Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From £2.10*

The journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly is between fifteen and twenty minutes. Making it ideal for someone who’s just arrived from a flight and wants to get home with a minimum of fuss. Northern, Transport for Wales, and TransPennine Express, which runs the Manchester Express service, are the leading operators on this route.

It’s only nine and a half miles from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly, so you’ll breeze through the outskirts of Manchester to reach Manchester Piccadilly in the city centre.

Northern runs services across and throughout the North of England, serving over five hundred stations. It reliably connects cities such as Leeds, Newcastle, York, and Manchester, as well as smaller destinations like Sunderland, Blackpool, and Darlington.

Departing from Manchester Airport

Departing from Manchester Airport, the train station is conveniently located just a short walk from arrivals, making it easy to reach Manchester Piccadilly. Northern, TransPennine Express, which operates the Manchester Express, and Transport for Wales are the leading train operators at this station.

Trains leave regularly to various destinations around Northern England and Wales, connecting travellers to key locations such as Liverpool, Leeds, York, Chester, and Cardiff, offering extensive access across the region.

Main stops

The journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly may pass through stations such as Gatley, Burnage, Mauldeth Road, and Heald Green. The stops may vary depending on the time, train operators, and train routes.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is the UK’s second-busiest railway station outside of London, yet it still offers a modern, reliable, and efficient experience for passengers. Found just southeast of the city centre, it’s dependably connected to public transport and some of Manchester’s main attractions.

Being in Manchester City Centre, the station is conveniently located near local buses, taxi services at the station’s Fairfield Street exit, and even has its own tram stop named ‘Picadilly’. Manchester’s Oxford Road and Victoria Stations are also within walking distance, or you could take the tram. All of these services mean you can explore Manchester or get to your next destination as quickly as possible.

There are so many great things to do near Manchester Piccadilly as it’s right in the city centre. If you’d like to do some shopping, the Arndale Centre is only a fifteen-minute walk from the station, while Manchester’s Trafford Centre is only thirty minutes away by tram. If you’re feeling hungry, head to Chinatown for some of the best Chinese cuisine in the UK, like at Little Yang Sing, or head to the Northern Quarter for a slate of the city’s bougie cafes like The Koffee Pot. The National Football Museum, Manchester Art Gallery, and the entertainment hub The Printworks are also notable attractions, all of which are within a twenty-minute walk from Manchester Piccadilly.

It’s no surprise that Manchester Piccadilly has six train operators that run services through the station, given that it's one of the busiest stations in Britain. These are: Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, and East Midlands Railway. This major hub connects Manchester to a variety of key destinations, including London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, Leeds, and Liverpool, facilitating extensive travel across the UK.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Enjoy free Wi-Fi on all newly refurbished trains with comfortable seating. Priority seats are available for the elderly, pregnant, or those with reduced mobility.

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 at no cost. Dogs are required to be on a lead, while other animals must be transported in carriers. Each passenger is allowed a maximum of two pets.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. Limited first-come, first-served spaces are provided for bikes, but they are free. Wheelchair spaces must be kept clear.
• Children: Children under the age of 5 can travel without charge, while those between 5 and 15 years old get a 50% discount on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard provides up to a one-third reduction on family ticket prices.
• Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.

The journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly takes around twenty minutes when travelling with Transport for Wales. Along the way, passengers can observe a transition from the airport's bustling surroundings to the vibrant urban environment of Manchester. The route offers glimpses of suburban neighbourhoods, interspersed with green spaces and parks, before reaching the heart of the city with its mix of historic and contemporary architecture.

Transport for Wales operates most train services within Wales, including routes such as Cardiff to Swansea, as well as cross-border services to destinations in England, including Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester.

Transport for Wales train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: First Class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, and exclusive dining options. However, the journey is only fifteen minutes between stations.

Transport for Wales train travel advice

• Luggage: Each passenger can bring up to three pieces of luggage - that’s up to two large bags and one smaller handbag or backpack.
• Pets: Two pets are allowed per passenger, but they must not inconvenience or endanger others.
• Bicycles: Spaces for bikes are limited. Reservations are free. While e-cycles are allowed, e-scooters are not permitted.
• Children: When accompanied by a paying adult, children aged 11–15 travel free on off-peak services, while those under 11 travel free anytime.
• Passenger Assist: Provide ramps for boarding and alighting trains, guide you through the station, help find and reserve seats, and assist with luggage.

The journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly takes approximately nineteen minutes with TransPennine Express. During the journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester Piccadilly with TransPennine Express, passengers can enjoy views of the dynamic urban landscape, featuring a mix of modern architecture and historic industrial sites. As the train approaches the city center, travelers will also catch glimpses of Manchester's iconic skyline and bustling neighbourhoods.

TransPennine Express provides regional and long-distance inter-city services to link the major Scottish and Northern English cities, including Newcastle, Leeds, Manchester, Liverpool, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. TransPennine Express also runs the Manchester Express service that links Manchester Airport with Manchester Piccadilly.

TransPennine Express train classes

• Standard Class: Travelling in Standard Class provides comfortable seating, access to free Wi-Fi, power sockets at every seat, and complimentary food and beverages available at select times and routes.
• First Class: Enjoy free WiFi and roomy seating with legroom, equipped with power outlets and USB ports at every seat, along with complimentary snacks and drinks available at certain times and on specific routes.

TransPennine Express travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag. Racks are available for larger bags like suitcases, while overhead storage holds cabin bags and smaller pieces of luggage.
• Pets: Small animals, including dogs and cats, travel for free. Dogs should be leashed, and other animals must be transported in carriers. Each passenger is allowed up to two pets.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel. Charging e-bikes is prohibited. E-scooters and similar devices are not allowed.
• Children: Adults can bring two children under 5 for free, and a 50% discount is available for most Advance tickets for 5–15-year-olds.
• Passenger Assist: Offering ramps for getting on and off trains, luggage assistance, and guidance around the station, including help with stairs and providing wheelchairs or buggies for longer distances.

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