- Must visit
The World of Glass
Leading local museum on glassmaking history, with collections, demonstrations and family displays. The town's signature cultural attraction.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$18
Fastest journey
56 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
33 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to St Helens 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 Helens will cost around $18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 3 trains that leave Manchester for St Helens on Wed, Aug 05, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 33 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 56 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 1 h 14 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to St Helens among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 50m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $9, and a bus costs an average of $15.
Distance: 20 miles (33 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price | $9 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 20m Average total duration Fastest 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 9m Average total duration 1h 39m 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 St Helens:
A train is $0.39 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to St Helens costing on average $17.
Other travel options to St Helens take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 39m.
Tickets start at around $17 compared to roughly $9 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-8.00. The journey takes 50m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to St Helens trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:13 AM Manchester | 0h56 | 7:09 AM St Helens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:33 AM Manchester | 1h04 | 9:37 AM St Helens | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:55 AM Manchester | 1h14 | 11:09 AM St Helens | 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 St Helens run on average 4 times per day, taking around 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 20 miles (33 km) distance in 56m.
Distance 20 miles (33 km) |
Average train duration 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 56m |
First train 12:04 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of St Helens — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Helens trip today.
Leading local museum on glassmaking history, with collections, demonstrations and family displays. The town's signature cultural attraction.
Small volunteer-run museum preserving Rainhill's railway story, including links to the famous Rainhill Trials. A rewarding niche visit.
Local history display space within the library service, useful for researching St Helens people, industry and civic development.
Former colliery site crowned by the Dream sculpture, offering wide views and a memorable walking route across reclaimed landscape.
Large Victorian park with lakes, gardens and sports facilities. One of the town's best green spaces for walking and relaxation.
Linear waterside path following the historic canal, popular for walking and cycling while exploring industrial heritage and wildlife.
Scouse is a slow-cooked stew of beef or lamb, potatoes and root vegetables. Strongly linked with Merseyside and long valued as a filling working-class meal.
Wet Nelly is a traditional Liverpool bread pudding made with leftover bread, dried fruit and spices, often served warm with custard in local cafes and pubs.
Liverpool tart, or Liverpool currant cake, is a pastry tart filled with currants, sugar and spice. It is a classic regional bake from nearby Merseyside.
Well-known Turkish restaurant with charcoal-grilled kebabs, meze and generous sharing plates in a modern casual dining room.
Established Indian restaurant known for classic curries and tandoori dishes in a smart but relaxed setting popular with local diners.
Long-running Italian venue serving pizza, pasta and grilled mains in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere close to the town centre.
More affordable than nearby Liverpool or Manchester. Budget stays, casual dining, and local buses are usually reasonably priced for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
St Helens Central -> St Helens Bus Station, St Helens
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to St Helens 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 Helens, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to St Helens trains use the Manchester Victoria to Lea Green station pair, with some services arriving at St Helens Junction. Use this guide to compare Manchester and St Helens train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Manchester Victoria 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 options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: 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.
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.
Lea Green is 3 km from St Helens city centre. Public transport options include:
Lea Green 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 Lea Green.
Ticket office support is available at Lea Green.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lea Green: Parking.
Available at Lea Green: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lea Green: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Access to both platforms is via long ramps with rest platforms or, alternatively 32 steps with handrails and rest platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
St Helens Junction is 3 km from St Helens city centre. Public transport options include:
St Helens Junction has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Ticket office support is available at St Helens Junction.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Helens Junction: Parking.
Available at St Helens Junction: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Helens Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Level access to the Manchester platform including tactile guidance path from main street, car park and bus interchange. Alternative access to Manchester platform is up stepped ramp from Helena Road. Access to the Liverpool bound platform has a long severe ramp and is via a locked gate. Station staff have a key. The access ramp is cobbled and has a safety barrier at the bottom in Helena Road. Alternative access is via an open step bridge with 27 steps to each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
St Helens Central has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at St Helens Central.
Ticket office support is available at St Helens Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at St Helens Central: Parking, WC.
Available at St Helens Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at St Helens Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Level access to Wigan bound platform. Access by underground subway to Liverpool platform with steep ramps. Lift open for all services, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, 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.
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