Manchester to Birmingham Trains From £8.70*

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. 

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. 
• Bullring Exit (Southside): Head this way for the Bullring shopping centre and Smallbrook Queensway. Also the nearest exit to Caffè Nero. 
• 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

• West Midlands Metro (Tram): The Metro connects Birmingham city centre to Wolverhampton, with trams every 8–10 minutes. The nearest tram stop is just outside the station. 
• Buses: Bus stops are located directly outside the station, serving routes across Birmingham and the wider West Midlands. 
• 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.