- 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
$32
Average price
$157
Fastest journey
2 h 6 m
Average duration
2 h 6 m
Trains per day
83
Distance
262 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from London 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 to Manchester will cost around $157 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 83 trains that leave London for Manchester on Tue, Jun 16, 47 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 16 the direct trains cover the 262 km distance in an average of 2 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 6 m .
On Tue, Jun 16 the slowest trains will take 2 h 6 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.
C17750+
G38947
C17878+
G38950
C17953+
G38945
C17792+
G38953
C17892+
G90053
W34269
W34280
W34203
W34075
W34193Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from London 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 3h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a flight costs an average of $78.
Distance: 162 miles (262 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$71 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $263 Average price | $102 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 43m Average total duration 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from London to Manchester:
A bus is $50 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from London to Manchester costing on average $71 (€57).
A bus is $242 (€196) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from London to Manchester costing on average $263 (€213).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 13m.
Bus takes on average 3h 34m.
The journey is about 1h 6m faster (3h 13m by train vs 4h 19m by car) and roughly $32 (€26) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($71 (€57) vs $102 (€83)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for London to Manchester trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33863 | Delayed 4:39 PM 5:33 PMLondon Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 7:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C18012+ G38959 | On time 5:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 9:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33865 | 5:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 8:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34193 | On time 6:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 8:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34022 | On time 6:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 8:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17783+ G39004 | On time 6:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h35 | 10:21 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34024 | On time 6:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 9:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33936 | On time 7:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 9:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34129 | On time 7:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 9:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17936 · W70523+ L89207 | On time 7:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h35 | 11:21 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C17936+ Y62764 | On time 7:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h51 | 11:37 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34042 | 7:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 10:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33920 | On time 8:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 10:24 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33967 | On time 8:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 10:45 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17885+ L89100 | On time 8:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h18 | 12:04 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34076 | On time 8:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h14 | 11:07 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01313 | On time 9:39 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h09 | 11:48 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17892+ G90053 | On time 9:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h41 | 1:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34098 | On time 10:03 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h36 | 12:39 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21772+ C24367 | 10:32 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 6h03 | 4:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21774+ W84656 | 5:27 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h38 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34206+ L89072 | 5:31 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h11 | 8:42 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
P69505 · C17953+ G38945 | 5:35 AM London Euston (EUS) | 4h38 | 10:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W70940+ P24780 | 5:59 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h33 | 9:32 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34065 | 6:08 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h17 | 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34204 | 6:29 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h16 | 8:45 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17953+ G38945 | 6:43 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h30 | 10:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34175 | 6:46 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h19 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70945+ P24793 | 7:02 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h30 | 10:32 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34021 | 7:13 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 9:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34147 | 7:33 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 9:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17750+ G38947 | 7:46 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 11:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C01312 | 7:53 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 10:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01304+ C21804+ G00849 | 8:00 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h39 | 10:39 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
C21769 · C21812 | 8:03 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h32 | 11:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C21769+ W84667 | 8:03 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h02 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34070 | 8:13 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 10:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21649+ W84673 | 8:32 AM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h33 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34273 | 8:33 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 10:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17848+ G38967 | 8:46 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33961 | 8:53 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34011+ C21812+ G00851 | 9:00 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h39 | 11:39 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
W34038 | 9:13 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 11:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34185 | 9:33 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 11:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17878+ G38950 | 9:46 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 1:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34059 | 9:53 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34102 | 10:13 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34040 | 10:33 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 12:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17873+ G38975 | 10:46 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34210 | 10:53 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34198 | 11:13 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 1:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33931 | 11:33 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 1:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17792+ G38953 | 11:46 AM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34101 | 11:53 AM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 2:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34269 | 12:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 2:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34179 | 12:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 2:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17897+ G38983 | 12:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34061 | 12:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34074 | 1:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33954 | 1:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 3:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17941+ G38955 | 1:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34053 | 1:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34280 | 2:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 4:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33926 | 2:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 4:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C18017+ G38991 | 2:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h28 | 6:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34157 | 2:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 5:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33928+ C21809+ G00879 | 3:02 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h37 | 5:39 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
C21763+ W84708 | 3:02 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h03 | 6:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33951 | 3:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h10 | 5:23 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33963 | 3:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 5:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C17881+ G38957 | 3:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 7:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34231 | 3:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 6:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W70996+ W84714 | 4:02 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h03 | 7:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33906+ C21595+ G00887 | 4:02 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h37 | 6:39 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
W34203 | 4:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 6:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33873 | 4:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 6:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y14751+ G38957 | 4:36 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h37 | 7:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C18013+ G38999 | 4:46 PM London Euston (EUS) | 3h27 | 8:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33872 | 4:53 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h12 | 7:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C21781 · C04474 | 5:02 PM London St Pancras International (STP) | 3h34 | 8:36 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W34276+ C21803+ G00891 | 5:02 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h37 | 7:39 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2 transfers | |
W34075 | 5:13 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h06 | 7:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33863 | 5:33 PM London Euston (EUS) | 2h11 | 7:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
By Jessica Owen
The train from London to Manchester is a fast and comfortable way to travel from the UK capital to the heart of northwest England. Recently refurbished trains mean you can relax as you speed through the British countryside at up to 125 mph (220 km/h). In this guide, I’ll share my top tips to make your journey from London to Manchester by train easy!

