The cheapest and fastest trains from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
3 h 25 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
294 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 5 trains that leave London Gatwick Airport for Manchester on Fri, Jan 09, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 09 the direct trains cover the 294 km distance in an average of 3 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
On Fri, Jan 09 the slowest trains will take 3 h 28 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €70.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€106 Average price | €32 Average price Cheapest |
4h 38m Average total duration Fastest 4h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
London Gatwick Airport to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for London Gatwick Airport to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, January 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:16 AM London Gatwick Airport | 3h28 | 10:44 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:32 AM London Gatwick Airport | 3h33 | 11:05 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:16 AM London Gatwick Airport | 3h28 | 11:44 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:43 PM London Gatwick Airport | 3h40 | 4:23 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:16 PM London Gatwick Airport | 3h28 | 6:44 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets London Gatwick Airport to Manchester by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jan 09
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Why should you book London Gatwick Airport to Manchester trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains and LNER offer trains services from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from London Gatwick Airport 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 CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains and LNER to find the best option for your trip from London Gatwick Airport 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Avanti West Coast tickets can be bought on Avanti West Coast's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains and LNER to help you choose the right option for your journey from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 4h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€70) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 17:56. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 3h 23m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 4h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€70) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 23m |
First train 05:46 |
Last train 17:56 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, LNER, Thameslink from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, LNER, Thameslink trains will get you between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
East Midlands Trains
LNER
Thameslink
Traveling by train from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
Traveling between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester is a seamless experience, thanks to several reliable train providers including Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, and East Midlands Railway. With frequent services available throughout the day, you can enjoy a comfortable journey that typically takes around 3 to 4 hours. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, these trains offer convenient connections with modern amenities to make your trip enjoyable.
Train Connection: London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
The train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester takes approximately 3 hours and 23 minutes. There are no direct connections available, with an average of 0 trains operating per day. Passengers will need to make transfers during their travel between these two cities.
London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
The first daily train journey from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester departs at 05:16 AM, providing an early start for travelers. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 07:43 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore both cities before returning.
Train Ticket Prices from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between London Gatwick Airport and Manchester is approximately $69 (62.1€). The average ticket price tends to be around $124 (111.6€), making the cheaper option quite appealing for budget-conscious travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities in the UK.
Exploring Manchester's Architectural and Cultural Gems
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 how this landmark has been at the heart of local governance for over a century.
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 houses an extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts that reflect centuries of literary history. As you wander through its hallowed halls filled with knowledge, take note of unique features like the beautiful stained glass windows that illuminate reading rooms steeped in scholarly tradition.
Finally, we arrive at Old Trafford Stadium—home to one of football’s most storied clubs: Manchester United FC. Established in 1910 and affectionately known as "The Theatre of Dreams," it boasts a rich legacy filled with legendary players and unforgettable matches that have captivated fans worldwide. While exploring this vibrant stadium complex, be sure to soak up the electric atmosphere where passion meets history; it's truly an experience every sports enthusiast should cherish!
FAQs: Trains from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London Gatwick Airport 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from London Gatwick Airport to Manchester
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
Most popular train connections from London Gatwick Airport
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