- 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.
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$98
Fastest journey
3 h 11 m
Average duration
3 h 15 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Manchester will cost around $98 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Of the 16 trains that leave Glasgow for Manchester on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 295 km distance in an average of 3 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 11 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 3 h 18 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.
W84884 · W84901
W34271+
P24151
W84893
W34028+
G89883
W84899
W84899
W34039+
G89869
W34028+
G89883
W33903+
G89118
W34029+
G89881Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $194.
Distance: 183 miles (295 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $280 Average price | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 4m Average total duration 4h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration Fastest 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 18m Average total duration 5h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Manchester:
A bus is $25 (€21) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Manchester costing on average $77 (€62).
A bus is $229 (€187) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Glasgow to Manchester costing on average $280 (€228).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 34m.
Flight takes on average 5h 18m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33939+ G89878 | 4:28 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h23 | 7:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W84893 | 4:52 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h31 | 8:23 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34029+ G89881 | 5:33 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h18 | 8:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W34271+ P28505 | 5:48 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h21 | 9:09 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W34271+ P24151 | 5:48 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 4h11 | 9:59 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W34271+ L89250 · G89831 | 5:48 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h51 | 9:39 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 2 transfers | |
W34181+ G89882 | 6:29 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h22 | 9:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W84899 | 7:11 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h11 | 10:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34028+ G89883 | 7:36 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h15 | 10:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W84884 · W84901 | 7:45 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h37 | 11:22 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
W33903+ G89118 | 8:00 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h18 | 11:18 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1 transfer | |
W33903+ C04357 | 8:00 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h37 | 11:37 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1 transfer | |
W34039+ G89869 | 8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 3h13 | 11:51 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1 transfer | |
W29884+ G15816+ L87838 | 9:00 AM Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ) | 5h35 | 2:35 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
G80049+ G15816+ L87838 | 9:00 AM Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ) | 5h35 | 2:35 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2 transfers | |
G80049+ G88978 · G89225+ L87838 | 9:00 AM Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ) | 5h29 | 2:29 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3 transfers | |
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 Glasgow to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 183 miles (295 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 183 miles (295 km) |
Average train duration 4h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
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.
University museum with acclaimed natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, recently refreshed and especially popular for its dinosaur and ancient Egypt displays.
Central city gallery with fine art, design and decorative arts collections, plus changing exhibitions in a landmark civic building.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and photogenic corners that are highly popular online.
Canalside heritage area with Roman roots, warehouses, waterside walks and one of the city’s most atmospheric urban landscapes.
Historic civic square framed by major Victorian architecture and often used for events, making it a classic city-centre stop.
A classic Manchester dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet dishes.
A flaky pastry filled with currants, sugar, and butter, originating from Eccles in Greater Manchester. It is a famous regional bake often eaten with tea.
A traditional blood sausage strongly associated with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, especially as part of a full breakfast.
A stylish and widely loved restaurant inspired by Bombay cafés, known for rich curries, grilled dishes, and a distinctive heritage interior.
A popular casual venue pairing Indian street food with craft beer. It is lively, well-known, and especially good for vegetarian diners.
A celebrated fine-dining restaurant in Manchester known for modern British cooking, polished service, and an elegant setting inside The Midland hotel.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget eats are easy to find, but central hotels and nightlife can be pricey.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester -> Manchester City Centre, Manchester
The train connection between Glasgow and Manchester is well-served by several providers, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. Passengers can choose from Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, and London North Eastern Railway for their travel needs. With frequent services available throughout the day, travelers can easily explore the vibrant cultures of both cities while enjoying scenic views along the way.
The train connection between Glasgow and Manchester has a duration of 3 hours and 11 minutes. There are 16 connections per day, all of which are direct services. Passengers will depart from Glasgow Central and can arrive at either Manchester Oxford Road, Manchester Piccadilly, or Manchester Airport.
The first daily train journey from Glasgow departs at 04:48, providing an early start for travelers. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 20:06, allowing visitors ample time to explore both cities before returning.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Glasgow and Manchester is £19. The average ticket price typically hovers around £81, making the lower-priced option an attractive choice for travelers looking to save on transportation costs while exploring these vibrant cities in the UK.
Welcome to Manchester Town Hall, a stunning example of Victorian Gothic architecture completed in 1877. This iconic building not only serves as the city's administrative center but also stands as a testament to Manchester's industrial heritage and civic pride. As you explore its grand interiors adorned with intricate mosaics and impressive sculptures, you'll discover that it houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts that tell the story of this vibrant city.
Next on our journey is The John Rylands Library, which opened its doors in 1900 and was founded by the wealthy textile magnate John Rylands in memory of his wife. Renowned for its breathtaking neo-Gothic design, this library holds one of the finest collections of rare books and manuscripts in Europe, including some dating back to ancient times. As you wander through its hallowed halls filled with literary treasures, take a moment to appreciate how it embodies both knowledge preservation and architectural beauty.
Finally, we arrive at Old Trafford Stadium—home to Manchester United Football Club since 1910—and often referred to as "The Theatre of Dreams." With a capacity exceeding 74,000 spectators, it's not just a sports venue; it's an emblematic site where legends have been made on the pitch amidst passionate fans from around the globe. Whether you're here for match day excitement or simply exploring its rich history through guided tours showcasing trophies and memorabilia, Old Trafford promises an unforgettable experience steeped in football culture.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

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