Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From £2.90*

Getting from Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly only takes around thirty-three minutes with Northern or twenty-three minutes with CrossCountry & Avant West Coast.

It’s a short but sweet journey. Macclesfield is located right on the edge of the Peak District, so on your way to Manchester, you’ll leave behind its blend of rolling green hills, market-town cosiness, and country pubs for Manchester’s inner-city, urban backdrop.

Northern runs train services throughout Northern England, covering regions such as the North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humberside. It links major cities, including Newcastle, Preston, York, Leeds, and Manchester, to local centres like Knaresborough, Heworth, Darlington, and various rural stations.

Departing from Macclesfield

Macclesfield Station can be found where Waters Green meets Sunderland Street, in the very centre of the town.

Given its convenient location, the station is easy to get to. It has a small park with only nineteen regular spaces, which are available seven days a week and a cycle storage space that can accommodate forty-eight bicycles. A taxi rank is available outside the station, and local buses stop close by.

This station is served by Northern, CrossCountry, and Avanti West Coast, which serve destinations like London Euston and Stoke-on-Trent and further locales such as London Euston.

Main stops

If you travel with Northern, six stations separate Macclesfield and Manchester Piccadilly: Prestbury, Adlington, Poynton, Bramhall, Cheadle Hulme, and Stockport; If you travel with CrossCountry, there is only one stop: Stockport.

Traveling with Avanti West Coast offers a direct service from Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly, typically without any intermediate stops, providing a quicker journey.

Using sites like TrainPal can help you find the cheapest fare. If you add a Railcard, you can get yourself an extra discount, too. It really is the best way to buy cheap train tickets.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly puts you right in the heart of the action. It doesn’t matter whether you’re attending a gig at the AO Arena, watching a match at Old Trafford, or just coming in for a spot of shopping and schmoozing in the Northern Quarter, you can get anywhere you want to quickly, right from Piccadilly.

Taxis are available on the Fairfield Street side of the station, frequent local bus routes run outside, and regular Metrolink trams depart from Piccadilly Tram Station.

If you need to get to Manchester Airport, a regular train departs from Piccadilly, which can take you to the airport in only fifteen minutes.

Six train operators serve Manchester Piccadilly, making it a very handy station if you have onward connections. In total, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, and TransPennine Express serve this station.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: Northern does not have First Class sections on any of its trains.

Northern 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. There is no need to book a space.
• 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: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.

CrossCountry provides efficient train services from Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly, typically taking around 23 minutes with a single stop at Stockport. Known for their comfortable and reliable service, CrossCountry trains offer a convenient option for travelers heading to Manchester.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: A CrossCountry Macclesfield to Manchester First Class ticket provides a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry train travel advice

• Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before travelling.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

Avanti West Coast offers a fast and direct train service from Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly, typically completing the journey in approximately 23 minutes. Renowned for their high-speed and comfortable trains, Avanti West Coast provides a seamless travel experience with minimal interruptions, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a quick commute to Manchester.

Passengers can enjoy modern amenities and a smooth ride, ensuring a pleasant journey. It's always a good idea to check the schedule for any updates or changes before traveling.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Avanti West Coast’s Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First Class: A Macclesfield to Manchester Piccadilly First Class ticket with Avanti West Coast gives you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and drink, and First Class lounge access.

Avanti West Coast 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 benefit from discounted 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: Assist with boarding and alighting trains, book wheelchair space and seating, offer comprehensive rail information, and help with animals or pets.

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