- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Airport to Manchester
Showing times and prices for May 25
Cheapest price
$4
Average price
$7
Fastest journey
14 m
Average duration
15 m
Trains per day
12
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 $7 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
Fast trains
Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester Airport for Manchester on Mon, May 25, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 13 km distance in an average of 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 18 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.
G383985:25 PM0h18Manchester Airport (MIA)5:43 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers
G900873:07 PM0h21Manchester Airport (MIA)3:28 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers- G895545:17 PM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)5:31 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers
- G383893:25 PM0h22Manchester Airport (MIA)3:47 PMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)$61One-way0 transfers
- G383893:25 PM0h18Manchester Airport (MIA)3:43 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$61One-way0 transfers
W851963:04 PM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)3:18 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$81One-way0 transfers- G895413:17 PM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)3:31 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$71One-way0 transfers
- G895545:17 PM0h14Manchester Airport (MIA)5:31 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$41One-way0 transfers
- W852065:04 PM0h15Manchester Airport (MIA)5:19 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$71One-way0 transfers
- G383893:25 PM0h18Manchester Airport (MIA)3:43 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$61One-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 |
|---|---|---|
$6 Average price Cheapest | $8 Average price | $4 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 $6 (€5).
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester Airport to Manchester:
A train is $1 (€1) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester Airport to Manchester costing on average $8 (€6).
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 $6 (€5) compared to roughly $4 (€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 tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W85196 | 3:04 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h14 | 3:18 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G90087 | 3:07 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h21 | 3:28 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89541 | 3:17 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h14 | 3:31 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38389 | 3:25 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h18 | 3:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38389 | 3:25 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h22 | 3:47 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89053 | 3:29 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h19 | 3:48 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W85206 | 5:04 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h15 | 5:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G90072 | 5:07 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h21 | 5:28 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89554 | 5:17 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h14 | 5:31 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38398 | 5:25 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h18 | 5:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89069 | 5:29 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h19 | 5:48 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86173 | 5:32 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 0h20 | 5:52 PM 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
May 25
May 25
Tue
May 26
May 26
Wed
May 27
May 27
Thu
May 28
May 28
Fri
May 29
May 29
Sat
May 30
May 30
Sun
May 31
May 31
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 13 times per day, taking around 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 (€3) if you book in advance.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:02, the last at 23:17. 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 (€3) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 13m |
First train 7:02 AM |
Last train 11:17 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
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 (€3). 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
8 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
13m
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
$4 (€3)
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 Museum
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
- Must visit
National Football Museum
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
- Must visit
Northern Quarter
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
- Recommended
Canal Street
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
- Vegetarian
Manchester Tart
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.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Black Peas And Vinegar
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.
Hawksmoor Manchester
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.
Bundobust Manchester Piccadilly
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
The French
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Pound Sterling
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- GBP 8-15 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- GBP 20-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- GBP 3-4.50 for a regular coffee.
Tipping culture
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.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- GBP 2.00
- Day pass
- GBP 5.00
To the city center
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester Victoria
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Bee Network bus fares are capped, with a single bus journey costing no more than GBP 2.00 and a day cap of GBP 5.00. Check the app for live times and mobile tickets.
- On trams, contactless card and device payments are widely accepted at stop ticket machines. On buses, you can usually pay contactless directly with the driver.
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 (€3), while the average price is around $6 (€5).
The train from Manchester Airport to Manchester takes 13m and runs 13 per day.
The first train from Manchester Airport to Manchester leaves at 7:02 AM.
The distance by train from Manchester Airport to Manchester is 8 miles (13 km).
The last train from Manchester Airport to Manchester leaves at 11:17 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 13 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 (€3).
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
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