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Manchester to Birmingham train ticket prices
€9.46
On Sat 28 Mar
Manchester to Birmingham train timetable
From Manchester to Birmingham, take the fastest train in 1h 28m, typically 1h 31m. Daily, 53 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 00:24 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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:11 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 41m, 1 change | 06:52 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
05:11 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 46m, Direct | 06:57 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:02 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 35m, Direct | 07:37 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
06:07 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 13m, 1 change | 08:20 Birmingham New Street | Northern | Find tickets |
06:23 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 41m, Direct | 08:04 Birmingham New Street | Avanti West Coast | 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 vs Avanti West Coast: Which should you choose?
CrossCountry is the main operator running direct trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Birmingham New Street; however, Avanti also serves the line with a few trains per day. Check the table below to see all the details about the two options and pick the best for your trip.
Train operators | Avg. duration | Departure station | Best for | Feature services |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CrossCountry | 1h30m | Manchester Piccadilly | Longer journeys requiring comfort; business travellers | Pendolino trains, 3 classes, Standard Premium, Club Avanti rewards |
Avanti West Coast | 1h35m | Manchester Piccadilly | limited frequency; budget-conscious travellers | Voyager fleet, Free WiFi all classes, Complimentary catering in First Class |
Train travel from Manchester to Birmingham
Travel through the North West and West Midlands, starting directly from Manchester city centre and arriving in the heart of Birmingham. This route connects two of England's major business and cultural hubs, making it one of the busiest regional corridors in the country.
Manchester Piccadilly: Getting to the Platform
The Metrolink tram stop is directly outside the station, connecting Manchester city centre to the airport and surrounding areas with frequent services.
Manchester Piccadilly has 14 platforms, all located below the main concourse and accessible via escalators, lifts and stairs. The station is organised into distinct sections with clear signage:
- Main Concourse: Ticket offices, self-service machines, and information points are located on the ground floor
- Platform Access: Long-distance trains typically depart from Platforms 7–14, located at the far end of the concourse
Onboard trains from Manchester to Birmingham
CrossCountry offers high-quality trains with Wi-Fi, tables, and outlets, allowing you to work comfortably while watching the landscape transition from the industrial towns of Greater Manchester into the rolling farmland of the West Midlands.
The scenic side
As the train travels south through Stockport and Macclesfield, the landscape shifts from the urban sprawl of Greater Manchester towards the fringes of the Peak District, with rolling hills visible to the west. To catch the best views, sit on the left-hand side of the train.
Key landmarks
Keep an eye out for Stockport Viaduct as you depart Manchester — one of the largest brick structures in the world and an impressive feat of Victorian engineering.
Arriving at Birmingham New Street
Birmingham New Street is one of Britain's most modern stations, redeveloped in 2015 with a fantastic atrium. Outside, a mirrored roof and media screens signal the main bus and tram stops.
The three exits
- Grand Central Exit (Main Exit): The primary way out leads directly into the Grand Central shopping centre, with shops, cafés and restaurants immediately accessible. This is also the quickest route to the city centre and Victoria Square.
- Hill Street Exit: The British Transport Police station is located at the entrance off Hill Street — a quieter exit useful if heading south of the station.
Onward Travel
- By foot to Moor Street: Birmingham Moor Street station is just 600 metres away — useful if continuing your journey on Chiltern Railways.
Walkability
Grand Central shopping centre sits directly above the station, making it one of the most convenient city centre arrivals in the UK. The Bullring, Selfridges and Birmingham city centre are all within a 5-minute walk.
Manchester to Birmingham train travel guide
The train journey from Manchester to Birmingham combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can get to Birmingham in just 1h 28m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester to Birmingham?
The average ticket fare from Manchester to Birmingham is about €9.46, but prices are dynamic. The final cost depends on when you book, when you travel, and ticket flexibility. To find the exact cost for your journey, please search with your travel dates.
How do I find the best train route from Manchester to Birmingham?
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, you will need to transfer when travelling from Manchester to Birmingham. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
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?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find Manchester to Birmingham train timetables?
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?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing 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?
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?
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?
Get easy and quick access to live updates and notifications via the TrainPal app. If your phone is enabled to receive messages from us, you'll receive notifications about train cancellations on your screen as soon as you pick up your phone
Which train companies operate the Manchester to Birmingham route?
The train from Manchester to Birmingham is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. 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 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.
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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
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee 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
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
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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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