Train to Manchester - Book cheap tickets online

About trains to Manchester

Discover affordable train tickets to Manchester on Omio, where you can find the most cost-effective deals on train journeys to the city of Manchester. Trains to Manchester are a popular choice among travelers, with many praising the efficiency and comfort of the journey. In Manchester, you will be able to enjoy a vibrant music scene, with renowned venues like the Manchester Arena hosting world-class performances. For football enthusiasts, a visit to the iconic Old Trafford stadium is a must, where you can immerse yourself in the history and passion of Manchester United. Art lovers will be captivated by the impressive collection at the Manchester Art Gallery, while those seeking a taste of history can explore the striking medieval architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The average temperature in Manchester is around 10°C (50°F), making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. However, the best time to visit is during the summer months, from June to August, when the city comes alive with festivals and outdoor events. Travelers enjoy discovering the city's rich industrial heritage, witnessing the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. Another fun fact is that Manchester boasts the world's oldest surviving railway station, Manchester Liverpool Road, which dates back to 1830. Additionally, Manchester is renowned for its thriving LGBTQ+ community, hosting one of the largest Pride events in the UK. The main arrival place for travelers is Manchester Piccadilly, a bustling train station located in the heart of the city. With its excellent transport links, it serves as a convenient gateway for exploring all that Manchester has to offer. If you're looking for a cheap train to Manchester, Omio.com offers great deals and discounts, allowing you to travel to this vibrant city.

How to get cheap trains to Manchester

If you're looking to buy a cheap train ticket to Manchester, there are several options available that can help you save money. One of the best ways to secure a cheaper ticket is by taking advantage of discounts. Many train operators offer special promotions, such as off-peak discounts or group discounts, which can significantly reduce your fare. Another way to save money is by booking your ticket in advance. By planning ahead and purchasing your ticket early, you can often find better deals and avoid any last-minute price increases. Additionally, it's advisable to avoid peak times for trains, as these tend to be more expensive. Instead, consider traveling during the week or during off-peak hours to get the best fares. Apart from the cost-saving benefits, taking a train to Manchester also offers the opportunity to enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way. So not only can you save money, but you can also have an enjoyable and affordable journey to this vibrant city.

Points of interest & landmarks in Manchester

Explore the vibrant city of Manchester and its rich history and culture by using Omio to plan your transportation. Whether you prefer to travel by train, bus, or plane, Omio has you covered.

• Manchester Cathedral: Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of this 15th-century cathedral, located in the heart of the city.
• The Manchester Museum: Enjoy a fascinating collection of natural history, archaeology, and anthropology as you explore the exhibits in this renowned museum.
• MediaCityUK: Visit this bustling waterfront complex, home to the BBC, ITV, and other media organizations, and enjoy a walk along the scenic Salford Quays.
• The John Rylands Library: Immerse yourself in the beauty and grandeur of this historic library, known for its impressive architecture and extensive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
• Old Trafford: Experience the electric atmosphere of a Manchester United football match or take a tour of the iconic stadium, a must-visit for any football fan.
• The Gay Village: Step into the vibrant LGBTQ+ community of Manchester and explore the colorful bars, clubs, and restaurants that make this area a popular nightlife destination.
• Chinatown: Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Manchester's bustling Chinatown, home to a wide range of Asian restaurants, shops, and cultural events.
• The Science and Industry Museum: Dive into Manchester's industrial past at this captivating museum, where you can learn about the city's role in the Industrial Revolution and explore interactive exhibits.
• The Bridgewater Hall: Experience world-class music performances at this stunning concert venue, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and hosting the renowned Hallé Orchestra.
• Castlefield: Take a leisurely stroll through this historic area, admiring the Roman ruins, canals, and industrial architecture that give Manchester its unique character.

Train to Manchester

Visiting Manchester for the immense sports and industrial heritage in the city is a great idea any time of the year. There are numerous train stations that you can arrive in, but three are the most prominent. These are Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester Oxford Road Railway station, and Manchester Victoria station. While Manchester Piccadilly is busier than the other two stations, Manchester Victoria is closer to the city center. Trains that make it to the three train terminals depart from several UK cities like London, Edinburg, Southampton, Glasgow, and Oxford.

