- Recommended
The Silk Museum
The town's leading heritage museum, set in a former silk mill, covering Macclesfield's silk industry, local history, and changing exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$7
Average price
$17
Fastest journey
20 m
Average duration
20 m
Trains per day
63
Distance
26 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Macclesfield is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Macclesfield will cost around $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
Of the 63 trains that leave Manchester for Macclesfield on Sat, Aug 01, 63 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 01 the direct trains cover the 26 km distance in an average of 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 20 m .
On Sat, Aug 01 the slowest trains will take 20 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.
L89580
L89555
L89545
L89568
L89590
G01025
G01031
G01028
G01033
G01037Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Macclesfield among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $3, and a bus costs an average of $4.
Distance: 16 miles (26 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$9 Average price Cheapest | $9 Average price | $8 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
55m Average total duration Fastest 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Macclesfield:
A train is $0.21 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Macclesfield costing on average $9.
Other travel options to Macclesfield take longer:
Bus takes on average 58m.
You'll arrive about 28m sooner (25m by train vs 53m by car). Tickets start at around $9 compared to roughly $8 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 CrossCountry, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, 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 Macclesfield trains for today, Friday, July 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34018 | Delayed 5:14 AM 6:14 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 6:36 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33953 | Delayed 5:29 AM 6:29 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h23 | 6:52 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33952 | Delayed 7:14 AM 8:14 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 7:38 AM 7:38 AMMacclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34134 | Delayed 8:13 AM 9:14 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 9:36 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34270 | Delayed 12:14 PM 1:14 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 12:38 PM 12:38 PMMacclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01291 | Delayed 2:14 PM 3:14 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 3:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29908 | On time 5:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 5:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89688 | On time 5:18 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h34 | 5:52 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89570 | On time 5:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h32 | 6:18 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66587 | 6:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 6:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01039 | 6:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 6:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89582 | On time 6:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 7:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00766 | On time 7:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 7:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01042 | On time 7:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 7:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89592 | On time 7:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 8:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66582 | 8:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h23 | 8:26 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34080 | 8:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 8:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29939 | On time 8:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 8:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89549 | 8:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 9:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66598 | On time 9:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 9:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89559 | On time 9:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h34 | 10:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G66602 | On time 10:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 10:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89572 | On time 10:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 11:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89583 | On time 11:16 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h32 | 11:48 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, August 1 | |||||
L89545 | 5:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h32 | 6:15 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33660 | 6:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h21 | 6:31 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33668 | 6:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 6:52 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89555 | 6:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 7:06 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29850 | 7:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 7:23 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33628 | 7:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 7:36 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01002 | 7:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h21 | 7:46 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89568 | 7:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 8:17 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01139 | 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h21 | 8:24 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33397 | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 8:36 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01006 | 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 8:45 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89580 | 8:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 9:17 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01143 | 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 9:25 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01010 | 9:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 9:45 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89590 | 9:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 10:17 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29865 | 10:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 10:25 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33405 | 10:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 10:36 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01014 | 10:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 10:45 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89547 | 10:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 11:17 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29870 | 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 11:25 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33779 | 11:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 11:36 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01017 | 11:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 11:45 AM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89557 | 11:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 12:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29876 | 12:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 12:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33600 | 12:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 12:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01021 | 12:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 12:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89569 | 12:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 1:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29881 | 1:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 1:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33702 | 1:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 1:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01025 | 1:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 1:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89581 | 1:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 2:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01149 | 2:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h21 | 2:24 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33465 | 2:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 2:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01028 | 2:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 2:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89591 | 2:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 3:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W29893 | 3:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h21 | 3:24 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33781 | 3:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 3:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01031 | 3:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 3:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89548 | 3:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 4:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01157 | 4:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 4:25 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33670 | 4:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h22 | 4:36 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01033 | 4:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h20 | 4:45 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89558 | 4:46 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h31 | 5:17 PM Macclesfield station (MAC) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Macclesfield run on average 15 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 if you book in advance.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 16 miles (26 km) distance in 23m.
Distance 16 miles (26 km) |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price $3 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 23m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Macclesfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Macclesfield trip today.
The town's leading heritage museum, set in a former silk mill, covering Macclesfield's silk industry, local history, and changing exhibitions.
Working industrial heritage site with restored looms and machinery, showing how silk was made in Macclesfield's most famous trade.
Nearby heritage attraction with extensive aircraft and aviation history displays, often included by visitors exploring the wider Macclesfield area.
Lively central street known for independent shops, historic buildings, and easy access to the town's main heritage and cultural attractions.
Historic market area at the heart of town life, ideal for seeing civic architecture, local trade traditions, and the surrounding old streets.
Large Victorian park with formal planting, open lawns, and a pleasant setting for walks near the town centre and heritage sites.
A famous Cheshire cheese from nearby farms, prized for its crumbly texture and sharp, salty flavour long linked to the county’s dairy heritage.
A traditional soft cow’s milk cheese from the Cheshire plain, known for its creamy texture and mild flavour; often served on local cheese boards.
A regional ale style historically brewed across Cheshire pubs, valued for balanced malt, gentle bitterness, and local pub culture.
Refined modern British restaurant in nearby Prestbury, known for tasting menus, polished service, and a destination fine dining atmosphere.
Popular traditional pub in Bollington with Cheshire ales, steak, pies, and gastropub favourites in a cosy, established atmosphere.
Well-known independent restaurant in Macclesfield serving Turkish and Mediterranean dishes with a lively, modern dining room.
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are cheaper than Manchester or London, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; otherwise tip 10-12.5% for good service. Taxi tips are optional, often rounding up. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Macclesfield Railway Station -> Macclesfield Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Macclesfield trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Macclesfield station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Macclesfield train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Levenshulme is 5 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Levenshulme has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Levenshulme.
Ticket office support is available at Levenshulme.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Levenshulme: Parking.
Available at Levenshulme: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Levenshulme: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C station, From Albert Road up 20 steps to reach the ticket office, then for services to Manchester up a further 26 steps onto the platform. For Services towards Stockport from ticket office go through the underpass (29 paces) and up 26 steps onto the platform, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Macclesfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Macclesfield.
Wi-Fi is available at Macclesfield.
Ticket office support is available at Macclesfield.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Macclesfield: Parking, WC.
Available at Macclesfield: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Macclesfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
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