- Recommended
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Community-run museum in a historic jail with exhibits on local life, trade, and Stirling’s civic past.
Cheapest price on Sep 07
€46
Average ticket price on Sep 07
€46
Fastest journey on Sep 07
3 h 58 m
Average journey duration on Sep 07
3 h 58 m
Trains on Sep 07
1
Distance
313 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Stirling is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stirling will cost around €46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €46.
On Mon, Sep 07, we found 1 trains from Manchester to Stirling, including 1 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 07 the direct trains cover the 313 km distance in an average of 3 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 58 m .
On Mon, Sep 07 the slowest trains will take 3 h 58 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 bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stirling among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €40 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 35m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €40, while a flight costs an average of €354.
Distance: 194 miles (313 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€91 Average price | €40 Average price Cheapest | €354 Average price | €70 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 52m Average total duration 4h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration 5h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Stirling:
A bus is €51 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stirling costing on average €91.
A bus is €314 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Stirling costing on average €354.
Other travel options to Stirling take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 22m.
Bus takes on average 5h 16m.
Tickets start at around €91 compared to roughly €70 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-21.49. The journey takes 4h 22m versus 4h 3m 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 Stirling trains for today, Sunday, September 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33373+ G80229+ C04441 | Delayed 12:27 PM 12:41 PMManchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h36 | 5:17 PM Stirling station (STG) | 2 transfers | |
W84688+ G80235+ C15397 | On time 1:17 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h44 | 7:01 PM Stirling station (STG) | 2 transfers | |
G01071+ W83227+ G89123 | Delayed 2:07 PM 1:20 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 6h05 | 7:25 PM Stirling station (STG) | 2 transfers | |
W85189+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ W82895 | On time 1:31 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h18 | 5:49 PM Stirling station (STG) | 2 transfers | |
W33297+ C14643+ G89048+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | Delayed 1:42 PM 1:52 PMManchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h20 | 6:12 PM Stirling station (STG) | 3 transfers | |
![]() | 8:24 AM Manchester | 3h58 | 12:22 PM Stirling | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Stirling run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €19 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 20:04. The fastest train covers the 194 miles (313 km) distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 194 miles (313 km) |
Average train duration 4h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price €38 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 4:57 AM |
Last train 8:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Stirling — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stirling trip today.
Community-run museum in a historic jail with exhibits on local life, trade, and Stirling’s civic past.
Interactive visitor center at Bannockburn using immersive displays to explain the 1314 battle and Robert the Bruce’s victory.
Museum inside the castle exploring the history of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders through uniforms, medals, and stories.
Dramatic approach to the castle with broad views over the city and surrounding hills; especially atmospheric at sunset.
Atmospheric old quarter of steep lanes, stone buildings, and heritage sites that best captures Stirling’s medieval character.
Historic old town spine lined with civic buildings, churches, and views toward the castle; ideal for a first walk in Stirling.
A comforting soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. It is a classic Scottish starter, especially valued for its rich flavour and links to east coast fishing.
Scotland’s famous savoury pudding of oats, spices and offal, traditionally served with neeps and tatties. It is central to Scottish celebrations and Burns suppers.
Mashed swede and potatoes, usually served with haggis. This simple side is a staple of traditional Scottish meals and cold-weather cooking.
Established brasserie with a varied menu of Scottish and European dishes. Relaxed atmosphere, central location and strong local reputation.
Traditional pub and restaurant serving Scottish classics, cask ales and whisky in a historic atmosphere close to Stirling Castle.
Popular casual restaurant specialising in steaks, burgers and grills. Lively, reliable and well known for generous portions in central Stirling.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than Edinburgh, while local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Service is often included or optional. Tip restaurants 10-12.5% if service was good, round up taxi fares, and tipping in cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Stirling Railway Station -> Stirling Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stirling 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 Stirling, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stirling trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Stirling station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stirling 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.
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, 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.
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.
Stirling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stirling.
Wi-Fi is available at Stirling. ATMs are available at Stirling.
Ticket office support is available at Stirling. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stirling: Parking, WC.
Available at Stirling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stirling: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 10, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Most taxis accessible, at front of station, 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.
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