- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
Cheapest price
$28
Average price
$49
Fastest journey
2 h 12 m
Average duration
2 h 15 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darlington will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $28.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Darlington without transferring at least once.
C31737+
G16236
G89142+
G15865
W84731+
G80164
W84713+
G80258
W84718+
G80265
W84675+
G80223
W84723+
G80271
W84718+
G80265
W84713+
G80258
W84669+
G80217Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Darlington 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 2h 14m. 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 $13.
Distance: 77 miles (124 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$53 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 20m Average total duration 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Darlington:
A bus is $31 (€25) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Darlington costing on average $53 (€43).
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 50m.
Tickets start at around $53 (€43) compared to roughly $37 (€30) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.17 (€-13.13). The journey takes 2h 14m versus 2h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darlington trains for today, Saturday, August 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84701+ G80248 | Delayed 2:15 PM 3:13 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 5:32 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
W84706+ G80252 | On time 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 6:32 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
W84711+ G80260 | On time 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 7:32 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
G89134+ G15964+ G80264 | On time 5:21 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h11 | 8:32 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 2 transfers | |
G89242+ G15903 | On time 5:57 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h47 | 8:44 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
W84717+ G01084 | On time 6:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h44 | 8:57 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
G89136+ G15972+ G80160 | On time 6:21 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h10 | 9:31 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, August 9 | |||||
W84657+ G80121 | 8:12 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 11:00 AM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
W84663+ G80212 | 9:09 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h23 | 11:32 AM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
W84669+ G80217 | 10:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h18 | 12:32 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
A25007 · TP352700 · G15991 | 10:39 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h12 | 1:51 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 2 transfers | |
A24990 · TP352600 · G15920 | 11:14 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h34 | 2:48 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 2 transfers | |
W84675+ G80223 | 11:20 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h12 | 1:32 PM Darlington station (DAR) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 to Darlington run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) but you can travel from only $6 (€5) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 77 miles (124 km) distance in 1h 48m.
Distance 77 miles (124 km) |
Average train duration 2h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 48m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
Major railway museum on the original Stockton and Darlington Railway route. Exhibits, locomotives, and restored buildings explain Darlington's rail legacy.
University arts venue nearby with contemporary exhibitions, installations, and events. A good choice for modern art in the wider Darlington area.
Roman fort and archaeology museum a short trip from Darlington. Finds, reconstructions, and river views make it a strong regional heritage visit.
Historic town centre street lined with shops and civic buildings. It is central to exploring Darlington's market character and Victorian urban fabric.
Traditional covered market area with surrounding lanes and street life. It is ideal for soaking up local atmosphere in a compact historic setting.
Large town park with formal gardens, a café building, aviary area, and bandstand. It is one of Darlington's best-loved green spaces for a stroll.
A Teesside takeaway classic: chicken in a creamy béchamel-style sauce with chips. It is strongly associated with nearby Middlesbrough and the wider area.
A rich North East beef and vegetable broth, slowly cooked with pearl barley or split peas. It is a traditional working-class staple in County Durham homes.
Layered potatoes, onions and cheese baked until golden. A beloved North East comfort dish, often served in pubs and homes across Durham and Teesside.
Well-known traditional pub venue serving cask ales and hearty British favourites in a historic, characterful atmosphere.
Established town-centre restaurant known for polished British and European cooking in a smart yet relaxed setting.
Popular Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for classic curries, attentive service and a comfortable modern dining room.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and trains are manageable for most visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Darlington Station -> Darlington Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Darlington trains use the Manchester Victoria to Darlington station pair, with some services arriving at North Road. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darlington train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are 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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: 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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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.
North Road is 1 km from Darlington city centre. Public transport options include:
North Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at North Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at North Road: Parking.
Available at North Road: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at North Road: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Station is unstaffed there are 2 entrances to the staton, one is via steep steps 11 in total, the other is via a stepped ramps and about 40-50 metres in length, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need