- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$103
Average price
$117
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 18 m
Trains per day
44
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Luton to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Luton to Manchester will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $103.
It's difficult to get from Luton to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.
C41892 · W70880 · W70981 · C21329
C41866 · W70858 · W70958 · C21333
C41862 · W70854 · C21649 · C21334
C41863+
W88039 · W70290+
W34059
C41869 · W70861+
G66946+
W34198
W34022+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+
C04264
C04248+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+
W33963
W33863+
C04260+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston
C04220+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+
W34040
C04232+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+
W34179Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Luton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. 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 $16, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $215 Average price | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg 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 Luton to Manchester:
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Luton to Manchester costing on average $105 (€85).
A bus is $188 (€152) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Luton to Manchester costing on average $215 (€174).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 58m.
Bus takes on average 4h 4m.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (2h 58m by train vs 3h 17m by car). Tickets start at around $105 (€85) 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 Luton to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C04191+ W84678+ X52093 | Delayed 8:54 AM 9:43 AMLuton station (LUT) | 3h23 | 1:06 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C21138+ W84684+ X52091 | Delayed 9:57 AM 10:43 AMLuton station (LUT) | 3h20 | 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C21856+ W33142+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston | On time 10:58 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3h21 | 2:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
X51862+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+ W33161 | On time 11:22 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3h43 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C21560+ G00963+ W33128 | On time 11:28 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3h51 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W70921+ G66951+ W33128+ X52089 | Delayed 10:54 AM 11:43 AMLuton station (LUT) | 3h36 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
W33128+ X52089+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston | Delayed 12:12 PM 11:43 AMLuton station (LUT) | 3h36 | 3:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W33315+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+ C32041+ X51861 | Delayed 12:29 PM 11:52 AMLuton station (LUT) | 4h03 | 3:55 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
W33166+ C04205+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston | Delayed 12:52 PM 12:25 PMLuton station (LUT) | 3h42 | 4:07 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W33329+ X52087+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston | Delayed 1:12 PM 12:43 PMLuton station (LUT) | 3h36 | 4:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G66954+ W33329+ X52087+ W70924 | Delayed 1:20 PM 12:43 PMLuton station (LUT) | 3h36 | 4:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
C04207+ W33319+ G00878+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston | On time 1:13 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h47 | 5:00 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
W33189+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+ X51858 | Delayed 1:52 PM 1:22 PMLuton station (LUT) | 3h43 | 5:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W70930+ G66956+ W33214 | On time 2:00 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h19 | 5:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C04214+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+ W33054 | On time 2:25 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h40 | 6:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C41877 · C21646+ G00971+ W33361 | On time 2:39 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h40 | 6:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 transfers | |
C04217+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+ W33361 | On time 2:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h24 | 6:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C41880 · W70963+ W84716 | On time 3:09 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3h59 | 7:08 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Luton to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€34) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
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.
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester Victoria
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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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