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Manchester to Birmingham train ticket prices
For a train from Manchester to Birmingham, Advance Tickets start at just £17.50*, with average fares around £20.79. Additionally, Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets are also great tips for saving money on train travel. Enjoy the cheapest and happiest journey with TrainPal. For more money-saving information, welcome to our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Average
£20.79
From 09 Dec to 15 Dec
Cheapest
£17.50
On Wed 10 Dec
Manchester to Birmingham train times
From Manchester to Birmingham, take the fastest train in 1 hour 28 minutes, typically 1 hour 31 minutes. Daily, 51 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 00:12 and the last at 22:03. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
19:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 hour 34 minutes, Direct | 20:37 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
19:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 hour 31 minutes, Direct | 20:56 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
19:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 hour 50 minutes, 1 change | 21:20 Birmingham New Street | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
20:03 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 hour 28 minutes, Direct | 21:31 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
20:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 hour 31 minutes, Direct | 21:56 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
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Manchester to Birmingham Train journey information
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.
First train
00:12
Last train
22:03
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
1 hour 28 minutes
Distance
70 miles (113km)
Price
From £17.50
Train operators
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
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 1 hour 28 minutes, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
1. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. How do I find the best train route from Manchester to Birmingham?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Manchester to Birmingham train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Birmingham is 1 hour 28 minutes . 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.
4. Are there direct trains from Manchester to Birmingham?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester to Birmingham. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. Are Manchester to Birmingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
While Manchester to Birmingham trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Manchester to Birmingham is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
3. 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
4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes, in the UK, students and seniors can benefit from various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard offers students up to 1/3 off most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy similar savings. Both Railcards can be purchased online or at train stations and are valid for one year, providing great value for frequent travellers
2. Can UK train 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 Train Tickets and Off-Peak train 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.
3. 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.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Manchester to Birmingham
Family & Friends Railcard
£13.86
With Family & Friends Railcard
£20.79
Without
How to buy cheap Manchester to Birmingham train tickets
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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.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
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