Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From €9.27*

Travel from the Scottish capital to the capital of the North with TransPennine Express. Direct trains run from Edinburgh Waverley to Manchester Piccadilly every two hours, and the journey is typically around 3 hours and 14 minutes. Take in the magnificent views of the valley at Beattock and distant mountains as you pass the Pennines and Lake District.

Offering regional and intercity services, TransPennine Express provides routes covering stations in the North of England and Scotland. Stops on the network include Berwick-upon-Tweed, Sheffield and Liverpool Lime Street.

Departing from Edinburgh (Waverley)

The Edinburgh to Manchester train journey begins at Edinburgh Waverley station, centrally located on Princes Street. This key transport hub is served by multiple operators including TransPennine Express, ScotRail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER), CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Lumo, and Caledonian Sleeper. From here, trains travel to notable destinations such as Stirling, Aberdeen, London, Durham, and more, offering plenty of travel options for both business and leisure.

Edinburgh Waverley’s city centre location makes it highly accessible—Exit 1 is a major stop for numerous Lothian bus routes, while nearby Market Street and Waverley Bridge provide convenient taxi ranks just steps from the station entrance.

Main stops

Stops on the train from Edinburgh Waverley to Manchester Piccadilly include Carlisle, Lancaster and Bolton. There may be different stops on the route according to the operator, time and route.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

Your Edinburgh to Manchester train calls at Manchester Piccadilly station. Located on Piccadilly Station Approach, it’s about 15 minutes away from the city centre. Spend your day visiting attractions and popular spots like the Northern Quarter, or escape the hustle and bustle along the Green Spaces Trail, passing Mayfield Park, the canal and tranquil gardens.

Manchester Piccadilly is easily accessible from the city, the surrounding suburbs and the airport. Two free city buses call at the station. The station is also on the Metrolink tram network (available on the lower level).

As one of the busiest railway hubs in the country, Manchester Piccadilly station offers plenty of journey options. Six train-operating companies serve the station: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway (EMR) and Transport for Wales (TfW). Trains run between Manchester Piccadilly and stations like Llandudno, Durham, Norwich, Oxford and London Euston.

TransPennine Express train classes

• Standard Class: Free WiFi access and comfy seating are provided in Standard Class. Table seats and pairs of seats are fitted with plug sockets to charge your devices. Certain TransPennine Express routes also sell refreshments. The Express Café is open from 07:00 to 18:30 Monday–Friday and between 09:00 and 18:30 during weekends.
• First Class: Edinburgh to Manchester First Class perks include complimentary food and drink. Each seat has a power socket. The Express Plus restaurant operates between 07:00 and 18:30 on weekdays and from 09:00 to 18:30 on weekends. As with Standard Class fares, you can buy cheap train tickets by booking early.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

• Luggage: TransPennine Express allows one piece of hand luggage and two larger bags or suitcases under 30 x 70 x 90 centimetres.
• Bicycles: You must pre-book a bike space. E-scooters and similar devices such as hoverboards aren’t permitted. E-bikes cannot be charged on board.
• Children: Travel is free for two kids under 5. Most Advance tickets are half price for 5–15-year-olds. Additional savings are available for 16–17 Saver Railcard and Family and Friends Railcard holders. Fold buggies and put them in the luggage racks or cycle area (when not booked).
• Pets: Animals must stay off seats and be on a lead or in a secure carrier throughout the journey. You can bring up to two dogs or small domestic pets with you.
• Passenger Assist: Request help for your journey like alighting the train by contacting the Passenger Assist Team (pre-booking recommended).

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.