Manchester Piccadilly to York Trains From £2.30*

Travel back in time as you trade Manchester’s industrial heritage for York’s medieval splendour on a direct TransPennine Express service – in just 90 minutes from city to city.

Leave Manchester’s industrial past behind you as your Manchester Piccadilly to York train climbs toward the Pennines, where chimneys and canal networks fade into a landscape of church spires, winding rivers and market towns.

TransPennine Express provides fast intercity services across the north of England and into Scotland, connecting passengers with major cities including Liverpool, Leeds, York, Newcastle, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

Situated on Station Approach in the heart of Manchester, Manchester Piccadilly is one of the UK’s busiest and most well-connected rail stations. With easy access via tram, bus or taxi, it’s just minutes away from Piccadilly Gardens, a key terminus for many bus and tram lines from all around Greater Manchester.

Managed by Network Rail, Manchester Piccadilly is your gateway to both regional and long-distance travel, with frequent services from CrossCountry, Northern, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine Express to major destinations all over the country, including Liverpool, Blackpool, the Lake District, London, or the coast of Llandudno.

Main stops

Travel around the 70 miles from one great northern city to another aboard your Manchester to York train, passing through key stops along the way, including Stalybridge, Huddersfield and Wakefield Kirkgate.

Arriving at York

Located just outside York’s medieval city walls and a short 15-minute walk from the centre, York station offers a convenient starting point for discovering the city’s remarkable history.

The station is well served by trains linking it to London, Edinburgh, Manchester and Leeds, and is a great launchpad from which to discover gems beyond the city like Harrogate, Knaresborough, Whitby and Scarborough.

Arriving into York, step straight into the city’s historic past. Experience the sights and scents of Viking life at the immersive JORVIK Centre, take in the splendour of York Minster, or get lost in the narrow lanes of the Shambles. Round off your visit with an afternoon tea at Betty's York Café Tea Rooms or take a walk on top of the city’s ancient walls.

TransPennine Express train classes 

• Standard Class: Standard Class offers free Wi-Fi on most services, table seats with plug sockets, and a convenient onboard selection of snacks and drinks to keep you refreshed throughout your journey.
• First Class: Travel from Manchester Piccadilly to York First Class for a more comfortable ride with spacious seats, free Wi-Fi, and personal power sockets. Many services also offer complementary refreshments, and there are often weekend upgrades available from as little as £10.

TransPennine Express train travel advice

To ensure you are fully prepared for your Manchester Piccadilly to York train ride, here’s everything you need to know ahead of your journey, including information on luggage allowances, storage facilities, travelling with children and pets, and assisted travel.

• Luggage: Passengers may bring up to three items of luggage at no extra cost. Suitcases, rucksacks and bags can be stowed in overhead racks or under seats to keep aisles and exits clear.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are allowed onboard with a free reservation, which can be made up to 15 minutes before departure. Folding bikes do not require a reservation. E-scooters are not permitted on any service.
• Children: Kids under 5 travel free, and children aged 5-15 can take advantage of half-price tickets. With a 16-17 Saver railcard, older teens can also buy tickets with a 50% discount.
• Pets: If you’re travelling with pets, you can bring up to two small animals at no extra charge. Dogs must remain on a leash, while other small animals must be transported in pet carriers. All animals should remain off the seats.
• Passenger Assist: Support is on hand for passengers with limited mobility or additional needs, including help boarding, alighting, carrying bags, and navigating stations. Book in advance with Passenger Assist or speak to staff at the station when you arrive.

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