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Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train ticket prices

Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street by train? Find fares from as low as €17.15. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest

€17.15󰄽

On Sat 19

  • €20.09󰄽
    Sun13Sep
  • €22.67󰄽
    Mon14Sep
  • €24.50󰄽
    Tue15Sep
  • €21.83󰄽
    Wed16Sep
  • €22.05󰄽
    Thu17Sep
  • €18.74󰄽
    Fri18Sep
  • Sat19Sep

Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train timetable

Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street, the fastest train takes 1h 29m with an average travel time of 1h 41m. 41 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:26 and the last at 23:00. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

DepartsArrivesOperator

08:26

Manchester Piccadilly
1h 30m, Direct

09:56

Birmingham New Street
CrossCountry
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09:27

Manchester Piccadilly
1h 29m, Direct

10:56

Birmingham New Street
CrossCountry
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09:30

Manchester Piccadilly
1h 51m, 1 change

11:21

Birmingham New Street
Transport for Wales
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09:59

Manchester Piccadilly
2h 19m, 2 change

12:18

Birmingham New Street
LNR & WMR
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10:26

Manchester Piccadilly
1h 32m, Direct

11:58

Birmingham New Street
CrossCountry
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Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train tickets and times

Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street 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.

Price
From €17.15
Departure station
Arrival station
Distance
70 miles (113km)
Journey time
1h 29m
First train
08:26
Last train
23:00
Frequency
41

Avanti West Coast vs CrossCountry: Which should you choose?

By Daniel Clark | Updated May 20, 2026
Often battling to be crowned the UK’s second city, Manchester and Birmingham have plenty to see and do. Hop on a direct train between these two contenders and decide for yourself. But first, determine which operator offers the best service to take you to the Midlands.
Train operators
Avg. duration
Departure station
Best for
Feature services
Avanti West Coast
1h 38m
Manchester Piccadilly
Business, upgrade options
Standard Premium Class (First Class benefits at a lower price)
CrossCountry
1h 31m
Manchester Piccadilly
Budget, frequent departures
Cheaper Advance tickets, First Class upgrade option, at-seat catering
  • Avanti only offers early morning departures at 06:02 and 06:23 on weekdays. Three train classes are available to book, with a selection of benefits to suit your taste and budget.
  • CrossCountry services are typically faster and cheaper. Wait no more than half an hour for a direct train during peak hours.

Train travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Cover 70 miles (113 kilometres) in no time with a direct Manchester to Birmingham train. The trip promises a great experience at every stage.

Manchester Piccadilly: Getting to the platform

Starting your trip at Manchester Piccadilly station is easy, no matter where you’re commuting from in the city. Walk from the city centre or arrive by Bee Network bus or Metrolink tram (Blue and Yellow lines).

  • Free bus routes: Get to the station via two zero-fare bus services. Route 1 serves Deansgate, Spinningfields and Central coach station, whereas Route 2 connects Chinatown, the Royal Exchange and the Medieval Quarter to Manchester Piccadilly.
  • Finding your platform: Services from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street tend to stop at platform 3 or 4 near the information point. Double-check the departures board and allow plenty of time to walk through the station and board your train.
  • Shopping and dining: Grab a quick bite or coffee from one of the many outlets like Carluccio’s or the Pasty Shop. If you fancy picking up a book, treat or gift, pay a visit to WHSmith, Accessorize or Cards Galore.

On board trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Treat yourself to refreshments and views of scenic green spaces and former industrial sites - all from the comfort of your seat.

  • Scenery from the window: The Manchester to Birmingham train zooms across rural landscapes and Cheshire farmland. Sit on either side of the train for great views of the North and Midlands.
  • Refreshments delivered to you: Order drinks, light snacks, tasty sandwiches and meal deals to your seat. Snacks and beverages are free in First Class.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street station serves as a perfect gateway into the vibrant Midlands city. Navigate its exits and onward travel links with ease.

  • Grand Central/Bullring exits: There are multiple exits across Birmingham New Street leading up to the Grand Central and Bullring shopping centres above.
  • Victoria Square exit: Head this way out if you’re boarding the West Midlands Metro tram.
  • Navigation Street exit: This exit is located near the Black Sabbath mural.
  • Southside exit: Board local buses here or head to one of Station Street’s restaurants.
  • Smallbrook Queensway exit: More buses, as well as the taxi rank, can be directly accessed from this exit.
  • Travelling around Brum: Step out of the station, and you’re a short stroll away from the city centre, Jewellery Quarter and Custard Factory on foot. New Street also offers rapid transfers to local bus routes, trams to Wolverhampton and the Air-Rail Link shuttle to/from Birmingham Airport.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Why book Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street trains with TrainPal?

  • Why book with TrainPal vs Trainline?

    Unlike Trainline, TrainPal charges no booking fees on any route. On top of that, TrainPal's Split Ticket feature automatically divides your journey into multiple ticket segments, saving up to 50% compared to buying a single through ticket. Train fares from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street start from just €17.15 on TrainPal.

  • Is TrainPal cheaper than buying direct?

    TrainPal is often cheaper than buying direct. We don't charge any booking fees, and our Split Ticketing technology searches for the lowest fare combination across your entire journey—something train operator websites don't offer. Plus, we compare prices across multiple operators (e.g., CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast on the Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street route) in a single search, so you always see the cheapest option regardless of which company operates the train.

Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train travel guide

Travelling by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can reach Birmingham New Street in just 1h 29m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

Planning and booking

How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street?

The average fare from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street is approximately €17.15, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.

How do I find the best train route from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street?

Make full use of the TrainPal app or website. Our Train Journey Planner is an excellent online planning tool. Simply fill in the cities or stations you depart from and arrive at. Then check timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and see if there are food supplies or other amenities you need. You can get the best train route from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street.

What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street?

The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street is 1h 29m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.

Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street?

No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street. 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street?

Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.

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

Check timetables and during the journey

How do I find Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train timetables?

Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street 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?

Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.

What is the difference between Standard and First Class?

While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.

Other things you might be interested

Other things you might be interested

Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.

Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.

Which train companies operate the Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street route?

The Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street route is operated by CrossCountry. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.

Essential onboard rules and facilities

  • Luggage

    Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.

  • Bicycle

    A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.

  • Children

    Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.

  • Pets

    Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.

  • Passenger assistance

    For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.

How to buy cheap Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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Compensation and refunds

Your plans have changed?

For step-by-step guidance on amending your journey or applying for a refund, please access our dedicated ticket refunds and changes page.

Your train was disrupted?

To claim compensation for a delay (Delay Repay): If your train was delayed, cancelled, or impacted by a strike, you can find live service updates and find out how to claim on our delays and disruptions page or UK rail strike page.

* 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.