- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Brighton to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $146.
Distance: 196 miles (317 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$141 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $164 Average price | $87 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Brighton to Manchester Airport:
A bus is $107 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Brighton to Manchester Airport costing on average $141 (€115).
A bus is $129 (€106) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Brighton to Manchester Airport costing on average $164 (€134).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 28m.
Bus takes on average 7h 15m.
Tickets start at around $141 (€115) compared to roughly $87 (€72) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-53.59 (€-43.90). The journey takes 4h 28m versus 4h 25m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare bus, train, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Brighton to Manchester Airport run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $123 (€101) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:39, the last at 11:14. The fastest train covers the 196 miles (317 km) distance in 4h 8m.
Distance 196 miles (317 km) |
Average train duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $123 (€101) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 8m |
First train 8:39 AM |
Last train 11:14 AM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Brighton to Manchester Airport by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Brighton to Manchester Airport trains use the Brighton to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Brighton and Manchester Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Brighton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Grand Central, The Cyclist
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Brighton. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Brighton. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Brighton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Brighton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Brighton: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Jurys Inn Brighton, Ibis Brighton City Centre, My Brighton Hotel.
Hove is 2 km from Brighton city centre. Public transport options include:
Hove has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Hove.
Ticket office support is available at Hove.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hove: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Hove: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hove: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
London Road (Brighton) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Domino's Pizza, Salt and Charcoal
Free.
Ticket office support is available at London Road (Brighton). Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at London Road (Brighton). Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at London Road (Brighton): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at London Road (Brighton): Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at London Road (Brighton): Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge Brighton, ibis Brighton City Centre - Station, Jurys Inn Brighton.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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