Manchester to London train with Avanti West Coast

Manchester to London by Comfortable Avanti Pendolino Train

Introduction

After spending a few days visiting friends in Manchester, it was time to head down to London to catch my flight home. Connecting these two major cities in just about two hours, Avanti West Coast’s high-speed train service looked like the quickest and most convenient option. In this article, I’ll share my experience on board and offer a few useful tips for making the most of this fast 2-hour journey.

Route Overview

Manchester and London are roughly 200 miles (320 kilometers) apart, and there are plenty of ways to travel between them, including train, bus, and plane. The train is usually the fastest and most convenient option, though it can often be the most expensive. To find the best deal and travel time for your needs, I recommend using Omio to compare all transport options in one place.

Transportation Experience

Taking the train in the UK is generally a smooth and straightforward experience. Services to London depart from the centrally located Manchester Piccadilly Station, which is within walking distance of the city center and well-connected by Metrolink. Once at the station, just check the departure board, find your platform, and hop on board. Two hours later, you’ll arrive at London Euston, right in the heart of the capital, with excellent Underground connections to the rest of the city.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

All services to London depart from Manchester Piccadilly, the city’s main rail hub. The station features plenty of shops and a food court on the first floor. Trains to London typically start here and are usually available for boarding around 15 minutes before departure. If you don’t have a seat reservation, finding an empty seat is rarely a problem, especially if you board early.

Avanti services arrive at London Euston. You’ll notice it has low ceilings and dim lighting, but it’s well-connected by Underground and bus lines. From here, it’s very easy to continue your journey across the city.

Schedule & Frequency

There are typically three direct Avanti West Coast trains per hour to London Euston, operating two main routes:

• 2 trains per hour via Stoke-on-Trent (fast: 2h06m / semi-fast: 2h12m)
• 1 train per hour via Crewe (approx. 2h14m)

At peak times, additional departures and faster limited-stop trains operate. For example, a 7:00 am departure completes the trip in just 1 hour and 59 minutes.

Other options include slower regional trains, with a change at Crewe and frequent buses, so there’s always a departure to suit your schedule.

Onboard Experience & Services

I took the slightly slower service via Crewe because it was cheaper. If you're a railway enthusiast, I recommend this route, as it passes a large collection of heritage trains near Crewe.

I arrived at Piccadilly around 15 minutes early, and my Pendolino train was already on the platform.

These trains come in 9-car and 11-car versions. The 11-car ones have more Second Class seating. If you don’t have a seat reservation, it's handy to know that:

• On 11-car trains: carriages C, G, and U are unreserved.
• On 9-car trains: only carriage C is unreserved.

However, in any carriage, you can always look for empty spots, which are indicated by the reservation displays above every seat.

Luggage racks can be found throughout the train, and there are no restrictions, so you can bring as much as you can reasonably carry by yourself.

I traveled in Standard Premium, which is essentially First Class without lounge access or free onboard food. It's cheaper than full First Class and often worth the upgrade for extra space and comfort.

No matter whether you’re traveling in Standard, Standard Premium, or First Class, you’ll have access to:

• Free Wi-Fi (though coverage can be spotty at times).
• A power outlet at your seat.
• A takeaway-style onboard bistro, offering sandwiches, snacks, and a selection of hot and cold drinks.

About a half-hour after departure, the train stops in Crewe. Keep an eye out for the heritage trains on the right-hand side.

At Crewe, the train joins the West Coast Main Line, where it can reach top speeds of 125 mph. These Pendolino trains use tilting technology in curves, which allows them to go faster than regular trains. However, this may cause motion sickness for some passengers. The route mostly passes through flat agricultural land before getting more and more urban closer to London.

We arrived at London Euston just five minutes behind schedule, concluding a simple and smooth journey.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

Fares are dynamically priced, meaning they can vary in price depending on the time of day and how far in advance you book.

Budget Breakdown

During peak times, fares can exceed £180–£280 (€210–€330), so book train tickets on Omio early to save on your trip!

Tip: Want an upgrade without paying full price? Use the Seatfrog app to bid for upgrades, sometimes for just a few pounds.

For my trip, I booked Standard Premium for £66 (€77), only £10 (€12) more than Standard. This was well worth it for the extra legroom and quieter carriage.

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• Take the route via Crewe for views of heritage trains.
• If prone to motion sickness, consider the slower regional trains with a change in Crewe instead of direct Avanti trains.
• Use Seatfrog to snag a cheap upgrade to Premium or First Class.

Conclusion

Avanti West Coast offers the fastest and most comfortable way to travel from Manchester to London. It’s efficient and smooth, but it can be pricey, especially at the last minute. To save money and travel in comfort, it’s best to compare all available options. Download the Omio app to check routes, prices, and departure times. Then book early to lock in the best fares.

About the Author: Simon Andersen

Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator Bio: Train travel content creator with a degree in Mobility and Transportation from the Danish Technical University. I create content showcasing unique and memorable train journeys across Europe and beyond.