- 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 23
$137
Average ticket price on Sep 23
$137
Fastest journey on Sep 23
4 h 2 m
Average journey duration on Sep 23
4 h 2 m
Trains on Sep 23
1
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Farnborough to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Farnborough to Manchester will cost around $137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $137.
On Wed, Sep 23, we found 1 trains from Farnborough to Manchester, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 23 the direct trains cover the 263 km distance in an average of 4 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 2 m .
On Wed, Sep 23 the slowest trains will take 4 h 2 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Farnborough to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $143 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 44m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $143, while a flight costs an average of $390.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$143 Average price Cheapest | $390 Average price | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Farnborough to Manchester:
A train is $247 (€202) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Farnborough to Manchester costing on average $390 (€319).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 27m.
You'll arrive about 31m sooner (3h 27m by train vs 3h 58m by car). Tickets start at around $143 (€117) compared to roughly $73 (€59) 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 Farnborough to Manchester trains for today, Tuesday, September 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:03 AM Farnborough | 4h26 | 2:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 11:03 AM Farnborough | 4h26 | 3:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 12:03 PM Farnborough | 4h26 | 4:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 1:03 PM Farnborough | 4h26 | 5:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:03 PM Farnborough | 4h26 | 6:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 3:03 PM Farnborough | 4h26 | 7:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 4:35 PM Farnborough | 3h54 | 8:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 5:34 PM Farnborough | 3h55 | 9:29 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 6:36 PM Farnborough | 3h54 | 10:30 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:03 PM Farnborough | 4h27 | 11:30 PM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:03 PM Farnborough | 4h10 | 12:13 AM Manchester | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 Farnborough to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€62) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 20:47. The fastest train covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 3h 0m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€62) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 0m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 8:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 77 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 Farnborough 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 Farnborough to Manchester trains use the Farnborough (Main) to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Farnborough and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Farnborough (Main) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Farnborough (Main).
Wi-Fi is available at Farnborough (Main). ATMs are available at Farnborough (Main).
Ticket office support is available at Farnborough (Main).
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Farnborough (Main): Parking, WC.
Available at Farnborough (Main): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Farnborough (Main): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station - This station has step-free access to all platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Farnborough North is 1 km from Farnborough city centre. Public transport options include:
Farnborough North has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Farnborough North.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Farnborough North: Parking.
Available at Farnborough North: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Farnborough North: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step Free Category B2 - There is step free access to both platforms but short ramps and level crossing with gates to negotiate for south bound services. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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: Yes.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need