Getting from Glasgow to Manchester with TransPennine Express takes around three hours and twenty minutes.
You'll travel south from Glasgow, passing through some of the most iconic countryside in the UK, including Dumfries and Galloway, Cumbria with its exquisite scenery in the Lake District, and Lancashire.
TransPennine Express provides regional and long-distance intercity routes linking key cities across Northern England and Scotland, such as Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.
Glasgow Central Station is on Gordon Street, right in the city centre of Glasgow. It's one of the UK's busiest and most well-connected stations, serving both the West Coast Mainline and having easy access via Edinburgh to the East Coast Mainline, as well as connections to the north of Scotland.
Local bus routes stop all around the station, and taxis can drop you off at the Gordon Street exit to the station.
Five UK train operators use Glasgow Central: ScotRail, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, and CrossCountry.
Main stops
There are six stations from Glasgow Central to Manchester Oxford Road: Lockerbie, Carlisle, Penrith, Oxenholme Lake District, Lancaster, and Preston.
However, these may change due to scheduling alterations, so it's best to check before you leave.
Adding a Railcard, booking early, and using sites like TrainPal will all help you get a cheaper fare.
Yes, you guessed it. Manchester Oxford Road Station is located along Oxford Road, on Station Approach.
It’s easy to get to the rest of Manchester when arriving at this station. There are taxis and local buses that offer discounted travel when you keep your train ticket, as well as links to Manchester’s Metrolink tram network. Plus, three free Metroshuttle buses link all the city's main train stations, like Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly. The services run daily from 7 am to 7 pm.
Manchester’s legendary live music venue, ‘The Ritz’ or O2 Ritz, is located opposite the station on Whitworth Street. It’s notable for its sprung dance floor and the number of legendary acts that have played there in the past, like New Order, The Beatles, and The Smiths. There are also tons of pubs, bars, and restaurants near the station, too.
TransPennine Express train classes
- Standard Class: TransPennine Express Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
- First Class: A Glasgow to Manchester First Class ticket with TransPennine Express will give you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi and complimentary food and drink.
TransPennine Express train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Providing ramps for entering and exiting trains, luggage support, and station guidance, with help for stairs andprovision of wheelchairs or buggies for covering greater distances.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.