The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to St Albans
Cheapest price
$85
Average price
$114
Fastest journey
3 h 30 m
Average duration
3 h 56 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to St Albans is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to St Albans will cost around $114 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
Of the 4 trains that leave Manchester for St Albans on Sun, Dec 21, 4 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 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 30 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 4 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.








Manchester - St AlbansCompare Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains


Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to St Albans
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to St Albans among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €7. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 €7, and a flight costs an average of €84.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€97 Average price | €15 Average price Cheapest | €169 Average price |
3h 27m Average total duration 2h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 25m Average total duration 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to St Albans train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to St Albans 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:58 AM Manchester | 3h37 | 10:35 AM St Albans | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:05 AM Manchester | 3h30 | 10:35 AM St Albans | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:09 AM Manchester | 4h26 | 11:35 AM St Albans | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:26 AM Manchester | 4h09 | 11:35 AM St Albans | 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 St Albans by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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.
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Why should you book Manchester to St Albans trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Trains offer trains services from Manchester to St Albans. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to St Albans.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to St Albans.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to St Albans.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Avanti West Coast tickets can be bought on Avanti West Coast's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of East Midlands Trains to help you choose the right option for your journey from Manchester to St Albans.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to St Albans.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to St Albans
Trains from Manchester to St Albans run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€50) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average train duration 2h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€50) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 00:15 |
Last train 21:43 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains from Manchester to St Albans trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains trains will get you between Manchester and St Albans from $9 (€7). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to St Albans
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to St Albans 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 St Albans, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to St Albans
- 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,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 05:45 - 22:00 Saturday 06:45 - 21:15 Sunday 07:30 - 21:45
- Car Park: Victoria Street Multi Storey Car Park
- Taxi: YES
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to the platform. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Station Way & Ridgmont Road
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on Platform One.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: station platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill near to the station entrance car park. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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