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Stansted Airport to Manchester train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€34.27
On Wed 21
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Stansted Airport to Manchester, the fastest train takes 3h 33m with an average travel time of 4h 19m. 68 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:20 and the last at 22:28. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:28 Stansted Airport | 4h 11m, 2 change | 00:39 Manchester Piccadilly | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
21:11 Stansted Airport | 7h 34m, 3 change | 04:45 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
21:57 Stansted Airport | 8h 46m, 4 change | 06:43 Manchester Piccadilly | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
22:11 Stansted Airport | 9h 48m, 4 change | 07:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
22:11 Stansted Airport | 10h 14m, 2 change | 08:25 Manchester Piccadilly | Greater Anglia | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Stansted Airport to Manchester
- Greater Anglia
- Avanti West Coast
- CrossCountry
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- 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
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Stansted Airport
Address:
Bassingbourn Road, Stansted Airport, Essex, CM24 1RW
Public Transport Links:
Stansted Express: There are direct services to London Liverpool Street every 15 to 30 minutes. The journey takes approximately 47 minutes and is the fastest, most frequent link between the airport and central London.
Regional trains: Greater Anglia operates services to Cambridge, Ely and Norwich approximately 30 minutes, while CrossCountry runs services to Birmingham New Street from Platform 2.
Buses and coaches: National Express coaches and local buses depart from the coach station just across from the airport terminal, serving London Paddington, London Victoria, Oxford and Great Yarmouth as well as destinations all across the region.
Platforms:
Three platforms with full step-free access throughout. Lifts, escalators, and ramps connect directly to the airport terminal above – it’s approximately a 2-minute walk from platform to check-in.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Before heading to your train, there's a free water refill station next to the Burger King in the Arrivals hall – worth filling up before a long journey. Got 30 minutes before your train? Take a moment before leaving Arrivals to look up – Norman Foster's iconic floating roof, supported by inverted pyramid trusses, creates the impression of a swan in flight, and is one of the most influential pieces of airport architecture in the world. Feeling a little peckish? Leon, Pret, Itsu, Wetherspoons and Costa are all available in the terminal, with Wetherspoons (The Windmill) offering the best value for a sit-down meal at around £8-15."
FAQs about Stansted Airport Station
Has Stansted Airport got a train station?
Yes, Stansted Airport has its own dedicated railway station with step-free access throughout and located directly beneath the terminal building. It’s served by Stansted Express to London Liverpool Street as well as regional services to Cambridge and Birmingham.
How far is Stansted station from the airport terminal?
The station sits directly beneath the terminal. From the platforms it's approximately a 2-minute walk via lifts, escalators, or ramps to the check-in hall, with no transfer or shuttle required.
Is there a direct train from Stansted to London?
Yes, the Stansted Express runs direct to London Liverpool Street every 15 to 30 minutes, and takes approximately 47 minutes. Tickets are cheaper when booked in advance, and walk-up fares on the day can be significantly more expensive.
What stations go direct to Stansted Airport?
There are direct trains to Stansted Airport from London Liverpool Street (Stansted Express), Cambridge, Ely, Norwich and Birmingham New Street. Services from other UK cities typically require a change either at Liverpool Street or Cambridge.
Arriving in Manchester
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover Manchester’s industrial heritage and huge role in the development of modern transport.
Visit John Rylands Library for unique architecture and a truly impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Wander through the Northern Quarter for independent shops, street art, coffee shops and some of the city’s best nightlife.
Discover Manchester Museum and Manchester Cathedral for two of the city’s best free cultural attractions.
Visit Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium to experience Manchester’s world-famous football culture.
Popular Areas in Manchester:
Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Piccadilly Gardens, Ancoats, The Village (Canal Street)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Manchester: Central Manchester has so much more to offer than just great shops. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot, with great areas such as Deansgate, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter all within a reasonable walk of each other. The tram is amazingly useful when heading further out, particularly towards Old Trafford, MediaCity, Etihad, and that kind of thing. Manchester’s weather can change quickly, so it is worth carrying a light waterproof even when the forecast looks reasonable. "
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Stansted Airport to Manchester
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Stansted Airport to Manchester?
Tickets from Stansted Airport to Manchester typically cost €146.56, but can be as cheap as €34.27 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Stansted Airport to Manchester?
The journey should take, on average, 4h 19m, though it can be as quick as 3h 33m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Stansted Airport to Manchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Stansted Airport and Manchester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Stansted Airport to Manchester?
You can typically book tickets from Stansted Airport to Manchester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Stansted Airport to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
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How far is Stansted Airport from Manchester?
The distance between Stansted Airport and Manchester is approximately 151 miles (244km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Stansted Airport to Manchester?
There is 68 train running from Stansted Airport to Manchester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Stansted Airport to Manchester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
More train routes
* 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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