escalator from within the building, and two free city centre buses departing every 10–12 minutes.

The correct exit

  • Station Main Exit: The primary way out leads directly to Piccadilly Plaza — a busy area with shops, restaurants and office buildings — and onwards to the city centre and Piccadilly Gardens. This is also the most convenient exit for the bus stops.
  • Fairfield Street Exit (Southwest): Head this way for the taxi rank. Also the most practical exit if you are being picked up by car.
  • London Road Exit (Southeast): The best exit if you are heading towards Manchester University or the Northern Quarter.

Onward Travel

  • Metrolink (Tram): The tram runs directly beneath the station via an internal escalator, connecting to destinations across Greater Manchester including Altrincham, Bury, Eccles and MediaCityUK.
  • Free City Centre Buses: Routes 1 and 2 run circular routes from the station entrance around the city centre, departing every 10–12 minutes. 

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 1h 27m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham to Manchester?

The average ticket fare from Birmingham to Manchester is about £9.50, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.

What is the best way to travel from Birmingham to Manchester by train?

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.

What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Manchester?

The fastest train journey time from Birmingham to Manchester is 1h 27m . 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.

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 always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

How far in advance can I book my train ticket?

Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.

Check timetables and during the journey

Check timetables and during the journey

Are Birmingham to Manchester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

Birmingham to Manchester trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.

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.

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

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.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

Can UK train 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 Train Tickets and Off-Peak train 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.

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

  • Luggage

    Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.

  • Bicycle

    Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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.

  • Children

    Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.

  • 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.

  • Passenger assistance

    For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.

How to buy cheap Birmingham to Manchester train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.
󰄶

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
󰄽

Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

For step-by-step guidance on amending your journey or applying for a refund, please access our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

For information on claiming Delay Repay compensation due to a delayed, cancelled, or strike-affected service, consult our delays and disruptions page or our UK rail strike page. These pages also provide live service updates.

* 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.