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Basingstoke to Manchester train times and prices
Plan your journey from Basingstoke 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 £27.23
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
3h 38m
Distance
160 miles (258km)
First/last train
00:05 / 18:35
Frequency
48
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Basingstoke to Manchester by train? Find fares from as low as £27.23. 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
£27.23
On Fri 6
Live timetable and departures
From Basingstoke to Manchester, take the fastest train in 3h 38m, typically 3h 46m. Daily, 48 trains depart from Basingstoke, with the first at 00:05 and the last at 18:35. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:51 Basingstoke | 4h 28m, 2 change | 09:19 Manchester Piccadilly | South Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:49 Basingstoke | 3h 40m, Direct | 09:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
05:54 Basingstoke | 3h 50m, 3 change | 09:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Southern | Find tickets |
05:54 Basingstoke | 4h 11m, 2 change | 10:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:04 Basingstoke | 3h 55m, 2 change | 09:59 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Travelling with CrossCountry from Basingstoke to Manchester
CrossCountry combines one of the UK’s widest intercity networks with fast long-distance services linking the South West, South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland without relying on a London terminus.
Its Class 220 and 221 Voyager trains reach 125 mph, while Class 170 Turbostars cover regional routes. A Voyager fleet refurbishment is adding improved seating, lighting and Wi-Fi.
Standard
Free optional reservations available when booking
Airline-style and table seating with standard legroom
Fully air-conditioned carriages
Trolley service with hot and cold drinks, snacks and alcohol on most long-distance routes.
Luggage
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, long-distance passengers and those looking for greater comfort
Guaranteed seat reservations on Advance First Class tickets
Spacious reclining fabric seats with increased legroom and a quieter carriage
Fully air-conditioned carriages
Complimentary food and drinks served at your seat by a dedicated host
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CrossCountry’s Voyager services can get busy as they progress along their routes, so choosing the right carriage can make a noticeable difference. On Class 220 and 221 trains, Coach B (on 5-car sets) or specific designated seats in Coach D (on 4-car sets) serve as the unreserved seating areas, making them worth checking if you are travelling with a flexible ticket or cannot reserve a seat."
"It is also worth checking if your service is being operated by one of the £75 million refurbished Voyager trains. The updated trains can be identified by their distinctive red livery with a white X and feature USB-A and USB-C charging ports built into the seat frames, making it easier to keep devices charged throughout a longer journey."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- 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.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Manchester
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover Manchester’s industrial heritage and huge role in the development of modern transport.
Visit John Rylands Library for unique architecture and a truly impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Wander through the Northern Quarter for independent shops, street art, coffee shops and some of the city’s best nightlife.
Discover Manchester Museum and Manchester Cathedral for two of the city’s best free cultural attractions.
Visit Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium to experience Manchester’s world-famous football culture.
Popular Areas in Manchester:
Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Piccadilly Gardens, Ancoats, The Village (Canal Street)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Manchester: Central Manchester has so much more to offer than just great shops. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot, with great areas such as Deansgate, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter all within a reasonable walk of each other. The tram is amazingly useful when heading further out, particularly towards Old Trafford, MediaCity, Etihad, and that kind of thing. Manchester’s weather can change quickly, so it is worth carrying a light waterproof even when the forecast looks reasonable. "
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Basingstoke to Manchester
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
FAQ
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How much is a train from Basingstoke to Manchester?
Tickets from Basingstoke to Manchester typically cost £120.65, but can be as cheap as £27.23 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Basingstoke to Manchester?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 46m, though it can be as quick as 3h 38m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Basingstoke to Manchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Basingstoke and Manchester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Basingstoke to Manchester?
You can typically book tickets from Basingstoke to Manchester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Basingstoke to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Basingstoke to Manchester are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Basingstoke from Manchester?
The distance between Basingstoke and Manchester is approximately 160 miles (258km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Basingstoke to Manchester?
There is 48 train running from Basingstoke to Manchester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Basingstoke to Manchester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
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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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