- Must visit
Wardown House, Museum and Gallery
Victorian mansion museum in Wardown Park with local history, decorative arts, hat-making collections, and rotating exhibitions. It is Luton’s main museum and the best place to understand the town’s文化,
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$162
Fastest journey
3 h 16 m
Average duration
3 h 19 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Luton will cost around $162 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.
W33948+
C41905+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W34031+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+
C41908
C04359 · W70717 · C04260
C04347 · W70694 · C04238
W33886+
G00821+
W70720 · C04263
W33888+
C41884+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W34031+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+
C41908
W33886+
G00821+
W70720 · C04263
W34104+
G00806+
W70691 · C04235
W33925+
G00818+
W70715 · C04258Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a flight costs an average of $88.
Distance: 134 miles (216 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $218 Average price | $73 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Luton:
A bus is $64 (€52) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Luton costing on average $94 (€76).
A bus is $188 (€152) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Luton costing on average $218 (€176).
Other travel options to Luton take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 15m.
Bus takes on average 3h 58m.
Tickets start at around $94 (€76) compared to roughly $73 (€59) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-20.55 (€-16.61). The journey takes 3h 15m versus 3h 13m 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 Luton trains for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C01289+ G00824+ W70747 · C04267 | On time 2:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 5:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
C01289+ C41919+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | On time 2:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 5:42 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
C04365 · W70725 · C04268 | On time 2:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h42 | 6:25 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W34266+ C41922+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | On time 2:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h20 | 6:14 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
W70781 · W70691 · C04235+ W84658 | 8:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h42 | 11:55 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
W33952+ C41881+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 11:40 AM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W34104+ G00806+ W70691 · C04235 | 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 11:55 AM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
C04347 · W70694 · C04238 | 8:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h42 | 12:25 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W33888+ C41884+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 8:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 12:10 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W33948+ C41905+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 12:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 3:40 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W33925+ G00818+ W70715 · C04258 | 12:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 3:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
C04359 · W70717 · C04260 | 12:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h42 | 4:25 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W34031+ C41908+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 12:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 4:11 PM Luton station (LUT) | 2 transfers | |
W29882+ W34217+ C41912+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | 1:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h39 | 4:42 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
W33886+ G00821+ W70720 · C04263 | 1:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 4:55 PM Luton station (LUT) | 3 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $47 (€38) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 134 miles (216 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 12:06 AM |
Last train 10:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Victorian mansion museum in Wardown Park with local history, decorative arts, hat-making collections, and rotating exhibitions. It is Luton’s main museum and the best place to understand the town’s文化,
Museum complex focused on Bedfordshire history, rural life, archaeology, and the Mossman carriage collection, set beside landscaped gardens. Strong local favorite for families and heritage enthusiasts
Contemporary arts venue in central Luton with gallery exhibitions, performances, and creative programming. Worth visiting for a modern cultural counterpoint to the town’s heritage museums.
Luton’s best-known park, combining lakeside walks, formal planting, open lawns, and Wardown House. It is one of the most enjoyable and photogenic places for a relaxed visit.
Creative and heritage-focused central area associated with Luton’s hat-making past, now known for cultural venues, murals, and a more contemporary urban atmosphere.
Large green space beside Stockwood Discovery Centre with gardens, open parkland, and walking routes. Popular with both locals and visitors seeking an easy outdoor stop.
A traditional Bedfordshire pastry with a savory filling at one end and a sweet filling at the other, created as a hearty farmworker meal from the area around Luton.
A rich local baked treat made with bread dough, dried fruit, sugar, and lard, long associated with Bedfordshire and nearby counties.
A regional fruit preserve made from plums rather than dairy, traditionally served with cold meats, bread, or cheese boards in Bedfordshire.
A long-established local favorite known for classic fish and chips, generous portions, and a relaxed casual atmosphere.
A reliable casual dining venue serving grilled meats, burgers, and British pub staples in a family-friendly setting.
A well-known central Luton pub and restaurant with classic British dishes, drinks, and a lively social atmosphere.
Generally cheaper than central London, but airport-area hotels and some transport can raise costs.
Service is often included in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. No tip needed for pubs, cafes, or takeaway.
Official public transport app
Luton Airport Parkway, Luton -> Luton Station Interchange, Luton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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