London to Manchester Trains From €16.89*

Avanti is the main operator on the line from London to Manchester, connecting the two cities directly in just about 2 hours. You can pick between three different fares, all offering different levels of comfort and perks. 

Standard, premium, or First Class: Which one to choose on Avanti West Coast Trains？

Avanti is the main high-speed rail carrier between the two cities. When booking the ticket, you can choose from three travel options: Standard, Standard Premium, or First Class. 

London to Manchester: Avanti West Coast First Class worth it? 

The trip takes only about 2 hours, making First Class more of a treat than a real necessity. It’s priced at normally double the standard fare, but can go up significantly depending on the time of booking. While you will get some extra room and access to the lounge, if you are not planning to have a meal onboard, you could choose for a more budget-friendly option and upgrade to premium instead. With Standard Premium, you still have your larger seat, dedicated carriage and access to snacks and drinks from the cafe onboard at a considerably lower price. 

What is the luggage allowance?

Look up the key details for both Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston to familiarise yourself with the stations and have a smooth trip.

Departure from London Euston

• Euston is directly connected with the rest of the city through its built-in underground stop via the Victoria and Northern lines, making it reachable from virtually anywhere in central London in under 15 minutes. Several bus routes also serve the station from central hubs like Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square, and King's Cross.

• Getting to your platform it's quite straightforward — all platforms are at the far end of the main concourse. Check the departure boards and, if you have any luggage to drop off, you can store it near the entrance to Platform 16.

Onboard trains from London to Manchester

The West Coast Main Line was deliberately routed to avoid hilly terrain, so expect a trip through large fields and plains with only some modest hills typical of the English countryside. 

• The View Alert: Book your spot on the right-hand side facing north (the direction of travel) to get the wider open landscape views over Manchester upon arrival.
• Key Landmarks: entering Manchester, you’ll see the Stockport Viaduct, a towering 27-arch red-brick Victorian structure over the town. 

Arriving at Manchester Picadilly 

Manchester Picadilly is located on London Road, at the very core of the city. Buses and taxis are just in front of the train station, with the MetroCity tram (accessible through an escalator from the station) and two free city centre buses departing every 10–12 minutes.

• The Station Main Exit: Head this way for the city centre, Piccadilly Gardens, and the main shopping streets. It leads directly to Piccadilly Plaza, a busy area with shops, restaurants, and office buildings. This is also the most convenient exit for the bus stop. 
• The Fairfield Street Exit: Located on the southwest side of the station, this is where you'll find the taxi rank. It's also the handiest exit if you're being picked up by car.
• The London Road Exit: On the southeast side, this exit is most convenient if you're heading towards Manchester University or the Northern Quarter.