- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Flagship museum with transport, natural history, and art collections in a landmark riverside building by Zaha Hadid.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Glasgow City
Showing times and prices for Aug 18
Cheapest price
$111
Average price
$176
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 11 m
Trains per day
22
Distance
291 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Glasgow City is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Glasgow City will cost around $176 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $111.
Fast trains
Of the 22 trains that leave Manchester for Glasgow City on Tue, Aug 18, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 18 the direct trains cover the 291 km distance in an average of 3 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Tue, Aug 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
4:57 AM3h25Manchester8:22 AMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers- 7:25 AM3h10Manchester10:35 AMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers
- 9:24 AM3h16Manchester12:40 PMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers
- 11:24 AM3h15Manchester2:39 PMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers
- 1:24 PM3h15Manchester4:39 PMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers
2:53 PM3h08Manchester6:01 PMGlasgow Central$2131One-way1 transfer- 4:53 PM3h09Manchester8:02 PMGlasgow Central$2131One-way1 transfer
- 7:25 AM3h10Manchester10:35 AMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers
- 9:53 AM3h12Manchester1:05 PMGlasgow Central$2131One-way1 transfer
- 11:24 AM3h15Manchester2:39 PMGlasgow Central$1111One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Manchester to Glasgow City
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Glasgow City among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 180 miles (291 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$177 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 21m Average total duration 4h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Glasgow City is a bus with an average price of $43.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Glasgow City:
A bus is $134 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Glasgow City costing on average $177.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Glasgow City is by train with an average journey time of 3h 28m.
Other travel options to Glasgow City take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 51m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Glasgow City including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Glasgow City 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 24m sooner (3h 28m by train vs 3h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $177 compared to roughly $78 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 Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express.
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 to Glasgow City train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Glasgow City trains for today, Monday, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:24 AM Manchester | 3h37 | 12:01 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 9:24 AM Manchester | 3h16 | 12:40 PM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:53 AM Manchester | 3h12 | 1:05 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 10:24 AM Manchester | 3h38 | 2:02 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 11:24 AM Manchester | 3h15 | 2:39 PM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:53 AM Manchester | 3h24 | 3:17 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 12:24 PM Manchester | 3h24 | 3:48 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 1:24 PM Manchester | 3h15 | 4:39 PM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 1:53 PM Manchester | 3h28 | 5:21 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 2:53 PM Manchester | 3h08 | 6:01 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 3:24 PM Manchester | 3h15 | 6:39 PM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 3:53 PM Manchester | 3h24 | 7:17 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 4:53 PM Manchester | 3h09 | 8:02 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 5:24 PM Manchester | 3h15 | 8:39 PM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:53 PM Manchester | 3h20 | 9:13 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 6:53 PM Manchester | 3h16 | 10:09 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 7:53 PM Manchester | 3h20 | 11:13 PM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 8:25 PM Manchester | 3h43 | 12:08 AM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, August 18 | |||||
| 4:57 AM Manchester | 3h25 | 8:22 AM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:52 AM Manchester | 3h24 | 9:16 AM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
| 7:25 AM Manchester | 3h10 | 10:35 AM Glasgow Central | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 7:53 AM Manchester | 3h25 | 11:18 AM Glasgow Central | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Glasgow City by bus or train
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.
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Aug 18
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Why should you book Manchester to Glasgow City trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express and more offer trains services from Manchester to Glasgow City.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Glasgow City.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Glasgow City.
- 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Glasgow City.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited or TransPennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Glasgow City.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Glasgow City.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Glasgow City
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Glasgow City run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $111 but you can travel from only $37 by bus.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:25. The fastest train covers the 180 miles (291 km) distance in 3h 8m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37
Distance 180 miles (291 km) |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $111 |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 8:25 PM |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $37
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Manchester to Glasgow City trainsTranspennine Express, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Manchester and Glasgow City from $37. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
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
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
$295
Avanti West Coast frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Price
$213
Northern Trains Limited frequency
6 a day
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest Price
$111
TransPennine Express frequency
6 a day
Complete guide to Glasgow City
Things to do in Glasgow City
Discover the best of Glasgow City — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow City trip today.
- Must visit
Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
Major civic museum and gallery with fine art, natural history, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh highlights.
- Must visit
Gallery of Modern Art
Contemporary art museum in the city centre, housed in a neoclassical building with changing exhibitions.
- Must visit
George Square
Large central square framed by statues and major civic buildings, often used for events and city sightseeing.
- Must visit
Buchanan Street
Bustling retail avenue in the city centre, useful for architecture, shopping, and experiencing Glasgow's daily rhythm.
- Must visit
Pollok Country Park
Glasgow's grandest parkland estate, combining woodland walks, gardens, and access to Pollok House and the Burrell Collection.
Scotch Broth
A hearty Scottish soup of split peas, lentils, barley and vegetables. Long linked with Glasgow homes and cafes, especially on cold, wet days.
Shepherd’s Pie
A seasoned minced lamb or beef filling topped with mashed potatoes and baked. A beloved pub and family staple across Glasgow and Scotland.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
Smoked haddock in creamy milk sauce, often with onions and parsley. A classic west coast Scottish fish dish served in traditional restaurants.
Cail Bruich
Refined Scottish fine dining in elegant surroundings, known for seasonal tasting menus and polished service in central Glasgow.
The Buttery
Historic city-centre restaurant serving classic Scottish dishes, seafood and haggis in a traditional, welcoming setting.
University Cafe
Long-established Glaswegian institution famous for fish and chips, pies and old-school tea room charm near Kelvingrove.
British Pound Sterling (£)
Moderate for UK city breaks. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while transit and casual meals are fairly manageable for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Glasgow City
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Glasgow City 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 Glasgow City, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Glasgow City can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $111, while the average price is around $177.
The train from Manchester to Glasgow City takes 3h 8m and runs 12 per day.
The distance by train from Manchester to Glasgow City is 180 miles (291 km).
The first train from Manchester to Glasgow City leaves at 4:54 AM.
The last train from Manchester to Glasgow City leaves at 8:25 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Glasgow City.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Glasgow City. This service operates 5 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Glasgow City.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Glasgow City is by bus, with a cost of around $37.
The train journey from Manchester to Glasgow City offers scenic views, particularly as it moves through the picturesque landscapes of the Lake District and Southern Uplands, providing travelers with glimpses of rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming countryside.
A day trip from Manchester to Glasgow City is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 8m. However, trains run 12 times per day.
Three to four days in Glasgow City allows you to explore its vibrant culture, visit major attractions like the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Riverside Museum, and enjoy the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Glasgow City.
Since neither Manchester nor Glasgow City 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 Glasgow City include Edinburgh.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Glasgow City 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 Glasgow City, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like public transport and popular shopping streets. Some common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers who do not use the meter and bogus charity collectors. It is advisable to stay in well-lit areas at night and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft.
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
More options for your journey from Manchester to Glasgow City
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Glasgow City and Manchester
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