Manchester to Stoke-On-Trent Trains From £7.90*

Travelling from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent takes around thirty-four minutes with Avanti West Coast, thirty-eight minutes with CrossCountry, and in the region of fifty-four minutes when travelling with Northern.

On your trip, you’ll head through Greater Manchester and the Midlands on the way to Stoke-on-Trent. Leaving Manchester’s industrial and urban landscape for the rolling hills, green fields, and cosy countryside cottages of the West Midlands.

Avanti West Coast predominantly runs services on the West Coast Mainline, consistently linking key cities in England, Scotland, and Wales, such as Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Liverpool.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is the busiest railway station in Manchester, ensuring that it is exceptionally well connected to various other railway stations around the city. Bus services, taxis, and Metrolink trams can all be found just outside the station. Manchester Coach Station is also located just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly. Meaning getting to the station is a breeze.

If you’re coming from Manchester Airport, you can catch the direct train from the airport to Piccadilly, which takes only around fifteen minutes.

As a key railway hub, Manchester Piccadilly serves numerous UK train operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern, TransPennine Express, and East Midlands Railway.

Main stops

If you’re travelling from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent with Avanti West Coast, there is only one stop at Stockport.

If your journey is with CrossCountry, there are only two stops: Stockport and Macclesfield.

With Northern, there are nine stops. These are: Stockport, Cheadle Hulme, Bramhall, Poynton, Adlington, Prestbury, Macclesfield, Congleton, and Kidsgrove.

Yet it’s worth double-checking your route before you travel as these stations may change due to scheduling alterations, poor weather, or for engineering works.

Arriving at Stoke-on-Trent

Stoke-on-Trent station is located in the town center along Station Road, on the edge of the Trent & Mersey Canal. It is primarily served by East Midlands Railway and Avanti West Coast.

The station has a small car park available seven days a week, perfect if someone is here to collect you from the station. Alternatively, local buses serve the station outside the main entrance; however, if you need to book a taxi, you must arrange this yourself.

The station is close to the University of Staffordshire to the east and Richmond Street Park to the west. A visit to the Potteries Museum & Art Gallery is a great way to learn more about the town.

Avanti West Coast train classes

• Standard Class: Avanti West Coast Standard Class offers walk-through carriages, air-conditioning, and charging plugs for your devices.
• First Class: The Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent First Class ticket with Avanti West Coast gives you access to more legroom, reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, complimentary food and drink, and First Class lounge access.

Avanti West Coast train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. You must book a space for your bike before you travel.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can benefit from discounted tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist with boarding and alighting trains, book wheelchair space and seating, offer comprehensive rail information, and help with animals or pets.

CrossCountry offers a comprehensive network of train services connecting towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales. This network facilitates travel between major British cities, including Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, and contributes to an efficient and convenient means of commuting for work, education, or just exploring the country.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: A Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent First Class ticket provides 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.

Northern operates trains across Northern England, serving areas including the North East, North West, and Yorkshire & Humberside. It connects major cities like Newcastle, Preston, York, Leeds, and Manchester to smaller local centres such as Knaresborough, Morpeth, Heworth, Darlington, and various rural stations.

Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
• First Class: Northern does not have First Class sections on any of its trains.

Northern train travel advice

• Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
• Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
• Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. There is no need to book a space.
• Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
• Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.