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Stafford to Manchester train ticket prices
€13.63
On Mon 16 Feb
Stafford to Manchester train timetable
The journey from Stafford to Manchester on the fastest train in 54m, usually 56m. Each day, 56 trains leave from Stafford, starting at 05:33 and ending at 23:59. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:03 Stafford | 56m, Direct | 18:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:24 Stafford | 1h 20m, 1 change | 19:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
18:33 Stafford | 56m, Direct | 19:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:34 Stafford | 1h 10m, 1 change | 19:44 Manchester Piccadilly | West Midlands Trains | Find tickets |
19:04 Stafford | 55m, Direct | 19:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Stafford to Manchester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Stafford to Manchester 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.
Avanti West Coast: Stafford to Manchester trains
It takes around fifty-five minutes to get from Stafford to Manchester with either Avanti West Coast or CrossCountry.
From Stafford, you’ll travel north up through Staffordshire and Cheshire before arriving in Greater Manchester. You’ll then head straight for Manchester Piccadilly in the heart of the city.
Avanti West Coast primarily operates services along the West Coast Mainline, providing reliable connections between major cities in England, Scotland, and Wales, including Manchester, Birmingham, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Liverpool.
Departing from Stafford
Stafford Station is located on Station Road, south west of the town centre beside Victoria Park.
Local taxis can drop you off at the station’s entrance, and local buses can also take you to the station from the town centre. Stafford Station has seventy-five car parking spaces that are operational all week long.
London Northwestern, Avanti West Coast, and CrossCountry all serve Stafford Station, operating services to Manchester, Liverpool Birmingham, Crewe, and London.
Main stops
There are three stations between Stafford and Manchester Piccadilly when travelling with Avanti West Coast. These are: Crewe, Wilmslow, and Stockport
As well there are three stations when travelling with CrossCountry: Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield, and Stockport.
These stops may change due to scheduling alterations or engineering work, so checking before you travel is advised.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Manchester Piccadilly is a great station to arrive at because it’s a great launchpad to enjoy the rest of the city. There are so many cool things to do and plenty of public transport to take you there.
If you need to get to Oxford Road or Victoria Station, you can easily change at Manchester Piccadilly. Outside the station, the city’s tram network, local buses, and taxis take you across the city. All of these options can get you to places like Salford, the Trafford Centre, football grounds like the Etihad Stadium or Old Trafford, or the AO Arena.
If you’d prefer to walk, you’re only a few minutes from Piccadilly Gardens, at the very centre of Manchester. From there, you could walk to the Arndale Centre for some shopping, a bite to eat and a pint in the Northern Quarter or imbibe some culture at Manchester Art Gallery.
Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Northern, and East Midlands Railway all operate routes from Manchester Piccadilly to destinations such as London Euston, Newcastle, Leeds, Birmingham, and Edinburgh.
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: A Stafford to Manchester 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. 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: Stafford to Manchester trains
Traveling from Stafford to Manchester with CrossCountry takes approximately fifty-five minutes, offering a convenient option for reaching the city.
From Stafford, you'll journey north through the scenic counties of Staffordshire and Cheshire, ultimately arriving in Greater Manchester. The route culminates at Manchester Piccadilly, located in the bustling heart of the city.
CrossCountry operates an extensive network across the UK, connecting key cities such as Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. Known for its comprehensive service, CrossCountry provides reliable travel options for both regional and long-distance journeys.
CrossCountry train classes
- Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
- First Class: A CrossCountry Stafford to Manchester 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 travelling.
- 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.
Stafford to Manchester train travel guide
Taking the train from Stafford to Manchester is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Stafford, you can arrive at Manchester in just 54m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Stafford to Manchester?
The average ticket fare from Stafford to Manchester is about €13.63, 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 Stafford to Manchester?
What is the fastest train from Stafford to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from Stafford to Manchester is 54m. 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 Stafford to Manchester?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Stafford to Manchester. 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.
Is it worth taking a train from Stafford to Manchester?
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 Stafford to Manchester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Stafford to Manchester 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?
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.
Do Stafford to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Stafford to Manchester route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
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?
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?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Stafford to Manchester route?
The train from Stafford to Manchester 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
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
For passengers with disabilities or additional needs, all train operators provide dedicated assistance. It is essential to book this service in advance to guarantee its availability.
How to buy cheap Stafford to Manchester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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