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London to Manchester train ticket prices
£20.40
On Fri 06 Mar
London to Manchester train timetable
From London to Manchester, take the fastest train in 2h 7m, typically 2h 13m. Daily, 43 trains depart from London, with the first at 08:06 and the last at 23:40. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:35 London Euston | 3h 35m, 1 change | 00:10 Manchester Piccadilly | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
21:01 London Euston | 2h 34m, Direct | 23:35 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
London to Manchester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London 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.
Direct train route from London to Manchester
It takes an average of 2h 7m to travel from London to Manchester by train. The distance is approximately 163 miles (262km). Normally, 43 trains per day travel from London to Manchester, with the first train departing at 08:06 and the last at 23:40.
Departing from London Euston
The best and fastest train from London to Manchester departs from London Euston. Located on the London Inner Ring Road, between Cardington Street and Eversholt Street in the London Borough of Camden, Euston Station is easily accessible by buses, taxis, and the London Underground.
London Euston provides train services to other major cities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Northampton, and Watford. The main train operators serving this station include Avanti West Coast, London Northwestern Railway, Caledonian Sleeper, and London Overground, ensuring a wide range of travel options.
London Euston is also well-connected to the London Underground, with direct access to the Northern and Victoria lines. This makes it convenient for passengers to reach other parts of London seamlessly.
Main stops
The main stops along this journey include Milton Keynes Central, Stoke-on-Trent, Stockport, and beyond. The stops may vary depending on the time, train operators, and train routes.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
The best and fastest train from London to Manchester arrives at Manchester Piccadilly. Located in the southeast of the city centre, Manchester Piccadilly Station is easily accessible by various modes of transport, including buses, taxis, and the Metrolink trams.
Manchester Piccadilly provides train services to other major cities such as Bristol, Liverpool, Chester, Sheffield, and Bradford. The main train operators serving this station include Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales, ensuring a wide range of travel options.
Near Manchester Piccadilly, visit the vibrant Northern Quarter for its street art and cafes, explore the Manchester Art Gallery, and enjoy shopping and dining in the bustling Piccadilly Gardens area.
Avanti West Coast trains from London to Manchester
Travel from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly in about 2 hours and 15 minutes with Avanti West Coast trains.
Along the way, enjoy views of the scenic English countryside, rolling hills, and quaint villages, as well as the Chiltern Hills, lush landscapes of the Trent Valley, and the edge of the Peak District, offering a picturesque travel experience.
Avanti West Coast is the premier provider of long-distance trains on the West Coast. It offers high-speed trains from London to destinations such as Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Chester.
Avanti West Coast Standard Class
Travelling in Standard Class gives you access to free onboard WiFi, snacks from the onboard shop, and refurbished seats and tables.
Avanti West Coast Standard Premium
Travelling in Standard Premium gives you upgraded seats with extra legroom, a table for working, and plug sockets at every window seat.
Avanti West Coast First Class
Travelling in First Class gives you upgraded seats with extra legroom, personalised service onboard, complimentary food and drink, and access to First Class lounges for pre-departure comfort.
Travel with Avanti West Coast
We provide all the information you might need for your journey, including luggage allowance, storage facilities, travelling with children and pets, and assisted travel.
- Luggage: You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
- Bicycles: Bike reservations are mandatory and free. Limited spaces are available for standard bikes, folding bikes, tandems, and e-bikes. No motorcycles, tricycles, or e-scooters.
- Children: On most journeys, children under 5 travel free, ages 5-15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver for 50% off.
- Pets: Bring up to 2 pets free, keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant cars.
- Passenger Assist: Services for passengers with special needs include assistance, help boarding, reserving wheelchair spaces, detailed rail info, and pet assistance.
London to Manchester train travel guide
The train journey from London to Manchester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can get to Manchester in just 2h 7m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Manchester?
Ticket prices from London to Manchester average around £20.40, 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 London to Manchester?
What is the fastest train from London to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from London to Manchester is 2h 7m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from London to Manchester?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from London to Manchester. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Manchester?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Manchester train timetables?
London to Manchester 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?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do London to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Manchester 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?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
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?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the London to Manchester route?
The train from London to Manchester 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
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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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 London to Manchester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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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