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Manchester to Birmingham train ticket prices
€9.38
On Mon 02 Mar
Manchester to Birmingham train timetable
From Manchester to Birmingham, take the fastest train in 1h 28m, typically 1h 31m. Daily, 55 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 00:29 and the last at 23:36. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 30m, Direct | 18:33 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 31m, Direct | 18:56 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 50m, 1 change | 19:20 Birmingham New Street | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
18:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 30m, Direct | 19:33 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 31m, Direct | 19:56 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Manchester to Birmingham train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Manchester to Birmingham 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.
CrossCountry: Manchester to Birmingham trains
Traveling from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street is quick and easy with a direct train run by CrossCountry. With 20 daily departures, you'll have plenty of trains to choose from.
The comfortable 1.5-hour journey takes you through scenic towns and cities while offering convenient connections between major cities across England, Scotland, and Wales, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cardiff.
Check out TrainPal for the best way to buy cheap train tickets and remember to use your Railcard for extra savings.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
The fastest route from Manchester to Birmingham departs from Manchester Piccadilly station. The station is conveniently located right in the city's centre, making it a super convenient station from which to leave. It’s only a 25-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, a 10-minute walk from Manchester Bus Station, and is connected to Manchester Airport’s shuttle train.
Manchester Piccadilly is managed by Network Rail, and as one of the busiest railway stations in the UK outside of London, a range of train operators run their services from Picadilly, such as Northern Rail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine Express.
Main stops
The main stops for the Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train are Stockport, Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, and Wolverhampton. However, stops may vary depending on the service. It’s best to check which stations the train passes through before you travel.
Arriving at Birmingham New Street
Birmingham New Street is located directly in the city centre. It is close to Birmingham’s other two central train stations, Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street, which is good to know if you have ongoing connecting trains.
Major UK train operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midland Trains, and Transport for Wales, use Birmingham New Street with many trains connecting Birmingham to London Euston station.
There is plenty to do near Birmingham New Street, from a wide range of retail, dining, and nightlife to world-class museums.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
- First Class: Manchester to Birmingham New Street First Class tickets provide for a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.
CrossCountry train travel advice
- Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before traveling.
- Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester to Birmingham train travel guide
Travelling by train from Manchester to Birmingham is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can reach Birmingham in just 1h 28m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Birmingham?
The average fare from Manchester to Birmingham is approximately €9.38, 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.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester to Birmingham?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Birmingham is 1h 28m. 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 to Birmingham?
No, there are no direct trains from Manchester to Birmingham. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester to Birmingham?
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
Are Manchester to Birmingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Manchester to Birmingham trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Manchester to Birmingham trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester to Birmingham are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Which train companies operate the Manchester to Birmingham route?
The route from Manchester to Birmingham is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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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.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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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 to Birmingham train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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