The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Runcorn
Cheapest price
$6
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
55 m
Average duration
1 h 16 m
Trains per day
5
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 $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $6.
Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester for Runcorn on Sun, Dec 21, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 1 h 26 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.










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 bus with prices starting from €8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €8, and a train costs an average of €3.
Distance: 22 miles (36 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€13 Average price | €11 Average price Cheapest |
1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester to Runcorn train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Runcorn trains for tomorrow, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:10 AM Manchester | 0h55 | 9:05 AM Runcorn | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 AM Manchester | 1h26 | 9:56 AM Runcorn | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:48 AM Manchester | 1h24 | 10:12 AM Runcorn | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:51 AM Manchester | 1h21 | 10:12 AM Runcorn | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:00 PM Manchester | 1h12 | 1:12 PM Runcorn | 0 transfersDirect |
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.
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Why should you book Manchester to Runcorn trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail (3) offer trains services from Manchester to Runcorn. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Runcorn.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail (3) 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 Transport for Wales 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 Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Transport for Wales tickets can be bought on Transport for Wales's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express and Northern Rail (3) to help you choose the right option for your journey 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 5 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 (€3) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 22 miles (36 km) distance in 42m.
Distance 22 miles (36 km) |
Average train duration 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 (€3) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 42m |
First train 00:10 |
Last train 23:51 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express, east_midlands_trains from Manchester to Runcorn trainsTransport for Wales, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Manchester and Runcorn from $4 (€3). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
East Midlands Trains
TransPennine Express
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
east_midlands_trains
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
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 19:30 Saturday 06:30 - 19:30 Sunday 08:45 - 19:30
- Car Park: Station Car Park 3 (Platform 2)
- 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
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent to Car Park 1 (Multi-Story)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off in the turning circle adjacent to the station entrance.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 12:00 Saturday 08:00 - 13:15 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stops are From the ticket office walk up the steps apx 50m to main road. or Take footbridge by station entrance, walk apx 75m.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: The bus stops on Barnfield Avenue nearest to the station car park. Towards Manchester, wait at the bus stop on the same side of the road as the car park. Towards Chester, wait at the bus stop on the opposite side of the road as the car park.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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