- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Airport to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Aug 24
Cheapest price
$3
Average price
$5
Fastest journey
13 m
Average duration
13 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
13 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester 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 Manchester Airport to Manchester will cost around $5 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $3.
Fast trains
Of the 18 trains that leave Manchester Airport for Manchester on Mon, Aug 24, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 13 km distance in an average of 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 14 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.
G383947:25 AM0h18Manchester Airport (MIA)7:43 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$31One-way0 transfers
G895567:48 AM0h13Manchester Airport (MIA)8:01 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$31One-way0 transfers- G895527:17 AM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)7:31 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$31One-way0 transfers
- G383998:25 AM0h18Manchester Airport (MIA)8:43 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers
- G861658:32 AM0h20Manchester Airport (MIA)8:52 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers
- G895567:48 AM0h13Manchester Airport (MIA)8:01 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$31One-way0 transfers
G158977:44 AM0h13Manchester Airport (MIA)7:57 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$51One-way0 transfers- W852014:04 PM0h13Manchester Airport (MIA)4:17 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$51One-way0 transfers
- G895608:17 AM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)8:31 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers
- G895464:17 PM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)4:31 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$81One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester Airport to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $3, and a bus costs an average of $5.
Distance: 8 miles (13 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$5 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price | $5 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
46m Average total duration Fastest 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester Airport to Manchester is a train with an average price of $5 (€4).
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to Manchester:
A train is $1 (€0.90) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester Airport to Manchester costing on average $6 (€5).
The fastest way to travel from Manchester Airport to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 16m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 28m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester Airport and Manchester including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 19m sooner (16m by train vs 35m by car). Tickets start at around $5 (€4) compared to roughly $5 (€4) 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.
Direct services run with Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
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.
Live departures
Manchester Airport to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W85171 | On time 9:05 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h17 | 9:22 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C31721 | On time 9:36 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h16 | 9:52 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C32421 | On time 9:59 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h21 | 10:20 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85178 | On time 10:10 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h14 | 10:24 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85180 | On time 11:10 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h13 | 11:23 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| N55711 | On time 11:39 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h20 | 11:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86138 | On time 11:59 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h21 | 12:20 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85184 | On time 12:12 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h13 | 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| N55705 | On time 12:35 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h15 | 12:50 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
| G89552 | 7:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h14 | 7:31 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38394 | 7:25 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h18 | 7:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89042 | 7:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h19 | 7:48 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86159 | 7:32 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h20 | 7:52 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G15897 | 7:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h13 | 7:57 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89556 | 7:48 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h13 | 8:01 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85168 | 8:04 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h15 | 8:19 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G90073 | 8:07 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h21 | 8:28 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89560 | 8:17 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h14 | 8:31 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38399 | 8:25 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h18 | 8:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89062 | 8:29 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h19 | 8:48 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86165 | 8:32 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h20 | 8:52 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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.
Mon
Aug 24
Aug 24
Tue
Aug 25
Aug 25
Wed
Aug 26
Aug 26
Thu
Aug 27
Aug 27
Fri
Aug 28
Aug 28
Sat
Aug 29
Aug 29
Sun
Aug 30
Aug 30
Why should you book Manchester Airport to Manchester trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Manchester Airport to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester Airport to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester Airport to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Manchester Airport to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Airport to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester Airport to Manchester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€2) if you book in advance.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:03, the last at 22:46. The fastest train covers the 8 miles (13 km) distance in 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 8 miles (13 km) |
Average train duration 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 (€2) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 13m |
First train 5:03 AM |
Last train 10:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester Airport to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester Airport and Manchester from $3 (€2). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
13m
Cheapest Price
$3 (€3)
Northern Rail frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
15m
Cheapest Price
$5 (€4)
Transpennine Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
18m
Cheapest Price
$3 (€2)
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12m
Cheapest Price
$26 (€21)
TransPennine Express frequency
11 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
12m
Cheapest Price
$7 (€6)
Northern Trains Limited frequency
34 a day
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
- Must visit
Albert Square
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Curry Pie
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
Steak and Onion Pudding
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Fish and Chips
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Slattery
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Mana
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Mughli
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester Airport to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.
Train ticket prices from Manchester Airport to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $3 (€2), while the average price is around $5 (€4).
The train from Manchester Airport to Manchester takes 13m and runs 12 per day.
The distance by train from Manchester Airport to Manchester is 8 miles (13 km).
The first train from Manchester Airport to Manchester leaves at 5:03 AM.
The last train from Manchester Airport to Manchester leaves at 10:46 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester Airport to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester Airport to Manchester. This service operates 12 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester Airport to Manchester.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester is by train, with a cost of around $3 (€2).
The train journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester is primarily urban and industrial, offering views of cityscapes and infrastructure rather than scenic landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester Airport to Manchester is feasible with a short travel time of 13m and a distance of 8 miles (13 km). Trains run frequently, with 13 trips per day.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester Airport to Manchester.
Since neither Manchester Airport nor Manchester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Manchester include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newton-le-Willows, Chester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester Airport to Manchester among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Manchester Airport
More options for your journey from Manchester Airport to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Manchester Airport
Most popular train connections to Manchester
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
