- Must visit
The British Museum
World-famous museum of human history and culture, known for the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and vast global collections.
Cheapest price
$45
Average price
$108
Fastest journey
2 h 34 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
253 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Airport to London is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport to London will cost around $108 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester Airport for London on Tue, May 19, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct trains cover the 253 km distance in an average of 2 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest trains will take 2 h 37 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.










Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to London among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 8m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a flight costs an average of $86.
Distance: 157 miles (253 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $228 Average price | $126 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 8m Average total duration 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 38m Average total duration 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to London:
A bus is $78 (€63) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Airport to London costing on average $106 (€86).
A bus is $200 (€161) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester Airport to London costing on average $228 (€184).
Other travel options to London take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 38m.
Bus takes on average 5h 8m.
The journey is about 1h 8m faster (2h 38m by train vs 3h 46m by car) and roughly $20 (€16) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($106 (€86) vs $126 (€102)). 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.
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 Manchester Airport to London trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:48 AM Manchester Airport | 2h39 | 10:27 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:01 AM Manchester Airport | 2h34 | 10:35 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:04 AM Manchester Airport | 2h37 | 10:41 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:01 AM Manchester Airport | 2h34 | 11:35 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:04 AM Manchester Airport | 2h37 | 11:41 AM London | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:01 PM Manchester Airport | 2h34 | 2:35 PM London | 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.
Trains from Manchester Airport to London run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€36) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:03, the last at 19:48. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (253 km) distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 157 miles (253 km) |
Average train duration 2h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€36) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 6:03 AM |
Last train 7:48 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of London — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect London trip today.
World-famous museum of human history and culture, known for the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and vast global collections.
Major art museum on Trafalgar Square with masterpieces by Van Gogh, Turner, da Vinci, and many other European painters.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery in a former power station on the Thames, famous for its collection and river views.
Historic royal fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the Crown Jewels and centuries of royal history.
Official London residence of the monarch, best known for its ceremonial importance and the Changing of the Guard.
Iconic Gothic church where coronations, royal weddings, and burials of notable figures have taken place for centuries.
Lively central district known for street performers, elegant arcades, shopping, and a vibrant historic market atmosphere.
Popular riverside walking area with major cultural venues, skyline views, book stalls, and a consistently lively atmosphere.
Charming neighborhood of pastel houses, attractive streets, and market culture, especially popular for photos and weekend strolls.
Battered white fish with thick-cut chips, often served with mushy peas and tartare sauce. A classic London pub and chippy staple.
A traditional London working-class dish of meat pie with mashed potatoes, commonly topped with parsley liquor.
A hearty plate of eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. A beloved British breakfast served across London.
A stylish, very popular restaurant inspired by old Bombay cafes, known for house black daal, bacon naan rolls, and lively atmosphere.
A Michelin-starred gastropub in Fulham known for refined British pub cooking, excellent game, and a polished yet relaxed setting.
London’s oldest restaurant, famous for classic British dishes, game, pies, and traditional dining rooms with historic charm.
Compared with most UK and European cities, London is costly for accommodation, transport, and dining, though budget food options still exist.
In Restaurants, a 12.5% service charge is often added automatically, especially in London; if included, no extra tip is expected. If not included, 10-12.5% is customary for good service. In Pubs, bart
Official public transport app
London Waterloo -> Charing Cross, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport to London 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 London, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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