- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$89
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$99
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 4 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 21 m
Trains on Sep 19
5
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Croydon to Manchester will cost around $99 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $89.
It's difficult to get from Croydon to Manchester without transferring at least once.
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
W33711+
L11954+
C02581
W33711+
C02601
G28269+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
W33675
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
W33761+
W45715
Tube from London Victoria to London Euston+
W33697+
G88409
Tube from London Victoria to London Euston+
W33697+
G88409
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
W33761+
W45715
G28269+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
W33675
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
W33711+
L11954+
C02581
W33711+
C02601Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 26m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $19, while a flight costs an average of $346.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $346 Average price | $107 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration Fastest 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration 1h 48m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Croydon to Manchester:
A bus is $121 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Croydon to Manchester costing on average $140.
A bus is $327 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Croydon to Manchester costing on average $346.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 56m.
Bus takes on average 4h 50m.
You'll arrive about 1h 37m sooner (2h 56m by train vs 4h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $140 compared to roughly $107 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C02601+ W33711 | 5:40 AM East Croydon (ECR) | 3h39 | 9:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C02581+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+ W33711+ L11954 | 5:46 AM West Croydon (WCY) | 3h33 | 9:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
Tube from London Victoria to London Euston+ W33697+ G88409 | 12:15 PM East Croydon (ECR) | 3h04 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W45715+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+ W33761 | 12:31 PM East Croydon (ECR) | 3h13 | 3:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G28269+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+ W33675 | 12:51 PM East Croydon (ECR) | 3h14 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Croydon to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $86 but you can travel from only $12 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Croydon to Manchester trains use the East Croydon to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Moston. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, 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.
South Croydon is 2 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
South Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at South Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at South Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at South Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Croydon: Parking, WC.
Available at South Croydon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, 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: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at West Croydon: Parking.
Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Moston is 6 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Moston has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Moston.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Moston: Parking.
Available at Moston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Moston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Services Towards Manchester : From Hollinwood Avenue, along a path (75 paces, 1:14 variable slope) onto the platform. Services towards Rochdale : From Hollinwood Avenue, through a 4ft gate and down a ramp (65 paces, 1:12 variable slope) onto the platform, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Oxford Road 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 Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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