Travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street by train with CrossCountry in just 1 hour 30 minutes.
Get from Manchester to Birmingham on one efficient, direct service, and enjoy picturesque views of rolling green hills throughout your journey. When booking in advance with TrainPal, you can buy cheap train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham by making the most of railcard discounts, split tickets and advance fares.
CrossCountry runs a wide array of popular routes across the UK, connecting major cities like Cardiff, Birmingham, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Leicester.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
To get from Manchester to Birmingham, you’ll start your trip at Manchester Piccadilly, a well-connected station in the south of the city.
Just a short walk from the city centre, and attractions like Piccadilly Gardens, the station is conveniently located for local bus routes and on the Manchester 'Metrolink' tram network. Manchester Piccadilly also has plentiful bicycle storage at the front station entrance for those arriving on two wheels.
Waiting for your departure time is a comfortable experience in Manchester Piccadilly, with waiting rooms, public Wi-Fi, and a First Class lounge for any passengers with a Manchester to Birmingham First Class ticket.
A major northern hub, Manchester Piccadilly takes passengers to cities and towns like Norwich, Llandudno, Stoke-On-Trent, Sheffield, Windermere, Liverpool Lime Street, and London Euston. With so many destinations, Manchester Piccadilly is served by several operators, notably TransPennine Express, Northern, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, and East Midlands Railway.
Main stops
From Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street, you will usually stop at Stockport, Macclesfield, Stoke-On-Trent, Stafford, and Wolverhampton, before arriving at Birmingham New Street, though exact stops may vary depending on the date and route. After you alight in Birmingham, the CrossCountry train will continue onwards towards Bristol.
Arriving at Birmingham New Street
An iconic station at the heart of England’s second city, Birmingham New Street is a busy and well-connected Midlands transport hub.
Located centrally in Birmingham, New Street Station is perfectly placed to enjoy the city. Take a stroll to Birmingham Cathedral, or shop until you drop in the Bullring. Get around the city easily on one of the many buses that call at New Street Station.
Onward rail services from Birmingham New Street include trains to places like London Euston, Nottingham, Hereford, Leicester, Shrewsbury, Liverpool Lime Street, Edinburgh, and Plymouth. A central destination for CrossCountry, Birmingham New Street is also served by other operators, including Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains.
CrossCountry train classes
When taking the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street, choose between:
- Standard Class: The most economical way to get from Manchester to Birmingham, passengers in Standard Class get free train Wi-Fi, comfortable seats, some seats with tables, luggage racks at the ends of aisles, and a chance to reserve a seat in advance.
- First Class: For a little extra luxury, buy a Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street First Class ticket, which gives you more legroom, complimentary Wi-Fi, and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: CrossCountry trains have limited luggage space, so the operator recommends that passengers bring only one item of luggage onboard. This can measure a maximum of 90cm x 70cm x 30cm. Handbags, small rucksacks, and satchel bags can be stored under the seat in front of you or on your lap.
- Bicycles: You can reserve a space for your bike before you travel, and bikes without a reservation will be accepted on a first-come-first-served basis.
- Pets: CrossCountry trains are generally pet-friendly, though you must abide by certain rules. Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free, up to two pets per passenger. Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times, while cats, birds, and small animals must be carried in an enclosed basket or pet carrier
- Children: Children travel for less, with free tickets for under 5s and half price for 5 to 15-year-olds.
- Passenger Assist: Request help with boarding and alighting trains, lifting luggage, providing a station wheelchair, and more with CrossCountry’s Passenger Assist service.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.