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Manchester to Birmingham train ticket prices
£9.50
On Mon 29 Jun
Manchester to Birmingham train timetable
Travelling from Manchester to Birmingham, the fastest train takes 1h 29m with an average travel time of 1h 41m. 38 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:26 and the last at 23:09. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
09:27 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 29m, Direct | 10:56 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 51m, 1 change | 11:21 Birmingham New Street | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
10:26 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 32m, Direct | 11:58 Birmingham New Street | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
10:30 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 48m, 1 change | 12:18 Birmingham New Street | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
11:24 Manchester Piccadilly | 1h 32m, Direct | 12:56 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 vs Avanti West Coast: Which should you choose?
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
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
- 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.
- 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 29m, 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 fare from Manchester to Birmingham is approximately £9.50, 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 29m. 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?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.
Check timetables and during the journey
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.
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?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 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
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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