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Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
€4.70
On Sat 04 Apr
Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
From Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly, take the fastest train in 1h 28m, typically 1h 29m. Daily, 48 trains depart from Birmingham, with the first at 01:47 and the last at 23:22. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:22 Birmingham New Street | 2h 2m, 1 change | 22:24 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
21:01 Birmingham New Street | 1h 29m, Direct | 22:30 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
21:07 Birmingham New Street | 2h, 1 change | 23:07 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
22:01 Birmingham New Street | 1h 29m, Direct | 23:30 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
22:30 Birmingham New Street | 1h 43m, Direct | 00:13 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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.
Travelling with CrossCountry: Onboard Experience
For a direct journey from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly, take a practical and speedy CrossCountry train straight from New Street.
Is CrossCountry a reliable operator?
CrossCountry operates one of the UK’s most extensive networks, with routes between the UK’s major cities like Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, and Newcastle.
How regular are trains from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
Expect two trains an hour from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly with CrossCountry.
Does CrossCountry offer First Class tickets?
Yes! The First Class experience is excellent with CrossCountry, with larger seats, more table space, and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks during your journey.
How much luggage can I bring on CrossCountry trains?
On CrossCountry trains, bring up to three pieces of luggage onboard. Remember: your largest item should not exceed 30 x 70 x 90 cm.
Train travel from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly
What local station secrets can make your Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly trip simpler? From England’s second city to one of its most vibrant, here is everything you need to know.
Birmingham New Street: Getting to the Platform
Birmingham New Street is a central rail hub and the largest station in Birmingham. Get to the station on one of eight local rail lines that crisscross the city, or via the West Midlands Metro tram.
- While you wait: Shoppaholics will love waiting at Birmingham New Street, as the station sits below the Grand Central shopping centre. Relax in a big-name or independent coffee shop, browse stores like Foyles or Hotel Chocolat, or enjoy a virtual reality experience at the Sandbox VR at the next-door Bullring.
- Get the right zone: Birmingham New Street is a large station, so allow plenty of time to find your platform. The station is divided into different zones (Red, Green, and Blue) to make it easier to navigate. Trains to Manchester typically depart from platforms 6 to 12, which can be accessed via the Green Lounge.
Onboard trains from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly
The route north from the Brum to Mancs includes great railway sights to match the pleasant onboard experience.
- Key Landmarks: Your route to Manchester Piccadilly will take you past interesting landmarks such as Mow Cop Castle, north of Stoke-on-Trent, and the Silk Museum in Macclesfield.
- The View Alert: Sit on the Right-Hand Side of the carriage (facing North) to see miles of lush Staffordshire fields in the middle part of the journey.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly recently re-opened after a £7.9m upgrade. The station is located close to Piccadilly Gardens in the south east of the city.
- Pint or pharmacy: If you’re thirsty upon arrival in Manchester, why not stop for a drink in The Mill before leaving the station? You’ll also find Costa Coffee and other restaurant chains in the station, plus shops like WHSmith and Boots.
- Beware many exits: CrossCountry trains from Birmingham will typically arrive at platform 3 or 4. The main exit is Station Approach, which is the best choice for onward travel via tram or bus. Another exit leads to Piccadilly Plaza, ideal for those walking to the city centre or Piccadilly Gardens. The Fairfield Street exit, to the southwest of the station, has a convenient taxi rank, while anyone heading to Manchester University or the Northern Quarter should exit onto London Road.
- Free bus to city centre: Manchester has an excellent public transport network, including the Manchester Metrolink tram system, and a free bus service to the city centre.
Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
The train journey from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Birmingham, you can get to Manchester Piccadilly in just 1h 28m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
Ticket prices from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly average around €4.70, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
What is the fastest train from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
The quickest train journey from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly takes 1h 28m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, there are no direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly?
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 Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly train timetables?
Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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 Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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?
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
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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The train from Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly 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
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.
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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 Birmingham to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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