The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Birmingham
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$41
Fastest journey
1 h 28 m
Average duration
1 h 29 m
Trains per day
74
Distance
113 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Birmingham is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Birmingham will cost around $41 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 74 trains that leave Manchester for Birmingham on Tue, Jan 06, 33 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jan 06 the direct trains cover the 113 km distance in an average of 1 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 28 m .
On Tue, Jan 06 the slowest trains will take 1 h 30 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.
L11211+
W05390
L10101 · L09042+
W05358
L10086 · L09051+
W05353
L08713+
P05497
L09196+
W05370
C75158
C72181
C72670
C72660
C72695Manchester - BirminghamCompare CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3)




Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Birmingham
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Birmingham among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 40m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €15.
Distance: 70 miles (113 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€39 Average price | €12 Average price Cheapest |
2h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 49m Average total duration 2h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Birmingham train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Birmingham trains for today, Monday, January 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L02367 | On time 6:02 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h35 | 7:37 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L02368 | On time 6:23 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h41 | 8:04 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W02452+ C72516 | On time 6:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h49 | 8:18 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72652 | On time 7:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 8:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72472 | On time 7:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 8:56 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64718+ W05332 | On time 7:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 9:20 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72656 | On time 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 9:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72475 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 9:56 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64720+ W05337 | On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 10:20 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72660 | On time 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 10:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72478 | On time 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 10:56 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64722+ W05341 | On time 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 11:20 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72665 | On time 10:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 11:33 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72480 | 10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 11:56 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64724+ W05345 | On time 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 12:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72670 | On time 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 12:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C75166 | On time 11:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 12:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64726+ W05351 | On time 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 1:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72676 | On time 12:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 1:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72486 | 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 1:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64728+ W05355 | On time 12:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 2:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72682 | 1:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 2:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72490 | 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 2:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64730+ W05361 | On time 1:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 3:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72688 | 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 3:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C75169 | On time 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 3:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64732+ W05365 | On time 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 4:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72695 | On time 3:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 4:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C75170 | On time 3:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 4:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64734+ W05370 | On time 3:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 5:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72700 | On time 4:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 5:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72499 | On time 4:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 5:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64736+ W05376 | On time 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 6:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72707 | On time 5:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 6:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72508 | On time 5:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 6:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64738+ W05381 | On time 5:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 7:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72171 | 6:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 7:33 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72504 | On time 6:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 7:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64740+ W05386 | 6:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 8:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C75159 | 7:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h34 | 8:37 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C75172 | On time 7:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 8:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64744+ W05390 | 7:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 9:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C75158 | 8:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h28 | 9:31 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72735 | On time 8:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 9:56 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64747+ W05394 | On time 8:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 10:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72181 | On time 9:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 10:54 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64555+ P05497 | On time 9:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h50 | 11:20 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
C72184 | On time 10:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h34 | 11:37 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, January 6 | |||||
C72466 | 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h46 | 6:57 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72466+ P05489 | On time 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h41 | 6:52 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Birmingham 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.
Jan 05
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Jan 25
Why should you book Manchester to Birmingham trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail (3) offer trains services from Manchester to Birmingham. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail (3) to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Birmingham.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Birmingham.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail (3) to help you choose the right option for your journey from Manchester to Birmingham.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Birmingham.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Birmingham
Trains from Manchester to Birmingham run on average 34 times per day, taking around 1h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
There are 20 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 70 miles (113 km) distance in 1h 29m.
Distance 70 miles (113 km) |
Average train duration 1h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 34 |
Direct trains 20 |
Fastest train 1h 29m |
First train 01:25 |
Last train 23:28 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Manchester to Birmingham trainsCrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Manchester and Birmingham from $8 (€6). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail (3)
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
Train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham: when to book to save $
The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:
- Buying your train ticket from Manchester - Birmingham 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 6% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
- If you book a ticket Manchester - Birmingham with 2 months in advance you save up to about 38% compared to the initial price.
- By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 29%.
- On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Birmingham
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Birmingham 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 Birmingham, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Birmingham
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
- You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
- Type of shops available: Boots located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier Camden Food located beyond the ticket barrier Costa located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 5b escalator Funky Pigeon located beyond the ticket barrier between Platform escalators 9-10 M&S Food located on the main concourse Mi Casa Burritos located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 9 escalator The Pasty Shop located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 7 escalator W H Smith located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier
- Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
- All Bar One
- Leon
- Caffè Nero
- Five Guys
- Krispy Kreme
- The Pasty Shop
- Upper Crust
- Wasabi
- Starbucks
- Hotel Chocolat
- Taxi: Taxis drop off with the 'drop & go' in the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). For more information visit Traintaxi
- Accessible taxis: Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs. For more information visit Traintaxi
- Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
- Toilets Location: Male, Female, Accessible and Baby Change facilities are available in all parts of the station. These are located between: Platforms 2 - 3a (Blue Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11a (Yellow Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11b (Red Lounge)
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
- Waiting rooms location: There are two large seating areas beyond the ticket barrier between the escalators to platforms 5b and 8b. All platforms have waiting areas with seating
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- In the middle of the station.
- Bus lines: N5, N6, N8, 4, 9, 23, 45, 50, 61, X51, X70
- Train lines: West Midlands, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales
- Onward travel information: There are nearby bus stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street Most buses are wheelchair accessible. ********************************************************************************************************** For information go to the local travel information office by the Stephenson Street entrance. Alternatively, visit Transport for West Midlands, or call 0121 214 7214.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:00 Saturday 06:15 - 21:00 Sunday 08:15 - 21:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on the Concourse.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Closed until further notice.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 18 cycle stands plus a cycling compound with 27 spaces available at the front of the station (please see staff for more information)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station opposite the entrance to the long stay car park.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 00:10 Saturday 05:55 - 23:55 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
- Type of shops available: Newsagent, Flower stall
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms.
- Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are located on Platform 1 and between platforms 3 & 4.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Between Platforms 2 and 3 at the south end of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: This station is not usually served by rail replacement buses, due to difficult road access. Replacement buses stop at Birmingham Snow Hill station.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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