Stoke-On-Trent to Manchester Airport Trains From €2.28*

Although there is no direct Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Airport train, you can easily get to the airport by rail. Take an Avanti West Coast train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Piccadilly, then change for a Northern service to the airport. This route is available at least twice an hour, taking about 1 hour and 9 minutes. Enjoy the suburban views of the city and Greater Manchester - without having to worry about traffic.

Avanti West Coast operates long-distance trains to/from London, North West England, the West Midlands, North Wales and Scotland. Preston, Birmingham New Street and Edinburgh Waverley are some of the stations served. Meanwhile, Northern runs services in the North of England. Destinations include Liverpool, Darlington and Blackpool.

Departing from Stoke-on-Trent

Situated on Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent station is the city’s main railway station. Services run along the Crewe–Derby line and West Coast Main Line’s Stafford–Manchester branch. The station also serves as an interchange between services across Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

It takes ten minutes to walk to Stoke-on-Trent station from the city centre. Local buses also stop nearby. Cabs drop passengers off at the station’s taxi rank.

Avanti West Coast, Northern, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway and East Midlands Railway (EMR) operate trains calling at Stoke-on-Trent. Services travel between the station and places like Reading, Bristol, Exeter and Coventry.

Main stops

Calling points on the journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Airport vary depending on the operator, route and time. Avanti West Coast trains to Manchester Piccadilly may also stop at Macclesfield and Stockport. Northern services to Manchester Airport can also call at Burnage, Gatley and Heald Green.

Arriving at Manchester Airport

Opting to travel from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Airport by rail means you can easily access whichever terminal you need. Use Manchester Airport station’s escalators, ramps, lifts and the Skylink walkway to get to Terminal 1 in under five minutes. Walking to Terminal 2 or Terminal 3 takes 5–8 minutes.

The closest attraction to Manchester Airport station is the fun-filled Runway Visitor Park. Located just by the runways, it offers viewing platforms metres away from the planes. You can also see retired aircraft and try out the flight simulator.

Trains serving Manchester Airport are operated by Northern, Transport for Wales (TfW) and TransPennine Express. Direct rail services run to Lancaster, Glasgow Central, Chester, and other stations. The airport is also served by trams, buses and coaches.

Avanti West Coast and Northern train classes

• Standard Class: Note that Northern only offers Standard Class accommodation. Both operators offer comfortable seats and luggage storage. Newer Northern trains include free Wi-Fi. On Avanti West Coast trains, you get free Wi-Fi and plug sockets at some tables and window seats.
• Standard Premium Class: Avanti West Coast’s Standard Premium carriages have wider, comfier seating with additional legroom. Window seats are fitted with power sockets.
• First Class: If you book a Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Airport First Class ticket, it’ll only cover the first leg to Manchester Piccadilly. Perks include complimentary refreshments and a table at your seat. You’ll also get Avanti West Coast First Class Lounge access at Manchester Piccadilly (above the information point). Enjoy free Wi-Fi, drinks and light snacks and charging points.
  

Want to buy cheap train tickets? Tickets are usually available 12 weeks before you travel, so book as early as possible.

Avanti West Coast and Northern train travel advice

• Luggage: Avanti West Coast permits items no more than 30 x 70 x 90 centimetres, while Northern allows a reasonable amount of luggage. All items must be in racks or above/under your seat.
• Bicycles: Bike spaces are limited but free of charge. You must reserve a space on an Avanti West Coast service and bring a copy of your reservation. Northern provides spaces on a first-come, first-served basis. E-scooters are not permitted on either service.
• Children: Under-5s travel for free. Kids aged 5–15 and 16–17 Saver Railcard holders get 50% off most tickets on both services. The Family & Friends Railcard saves you up to 60% off Child tickets and 1/3 off adult fares.
• Pets: Up to two small pets and dogs are allowed on both trains. They must be on a lead or in a pet carrier and kept off seats.
• Passenger Assist: Avanti West Coast and Northern staff can help you with boarding and alighting trains, booking wheelchair spaces, and other parts of your journey.

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