The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Runcorn
Cheapest price
$16
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
1 h 2 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
36 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Runcorn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Runcorn will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $16.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Runcorn without transferring at least once.
G38399 · G384858:48 AM1h20Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)10:08 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$161One-way1 transfer
C04439+
C169258:41 AM0h50Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)9:31 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$361One-way1 transfer
W84656+
G383359:11 AM0h55Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)10:06 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$361One-way1 transfer
G16018+
W341198:51 AM1h10Manchester Victoria (MCV)10:01 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$361One-way1 transfer
G86159+
W340858:00 AM1h26Deansgate (DGT)9:26 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$371One-way1 transfer
C04439+
C169258:41 AM0h50Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)9:31 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$361One-way1 transfer
W84656+
G383359:11 AM0h55Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)10:06 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$361One-way1 transfer
W84651+
G383338:11 AM0h55Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)9:06 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$441One-way1 transfer
G16018+
W341198:51 AM1h10Manchester Victoria (MCV)10:01 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$361One-way1 transfer
G38399 · G384858:48 AM1h20Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)10:08 AMRuncorn station (RUN)$161One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Runcorn
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Runcorn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $13, and a bus costs an average of $19.
Distance: 22 miles (36 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price Cheapest | $23 Average price | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Runcorn:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Runcorn costing on average $23 (€19).
Other travel options to Runcorn take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 28m.
Tickets start at around $19 (€16) compared to roughly $10 (€8) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.36 (€-7.66). The journey takes 56m versus 46m 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Runcorn train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Runcorn trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:51 AM Manchester | 1h22 | 11:13 AM Runcorn | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Runcorn by train or bus
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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Manchester to Runcorn trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Runcorn.
- 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 East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Runcorn.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail or east_midlands_trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Runcorn.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Runcorn.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Runcorn
Trains from Manchester to Runcorn run on average 7 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 22 miles (36 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 22 miles (36 km) |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express from Manchester to Runcorn trainsEast Midlands Railway, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Manchester and Runcorn from $13 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
East Midlands Railway
Transpennine Express
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
Northern Trains Limited
TransPennine Express
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Runcorn
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Runcorn 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 Runcorn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Runcorn
Most Manchester to Runcorn trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Runcorn East station pair, with some services arriving at Runcorn. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Runcorn train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Manchester station do trains to Runcorn leave from?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly 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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
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.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road 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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Which Runcorn station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Getting to Runcorn East from Runcorn city centre
Runcorn East is 4 km from Runcorn city centre. Public transport options include:
Runcorn East train station facilities and services
Runcorn East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Information Desk.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Runcorn East: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Chester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Manchester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between both platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Located outside the ticket office on the wall, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Runcorn from Runcorn city centre
Runcorn train station facilities and services
Runcorn has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Runcorn.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Runcorn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Runcorn: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn: 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 may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Runcorn
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