As you travel from cities like London, you might not come across any stops. However, trips originating from regions such as Bournemouth may include some two or three transfers. Therefore, based on your departure city, you can spend approximately 2h and up to roughly 5h 24min when traveling on a train to Manchester.

Avanti West Coast to Manchester

One of the companies servicing the various train routes to Manchester is Avanti West Coast. The railroad enterprise has been providing trains to Manchester since 2019 after taking over operations from Virgin Trains. It currently operates under First Group and Trenitalia. Avanti trains provide both nonstop, and indirect train rides subject to the city they exit.

Mostly, you will find the trains starting their journeys in London, Edinburg, Glasgow, Birmingham, and Southampton. Thus, the exit train terminals for Avanti trains include Edinburg Waverly Railway Station, Glasgow Central, Euston Railway Station in London, and Birmingham New Street. Avanti’s arrival station is usually Manchester Piccadilly.

CrossCountry to Manchester

You might also travel aboard a CrossCountry train to Manchester from various UK metropolitan centers. UK authorities formed CrossCountry, which is now under the operation of UK Arriva Trains, in 2006. The company provides two rides per hour for passengers wishing to travel by train to Manchester. While connecting cities like Oxford to Manchester, CrossCountry trains provided direct train rides.

However, you may encounter single transfers when departing from urban centers like Edinburg. Some of the stations you can use CrossCountry trains during departure include Edinburg Waverly Railway Station, Oxford Train Stations, Bournemouth Train Station, Birmingham New Street, and Southampton Central. On arrival, the trains use both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Victoria as their destination.

Manchester Terraces. Source: Shutterstock

Main Train Stations in Manchester

After you take a train to Manchester, you may use Manchester Piccadilly as an arrival station. Being the primary train terminal in the city, the station features a list of facilities. You can find various restaurants and several takeaway outlets where refreshments, snacks, and meals are available. There are also shops and a supermarket operating inside. Further, you can use the trolleys available throughout the station, a long-stay car park, Wi-Fi, luggage storage facilities, and washrooms.

Given that Manchester Piccadilly is approximately 0.9 miles (1.4 km) from Manchester city center by road, you may need to seek some transfer options. Firstly, you can take a cab that gets you to downtown Manchester in nearly 6min. If your travel budget caters to bus fares only, you can board any of the various buses in Manchester, such as Free Bus, and get to the city center in approximately 9min. Manchester Vitoria is the other train terminal receiving trains to Manchester. Compared to the other stations, Manchester Victoria is closest to the city center at a distance of 0.4 miles (0.6 km).

When connecting the station to downtown Manchester, you can use either a cab or bus. Taxis take about 3min while buses require travel times of between approximately 3min to 7min. In Manchester, Victoria, you can enjoy several amenities, including luggage storage centers and washrooms. There is also a sit-in restaurant and takeaway spots where you can find meals at an affordable cost. Other than trolleys, there happens to be an ATM and a payphone available in Manchester Victoria.

Onboard facilities Manchester

When you travel to Manchester by train via Avanti West Coast, you will ably access some laudable services. You can spend the trip seated in cozy chairs. Onboard, you can browse via the free Wi-Fi installed on all Avanti trains. While surfing, you can use personal devices like phones and tablets, which are allowable on the train. If you would like to charge the electronic devices, Avanti provides power outlets at no additional costs. The sockets are near all First Class seats. If you are the Standard Class, charging is possible via the electrical outlets at the table seats.

For added entertainment, you can use the Avanti app to stream movies using your phone. If your Manchester trip goes on for an extended duration, you can proceed to order some food on board. You don’t have to find a restaurant to make your order. Instead, use the free Wi-Fi to examine the menu and select the delicacy that best suits you. Whenever you travel heavy, you can place your baggage in designated spaces, overhead racks, or under your seat. On the trains, there are also spaces reserved for bicycles.

Pets are also welcome in Avanti trains, with each passenger being allowed at most two. Disabled travelers can get assisted travel services by calling the travel company a day before departure. When you enjoy a ride on one of a train to Manchester via CrossCountry trains, you are free to surf the internet using the onboard Wi-Fi at no cost. There is a socket on First and Standard Class chairs to plug in your phone or laptop and start charging. If you feel hungry before arriving in Manchester, CrossCountry trains will provide a tasty menu from where you can order a meal.