Jess the author sitting comfortably in a First Class carriage on an Avanti West Coast train.
Avanti West Coast is the only operator that provides direct trains from London to Manchester, which is why I always choose them over other options. However, if you’re on a budget, there’s a cheaper but slower route with West Midlands Railway, but this requires changing trains at Crewe. London to Manchester train journey times range from 2h 06m to 2h 19m on direct trains, which is twice as fast as the quickest coach to Manchester! If you’re considering flying instead, it’s really not worth it. With trains departing every 20 minutes on Mondays through Saturdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays, I can always find a train that fits my itinerary.
Booking London to Manchester train tickets on Omio was simple. I chose my time and class of travel, and within moments of booking, my ticket was on my phone and ready to use! The train from London to Manchester passes through some beautiful countryside in the Trent Valley. I like to sip a glass of wine from the onboard shop and enjoy the views rolling by. On Avanti, I sometimes upgrade to First Class or the mid-tier Standard Plus. Both feature the same larger, reclining seats, but First Class also offers complimentary food and drink served directly to your seat. The First Class menu is updated every 3-4 months, but you can expect hot food, such as a full English breakfast in the morning and pasta or tabbouleh salad for lunch and dinner. Alcohol is also complimentary to First Class customers after 11 am.

Trains from London to Manchester depart from London Euston station and arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station. Euston is just a 15-minute ride by London Underground from the city center, while Manchester Piccadilly is just a 10-minute walk from the city center.
On arrival in Manchester Piccadilly, I used the excellent “Metrolink” tram system. There's even a free bus from directly outside the station, which travels to all the main sites downtown, such as the Science and Industry Museum.
Trains from London to Manchester depart every 20 minutes, Monday through Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays.
On arrival at Euston, check the large departure boards for your platform number, which is displayed about 15 minutes before departure. Keep in mind that this may be different from what’s printed on your ticket. Make sure to have your ticket ready, as inspections take place at the platform entrance. On the train, you’ll have a choice of a large table or an airline-style seat with a pull-down table. You’ll have access to a power outlet, USB charging point, and reading light. There are also window blinds in case you don’t want to see the fabulous views. There’s an excellent onboard shop selling sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol. I’m a big fan of the cheeseburger! You can also order online using the train's reliable Wi-Fi connection and have food delivered to your seat. Luggage can be stored in the racks above the seats, whilst larger items (max 30 x 70 x 90 cm) can be kept in the luggage racks at the entrance to each carriage.

A detail shot of the table area in a Standard Class carriage on an Avanti West Coast train.
The cheapest tickets go on sale 12 weeks before departure. Don’t worry if you book late. You can still find good deals just a few days before travel. You can also get a discount if you buy a railcard or travel in a group.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €38 |
| Food & drinks | €6.50 |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 44.5 |
Traveling by train from London to Manchester is an enjoyable experience, which you can make in comfort and style, made even better by the ease of booking via Omio. With fast journey times and scenic views, it’s a smart alternative to flying or driving to Manchester. It’s my favorite way to travel and one I always look forward to.

Trains from London to Manchester run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $21 (€17) but you can travel from only $10 (€8) by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 162 miles (262 km) distance in 2h 34m.
Distance 162 miles (262 km) |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $21 (€17) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 2h 34m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 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
Board at London Euston and settle into comfortable seats as you whisk northward through rolling green fields and charming market towns. Large windows showcase the changing landscape, from the modern outskirts of Greater London to the historic railway hubs of Milton Keynes and Crewe. The English countryside is some of the best in the world, and there’s no better way to travel through it than by train.
Onboard, enjoy convenient amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a café-bar offering hot drinks and light bites. By the time you arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, you’ll be refreshed and ready to explore the city’s vibrant streets, iconic music venues and eclectic Northern Quarter.
Advance fares (“Advance” and “Super Advance”) are released 12 weeks before departure and sell out quickly. For the lowest prices, book 2–3 months in advance. Last-minute standard fares can be up to £100 higher.
| Connection | Duration | From £ |
|---|---|---|
| London Euston → Crewe | 1 h 35 m | £26 |
| Crewe → Manchester Piccadilly | 43 m | £7 |
Standard UK train tickets include two carry-on bags plus one larger item (e.g. suitcase) free of charge. Oversized items or sports equipment may incur an extra fee—see our Travel Company Policies for details.
Advance tickets are non-refundable but can be changed for a fee if availability allows. Off-Peak and Anytime tickets can be exchanged or refunded up to departure subject to the operator’s terms. For full details, see How to change or cancel a ticket.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from London 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need