Dartford to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Sun, Jun 21
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Thameslink
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Thameslink
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dartford to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$128

Average price

$128

Fastest journey

4 h 14 m

Average duration

4 h 28 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

281 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dartford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Dartford to Manchester will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $128.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Dartford to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Avanti West CoastW33294+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+SoutheasternP87116
    9:35 AM4h14
    Dartford station (DFD)
    1:49 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    $1281One-way
    2 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33098+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+SoutheasternP87011
    7:35 AM4h30
    Dartford station (DFD)
    12:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    $1281One-way
    2 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33353+CrossCountryO89314+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+SoutheasternP85233
    7:50 AM4h40
    Dartford station (DFD)
    12:30 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    $1281One-way
    3 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33172+SoutheasternP87062+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston
    8:35 AM4h27
    Dartford station (DFD)
    1:02 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    $1281One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Dartford to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Dartford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a flight costs an average of $113.

Distance: 174 miles (281 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$125

Average price

$19

Average price

Cheapest

$269

Average price

$95

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 15m

Average total duration

5h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Dartford to Manchester is a bus with an average price of $19 (€16).

This is compared to other travel options from Dartford to Manchester:

A bus is $106 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Dartford to Manchester costing on average $125 (€103).

A bus is $250 (€204) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Dartford to Manchester costing on average $269 (€220).

The fastest way to travel from Dartford to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 24m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 14m.

Bus takes on average 5h 45m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Dartford and Manchester including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Dartford to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1h 5m sooner (3h 14m by train vs 4h 19m by car). Tickets start at around $125 (€103) compared to roughly $95 (€78) 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.

Live departures

Dartford to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Dartford to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
SoutheasternP87011+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW33098
On time
7:35 AM Dartford station (DFD)
4h30
12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
SoutheasternP85233+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW33353+CrossCountryO89314
On time
7:50 AM Dartford station (DFD)
4h40
12:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 transfers
SoutheasternP87062+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW33172
On time
8:35 AM Dartford station (DFD)
4h27
1:02 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
SoutheasternP87116+TubeTube from London Bridge to London Euston+Avanti West CoastW332949:35 AM Dartford station (DFD)
4h14
1:49 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Dartford to Manchester by train, bus, or flight

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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Why should you book Dartford to Manchester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Thameslink offer trains services from Dartford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dartford to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Dartford to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dartford to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from Dartford to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Dartford to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Dartford to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Dartford to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€51) but you can travel from only $10 (€9) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 21:53. The fastest train covers the 174 miles (281 km) distance in 3h 26m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€9)
Distance
174 miles (281 km)
Average train duration
3h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$62 (€51)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 26m
First train
12:04 AM
Last train
9:53 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
3 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€9)

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Thameslink from Dartford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, Thameslink trains will get you between Dartford and Manchester from $10 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 26m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€51)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Price
$126 (€103)
Thameslink frequency
19 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major museum exploring Manchester’s role in science, technology and industry, with historic machinery and railway heritage on the oldest surviving passenger railway station site.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for street food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.

Tipping culture

Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping is not expected for counter service, but small tips are appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Dartford to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dartford 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Dartford to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $62 (€51), while the average price is around $125 (€103).
The train from Dartford to Manchester takes 3h 26m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Dartford to Manchester is 174 miles (281 km).
The first train from Dartford to Manchester leaves at 12:04 AM.
The last train from Dartford to Manchester leaves at 9:53 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Dartford to Manchester.
There is no direct train service currently available from Dartford to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Dartford to Manchester.
The train station in Dartford that goes to Manchester is Dartford station (DFD), which connects to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Dartford to Manchester is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€9).
The train journey from Dartford to Manchester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the English countryside, small towns, and industrial areas along the way.
A day trip from Dartford to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 26m, with a frequency of 5 trips per day for trains, covering 174 miles (281 km).
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Dartford to Manchester.
Since neither Dartford nor Manchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Manchester include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newton-le-Willows, Chester.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Dartford to Manchester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Dartford to Manchester

Dartford
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Dartford is Dartford. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Dartford for your trip from Dartford to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 20:40 Saturday 06:10 - 19:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: newspapers
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs
  • Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: 2 x in booking hall
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Booking Hall - Available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Booking Hall - Available during staffing hours
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Booking Hall- Available during staffing hours
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Unheated waiting shelter on Platform 1 and 2 Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: by station entrance
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
  • Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transit options for Dartford
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Approach

Most popular train connections from Dartford

More options for your journey from Dartford to Manchester

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