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London to Manchester train ticket prices
€20.14
On Tue 10 Mar
London to Manchester train timetable
Travelling from London to Manchester, the fastest train takes 2h 6m with an average travel time of 2h 12m. With 62 daily trains, the first departs at 00:39 and the last at 23:30. Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 on weekdays, and all-day Off-Peak on weekends and bank holidays. Keep informed of live train status, times, delays, and cancellations with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:27 London St. Pancras International | 3h 38m, 1 change | 09:05 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
05:59 London St. Pancras International | 3h 33m, 1 change | 09:32 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
06:08 London Euston | 2h 17m, Direct | 08:25 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:29 London Euston | 2h 16m, Direct | 08:45 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:46 London Euston | 2h 19m, Direct | 09:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
London to Manchester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London 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.
Direct train route from London to Manchester
It takes an average of 2h 6m to travel from London to Manchester by train. The distance is approximately 163 miles (262km). Normally, 62 trains per day travel from London to Manchester, with the first train departing at 00:39 and the last at 23:30.
Departing from London Euston
The best and fastest train from London to Manchester departs from London Euston. Located on the London Inner Ring Road, between Cardington Street and Eversholt Street in the London Borough of Camden, Euston Station is easily accessible by buses, taxis, and the London Underground.
London Euston provides train services to other major cities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Northampton, and Watford. The main train operators serving this station include Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, and London Overground, ensuring a wide range of travel options.
London Euston is also well-connected to the London Underground, with direct access to the Northern and Victoria lines. This makes it convenient for passengers to reach other parts of London seamlessly.
Main stops
The main stops along this journey include Milton Keynes Central, Stoke-on-Trent, Stockport, and beyond. The stops may vary depending on the time, train operators, and train routes.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
The best and fastest train from London to Manchester arrives at Manchester Piccadilly. Located in the southeast of the city centre, Manchester Piccadilly Station is easily accessible by various modes of transport, including buses, taxis, and the Metrolink trams.
Manchester Piccadilly provides train services to other major cities such as Bristol, Liverpool, Chester, Sheffield, and Bradford. The main train operators serving this station include Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales, ensuring a wide range of travel options.
Near Manchester Piccadilly, visit the vibrant Northern Quarter for its street art and cafes, explore the Manchester Art Gallery, and enjoy shopping and dining in the bustling Piccadilly Gardens area.
Avanti West Coast trains from London to Manchester
Travel from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly in about 2 hours and 15 minutes with Avanti West Coast trains.
Along the way, enjoy views of the scenic English countryside, rolling hills, and quaint villages, as well as the Chiltern Hills, lush landscapes of the Trent Valley, and the edge of the Peak District, offering a picturesque travel experience.
Avanti West Coast is the premier provider of long-distance trains on the West Coast. It offers high-speed trains from London to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Chester.
Avanti West Coast Standard Class
Travelling in Standard Class gives you access to free onboard WiFi, snacks from the onboard shop, and refurbished seats and tables.
Avanti West Coast Standard Premium
Travelling in Standard Premium gives you upgraded seats with extra legroom, a table for working, and plug sockets at every window seat.
Avanti West Coast First Class
Travelling in First Class gives you upgraded seats with extra legroom, personalised service onboard, complimentary food and drink, and access to First Class lounges for pre-departure comfort.
Travel with Avanti West Coast
We provide all the information you might need for your journey, including luggage allowance, storage facilities, travelling with children and pets, and assisted travel.
- Luggage: You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
- Bicycles: Bike reservations are mandatory and free. Limited spaces are available for standard bikes, folding bikes, tandems, and e-bikes. No motorcycles, tricycles, or e-scooters.
- Children: On most journeys, children under 5 travel free, ages 5-15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver for 50% off.
- Pets: Bring up to 2 pets free, keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant cars.
- Passenger Assist: Services for passengers with special needs include assistance, help boarding, reserving wheelchair spaces, detailed rail info, and pet assistance.
London to Manchester train travel guide
Travelling by train from London to Manchester is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from London, you can reach Manchester in just 2h 6m, 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 London to Manchester?
The average ticket fare from London to Manchester is about €20.14, 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.
How do I find the best train route from London to Manchester?
What is the fastest train from London to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from London to Manchester is 2h 6m . 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 London to Manchester?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London 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 London 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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are London to Manchester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
London 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?
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.
Do London to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from London 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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London to Manchester route?
The route from London to Manchester is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar 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 usually travel free. 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
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 London to Manchester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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