During your journey, you can leave your comfortable seat and use the clean toilets on the train. Additional facilities available onboard include overhead racks where you can store your luggage and reserved spaces for those who want bicycles on the train. As a passenger, you can bring a maximum of three pets while you travel. Remember to call CrossCountry at least 6h before departure time if you would like a staff member to help due to a disability.

Train tickets to Manchester: Useful to know

If interested in getting a low train price to Manchester, consider buying tickets in advance. Most train companies provide e-tickets, which you can use when getting on the train. However, printed tickets are also acceptable on most trains. You don’t need to show ID alongside your tickets to board a train. Remember, it essential to maintain an organized registry of your tickets. The practice helps prevent the inconveniences that problems like losing a ticket may cause. On Omio, buying train tickets to Brighton is fast and easy, and it’s possible to store all your tickets in your Omio account.

Manchester Street. Source: Shutterstock

To Manchester by train – travel tips

Manchester has the distinctive quality of being among the first industrial capitals of the world. When you visit the city, you can explore the rich history in the Science and Industry Museum. The site, which sits where the oldest passenger train terminal was, features ancient trains and planes and experiments on the upper floor.

To get to the Science and Industry Museum, you can use public transport. There are the pocket-friendly Free Bus buses that travel throughout the city center and most Manchester trains stations. In addition, there is a tram named Metrolink that will arrive in all its stations every few minutes. You may also find it easy to navigate through Manchester on a bike you can get from the city’s bike rentals.

Whether the reason you decide to travel to Manchester by train is sports, fun-seeking, or art exploration, you will find something for yourself. Art galleries like Whitworth and Manchester provide their visitors with a good dose of ancient, famous, and contemporary art. Afterward, you can make time to tour Trafford Centre.

Here, you join a bowling tournament or shop in the numerous retail centers under the structure’s roof. Right after, trek down to the Northern Quarter. The spot will provide you with the chance to enjoy the best of UK Manchester dishes and coffee. Of course, you mustn’t leave Manchester without touring National Football Museum to learn of the city’s iconic sport: football.

Free things to do near Manchester Piccadilly in Manchester

With easy access to Manchester Piccadilly, there are plenty of free activities to enjoy in the vibrant city. Whether you're a local or a visitor, these nearby attractions offer a great way to experience Manchester.

• Explore the Manchester Art Gallery: Just a short walk from Manchester Piccadilly, the Manchester Art Gallery houses an extensive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. Admire masterpieces from renowned artists such as Pre-Raphaelite painters and local talents, all for free.
• Stroll through the Northern Quarter: Situated a stone's throw away from the train station, the Northern Quarter is a trendy and artistic neighborhood filled with independent shops, vibrant street art, and cozy cafes. Take a leisurely walk through the area to soak up the unique atmosphere and discover hidden gems.
• Visit the Manchester Museum: Located near the University of Manchester, the Manchester Museum offers a fascinating insight into natural history, archaeology, and anthropology. Explore the extensive exhibits, including ancient Egyptian artifacts, dinosaur skeletons, and live animals, all free of charge.
• Relax in Piccadilly Gardens: Right in the heart of Manchester, Piccadilly Gardens is a green oasis amidst the bustling city center. Take a break from exploring and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, lovely flower beds, and the iconic Manchester bee mosaic.
• Discover history at the John Rylands Library: A short walk from Manchester Piccadilly, the John Rylands Library is a stunning architectural marvel that houses a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts. Explore the grand reading rooms, marvel at the intricate details, and immerse yourself in the rich history of this remarkable institution.
• Marvel at street art in Stevenson Square: Just a few minutes away from the train station, Stevenson Square is a haven for street art enthusiasts. Admire the colorful and thought-provoking murals that adorn the buildings, showcasing the city's thriving urban art scene.
• Visit the People's History Museum: Located within walking distance of Manchester Piccadilly, the People's History Museum is dedicated to showcasing the history of democracy and social justice in Britain. Delve into the engaging exhibits and learn about the struggles and triumphs of the working class.