Compensation and refunds
Trainpal makes it simple to adjust your travel plans, get refunds, and request Delay Repay.
Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Book Cheaper Tickets
Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.
Efficient Customer Service
24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries
Fast Changes and Refunds
Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
Birmingham to Manchester train ticket prices
Travelling from Birmingham to Manchester by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as €11.50*, with average fares of €12.25. 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
€12.25
From 19 Jan to 25 Jan
Cheapest
€11.50
On Wed 21 Jan
Birmingham to Manchester train times
The journey from Birmingham to Manchester on the fastest train in 1 hour 28 minutes, usually 1 hour 29 minutes. Each day, 50 trains leave from Birmingham, starting at 00:26 and ending at 23:22. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
06:01 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 28 minutes, Direct | 07:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:30 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 29 minutes, Direct | 07:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:01 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 28 minutes, Direct | 08:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
07:04 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 41 minutes, 1 change | 08:45 Manchester Piccadilly | West Midlands Trains | Find tickets |
07:26 Birmingham New Street | 1 hour 33 minutes, Direct | 08:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
View More Trains
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
00:26
Last train
23:22
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 28 minutes
Distance
70 miles (113km)
Price
From €11.50
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 28 minutes, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
1. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester?
Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with 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?
Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get 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 28 minutes . 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.
4. 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.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Birmingham to Manchester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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.
2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
3. 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.
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, 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.
2. 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.
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
€8.17
With Family & Friends Railcard
€12.25
Without
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.
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack