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Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington train times and prices
Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington 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 £36.00
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
3h 47m
Distance
161 miles (258km)
First/last train
12:13 / 13:25
Frequency
6
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington by train? Find fares from as low as £36.00. 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
£36.00
On Sun 15
Live timetable and departures
Journey from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington on the fastest train in 3h 47m, usually 3h 56m. Every day, 6 trains leave from Manchester Piccadilly, starting at 12:13 and ending at 13:25. During Off-Peak Times from 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter and less crowded journey. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with us.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:05 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 27m, Direct | 11:32 London Paddington | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
08:20 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 23m, Direct | 11:43 London Paddington | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
08:26 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 47m, 1 change | 12:13 London Paddington | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
08:26 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 58m, 1 change | 12:24 London Paddington | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:20 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 25m, Direct | 12:45 London Paddington | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington
- East Midlands Railway
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway (EMR) connects London St Pancras International with the East Midlands, Yorkshire and the East of England along the Midland Main Line. It serves major destinations including Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield, while also providing regional and airport links. Its modernisation program includes fully refurbished regional trains and a new fleet of high-speed, eco-friendly Aurora trains.
Standard
Refurbished trains with modern ergonomic seating arranged in a 2+2 configuration
Air-conditioned carriages
Improved luggage storage
Onboard trolley services for drinks and snacks on selected routes
Luggage
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
Seat Types
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, long-distance passengers and those looking for additional space and comfort
Larger tables, additional legroom and premium seating in a quieter carriage
Complimentary food and hot drinks are served at the seat from Monday to Saturday
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"On the Liverpool–Norwich route, Class 158 trains can become busy. If seating and luggage space are priorities, Coach A can be preferable to Coach B, where the accessible toilet and bicycle storage can reduce available seating."
"At London St Pancras International, EMR Intercity services commonly depart from Platforms 1 to 4. Instead of waiting in the busiest part of the main concourse, arriving at the upper level near the platform gates around 20 minutes before departure can help you avoid the busiest part of the concourse and secure overhead luggage space before boarding queues build up."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
Address:
Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Tram: Piccadilly tram station is on the Blue and Yellow lines of the Metrolink network, serving Manchester Airport, Bury, Altrincham and other areas.
Bus: First and Stagecoach operate many routes across the city and Greater Manchester, including Fallowfield, West Didsbury and Cheetham Hill. Both of the city’s free bus routes also stop at the station.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: You can catch a cab or have the driver drop you off at the station’s taxi rank on Fairfield Street.
Platforms:
16 platforms in total (14 National Rail and 2 Metrolink). Platforms 1-4 are mostly used by trains to Sheffield, Huddersfield and Crewe. Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry tend to use the longest platforms (5-9), while local services use the shorter(14 National Rail and 2 Metrolink) platforms (10-12). Services to Manchester Airport generally call at platforms 9-12. Trains to Wales, the north of England and Scotland typically depart from platform 13 or 14.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Use the lift to the left of the waiting area or on Fairfield Street to avoid the concourse crowds and long stair routes. It is ideal for getting around the station with luggage and moving between rail platforms, the tram stop and taxi rank."
FAQs about Manchester Piccadilly Station
Is there parking at Manchester Piccadilly station?
Yes, the station has a 24-hour long-stay car park on Boad Street with 856 spaces and 32 accessible bays. For short stays and drop-offs, use the car park on Fairfield Street (open 24 hours). There are 47 spaces and three accessible parking bays.
What time does Manchester Piccadilly train station open?
Manchester Piccadilly generally opens about 20 minutes before the first train, around 02:40.
Are there lockers at Manchester Piccadilly station?
There aren’t any self-service lockers at Manchester Piccadilly, but the station does have a left luggage office. The office is located between platforms 10 and 11. Drop off and pick up your belongings from 07:00–23:00, Monday to Saturday and 08:00–23:00 on Sunday.
What food places are in Manchester Piccadilly station?
Manchester Piccadilly station has a range of coffee kiosks, fast food outlets and grocery shops. Options include Tortilla, M&S and Caffè Nero.
Does Manchester Piccadilly station have toilets?
Yes, there are toilets opposite platforms 11 and 12 at Manchester Piccadilly. Additional facilities are on the upper concourse and near the waiting lounge by platforms 13 and 14. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
Arriving at London Paddington
Address:
Praed Street, London, W2 1HQ, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
London Underground: Paddington has two Tube stations, one served by the Bakerloo, Circle and District lines, and the other by eastbound Circle and Hammersmith & City line trains. The station is in Fare Zone 1.
Elizabeth line: Access to/from the speedy Elizabeth line is near platform 1.
Bus: Many TfL routes (including night buses) stop by the entrances on Praed Street (stops F, H and P), Eastbourne Terrace (stops D and E) and the Paddington Basin and Bishops Bridge Road (stops J, K, R and T). Destinations include Camden, Victoria, Piccadilly Circus and New Cross.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Licensed black cabs use the taxi rank on the upper level by the Paddington Basin and Bishops Bridge Road entrance (accessible via a ramp, stairs and lift).
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Paddington Bear statue (1-min walk to platform 1)
Marten Baas Real Time Clock (2-min walk)
Alexander Fleming Museum (4-min walk)
Little Venice (8-min walk)
Hyde Park (12-min walk)
Airport Transfers:
Direct trains to Heathrow Airport are available on the Heathrow Express (15–21 minutes) and the Elizabeth line (28–35 minutes). The Elizabeth line has stops at all terminals, whereas the Heathrow Express directly serves Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3 and Heathrow Terminal 5.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Grab a coffee on the quieter mezzanine level above the main concourse, and allow plenty of time for the busy station. For a memorable photo opportunity, find the life-sized Paddington Bear statue beneath the station clock on platform 1. Platforms 12 and 14, outside the main train shed, are usually used for local services rather than long-distance GWR trains."
FAQs: London Paddington Station
How do I get to Paddington station?
London Paddington is accessible by Tube (Bakerloo, Circle, District and Hammersmith & City lines), Elizabeth line, National Rail routes (operated by Great Western Railway (GWR) and Heathrow Express) and local buses.
Where are the entrances to the Elizabeth Line station at Paddington?
The Elizabeth line has a street-level entrance on Eastbourne Terrace as well as the western side of the London Paddington station concourse (near platform 1).
How early do you need to get to Paddington station?
Get to London Paddington about 15–20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart so you have enough time to navigate the crowds. The platform will likely be announced 10–15 minutes before, and you’ll need to board the train at least two minutes before the train leaves.
Can you get food at Paddington station?
There’s an array of food and drink options within the station building. Choose from pub classics at The Mad Bishop & Bear, order a pick-me-up from Caffè Nero or grab a quick bite or meal deal from Sainsbury’s, Barburrito or Wasabi.
Is there luggage storage at Paddington station?
Yes, London Paddington station has a staffed left luggage office rather than self-service coin lockers. The office is by platform 12 and open from 07:00 to 23:00.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington
Apply for East Midlands Railway Delay Repay
EMR bases Delay Repay compensation on the length of the delay when you reach your final destination, and not the delay to an individual train.
15 to 29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket or 12.5% of a return ticket
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket or 25% of a return ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket or 50% of a return ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of either a single or a return ticket
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
FAQ
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How much is a train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington?
Tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington typically cost £94.54, but can be as cheap as £36.00 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 56m, though it can be as quick as 3h 47m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington?
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester Piccadilly and London Paddington. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington?
You can typically book tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Manchester Piccadilly from London Paddington?
The distance between Manchester Piccadilly and London Paddington is approximately 161 miles (258km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington?
There is 6 train running from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to London Paddington?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
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* 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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