- Recommended
Darwen Heritage Centre
Local history museum inside Darwen Library Theatre, covering the town’s industry, people, and civic story through compact displays.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€6
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€8
Fastest journey on Sep 19
40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
41 m
Trains on Sep 19
10
Distance
28 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Darwen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darwen will cost around €8 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €6.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 10 trains from Manchester to Darwen, including 10 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 40 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 42 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.
P24050
P24046
P24040
G85304
P24054
G85302
G85304
G90365
P24061
G90363Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Darwen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 13m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €3, while a train costs an average of €8.
Distance: 17 miles (28 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€8 Average price | €3 Average price Cheapest | €6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 13m Average total duration Fastest 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 25m Average total duration 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Darwen:
A bus is €5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Darwen costing on average €8.
Other travel options to Darwen take longer:
Bus takes on average 55m.
You'll arrive about 7m sooner (43m by train vs 50m by car). Tickets start at around €8 compared to roughly €6 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 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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darwen trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G90363 | 5:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h42 | 5:57 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P24040 | 5:43 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h44 | 6:27 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G90365 | 6:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h41 | 6:56 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P24046 | 6:43 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h43 | 7:26 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85302 | 7:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h40 | 7:55 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P24050 | 7:43 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h43 | 8:26 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85304 | 8:15 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h40 | 8:55 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P24054 | 8:43 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h43 | 9:26 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
P24058 | 9:44 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h42 | 10:26 PM Darwen station (DWN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Darwen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €3 but you can travel from only €3 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 17 miles (28 km) distance in 33m.
Distance 17 miles (28 km) |
Average train duration 43m |
Cheapest ticket price €3 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 33m |
First train 12:24 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Darwen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darwen trip today.
Local history museum inside Darwen Library Theatre, covering the town’s industry, people, and civic story through compact displays.
Major regional art gallery and museum with fine art, decorative arts, and Egyptology. A strong cultural visit close to Darwen.
Independent transport museum with buses, trams, and heritage vehicles. Popular with families and enthusiasts a short trip from Darwen.
Large moorland area above town with open walking routes, reservoirs, and expansive panoramas. Ideal for classic Darwen outdoor scenery.
Panoramic hill walk to Darwen’s landmark tower, rewarding visitors with some of the best viewpoints in the borough.
Victorian public park with gardens, play areas, and pleasant walks. A favourite local green space close to central Darwen.
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slow baked. It is one of Lancashire’s best known comfort dishes.
Black pudding from nearby Bury is a regional staple made with blood, oats and seasoning. It is widely eaten in local breakfasts across Lancashire.
Butter pie is a traditional Lancashire pie of potatoes, onion and butter. Created for Catholic meat free days, it remains a beloved local savoury bake.
Well known Indian restaurant in Darwen, popular for curries, grilled dishes and friendly service in a casual atmosphere.
Traditional pub in Darwen serving British classics, ales and hearty meals in a relaxed local setting.
Established Italian restaurant in Darwen offering pasta, pizza and classic mains in a comfortable family friendly setting.
More affordable than major UK cities. Hotels, dining, and local transit usually cost less than in Manchester or London.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tips.
Official public transport app
Darwen Railway Station -> Darwen Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darwen 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 Darwen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Darwen trains use the Manchester Victoria to Darwen station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darwen 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.
Darwen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Bryan St Chippy, The Old Chapel Cafe
Ticket office support is available at Darwen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Darwen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Darwen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Darwen: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Astley Bank Hotel, Whitehall Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need