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Manchester to London train ticket prices
€20.01
On Sat 16 May
Manchester to London train timetable
Travelling from Manchester to London, the fastest train takes 1h 59m with an average travel time of 2h 15m. With 63 daily trains, the first departs at 00:24 and the last at 23:57. 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:55 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 32m, Direct | 07:27 London Euston | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
05:11 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 42m, 1 change | 07:53 London Euston | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
05:54 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 17m, Direct | 08:11 London Euston | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:02 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 4m, Direct | 09:06 London Euston | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:10 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 29m, 1 change | 09:39 London St. Pancras International | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
Manchester to London train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester to London 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.
Avanti West Coast trains from Manchester to London
Avanti serves the line every day, offering three class options: standard, premium, and first class. The standard fare covers all the basics, such as access to the onboard shop and free Wi-Fi. Starting from around £20, you can upgrade to Standard Premium, guaranteeing access to a table for work and more legroom. If you’d rather travel with some extra comforts, you can buy a first-class ticket to access personalised service on board that delivers food directly to your seat and enjoy a dedicated pre-boarding lounge.
Is first class worth it on Avanti West Coast Trains?
Prices for the first class vary depending on the period and time of booking. You can expect to pay about double the price of the standard fare; however, you’ll have food and drink onboard included, and delivered directly to your seat. With a larger seat and table, and access to an exclusive pre-boarding lounge, it’s a good option if you’re planning to work during your trip or simply would like to treat yourself with some extra comforts.
Train travel from Manchester to London
Check out the details about Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston train stations to have a smooth trip and avoid wasting time while travelling.
Departure from Manchester Picadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is located on London Road, serving as the city’s central hub for buses, trams (Eccles/MediaCityUK line and the Altrincham line) and trains stretching across the country.
- Avanti West Coast high-speed trains normally depart from platforms 1–12 (the main terminus platforms on the ground-level concourse).
- Pre-Departure: on the mezzanine level of the station, you can find cafes and restaurants, like Cafè Nero and Pret a Manger, that open as early as 4 am. If you have some extra time to kill, check out Picadilly Gardens at only 5 minutes walk from the train station. An iconic square of the city, it often hosts open-air art installations and markets.
Onboard trains from Manchester to London
During the trip, the West Coast Line offers some great views of the picturesque English countryside, with rolling hills and charming villages.
- The View Alert: To not miss the scenery, book a window seat (right hand side)— the route passes through some lovely Midlands countryside roughly an hour or so into the journey.
- Key Landmarks: Beside the classic English countryside views of the Staffordshire and the Cheshire Plain, on clear days you can sometimes glimpse Wembley Stadium's arch on the horizon as you approach London.
Arriving at London Euston
London Euston is reasonably well marked, with digital screens showing incoming and outgoing trains along with platform numbers; though if you don't know the station, it can feel a little overwhelming at first. There are two main exits to the station.
- The Melton Street Exit: A quieter option leading towards Euston Square (an additional underground station at 10 minutes from the train station) and University College London. It’s also a convenient exit to avoid the main concourse crowds.
- Onward Travel: The underground lines, the Victoria Line (light blue) and the Northern Line (black), are accessible directly beneath the station. The bus routes 91 and 73 connect the station to the city centre, passing by Westminster, Whitehall and Oxford Circus.
Manchester to London train travel guide
Travelling by train from Manchester to London is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can reach London in just 1h 59m, 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 Manchester to London?
Ticket prices from Manchester to London average around €20.01, 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 Manchester to London by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to London?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to London is 1h 59m . 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 Manchester to London?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester to London. 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 Manchester to London?
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?
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 Manchester to London train timetables?
While Manchester to London 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 Manchester to London 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 Manchester to London trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Manchester to London 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?
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?
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?
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 Manchester to London route?
The train from Manchester to London is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
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 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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap Manchester to London 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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