- Must visit
Gladstone Pottery Museum
Outstanding pottery museum with working bottle kilns, period workshops and live demonstrations. The best place to understand Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic story.
Cheapest price
$4
Average price
$10
Fastest journey
53 m
Average duration
53 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around $10 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $4.
Of the 8 trains that leave Manchester for Stoke-on-Trent on Fri, Aug 28, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 28 the direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 53 m .
On Fri, Aug 28 the slowest trains will take 53 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 Stoke-on-Trent among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $4, and a bus costs an average of $4.
Distance: 32 miles (53 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$8 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Stoke-on-Trent:
A train is $1 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent costing on average $10.
Other travel options to Stoke-on-Trent take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 32m.
The journey is about 8m faster (56m by train vs 1h 4m by car) and roughly $6 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($8 vs $15). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent trains for today, Thursday, August 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01138 | On time 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h40 | 8:43 AM Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01005 | On time 8:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h38 | 9:03 AM Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L89580 | On time 8:46 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h53 | 9:39 AM Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01144 | On time 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h40 | 9:43 AM Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Stoke-on-Trent run on average 10 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 32 miles (53 km) distance in 38m.
Distance 32 miles (53 km) |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
Outstanding pottery museum with working bottle kilns, period workshops and live demonstrations. The best place to understand Stoke-on-Trent's ceramic story.
Excellent city museum and art gallery with the world's largest public Spitfire collection plus Staffordshire ceramics, archaeology and natural history.
Award-winning visitor centre inside a working factory, exploring Wedgwood design, craft and collections. Strong choice for ceramics and design fans.
Award-winning lakeside estate with formal gardens, woodland walks, shopping village and seasonal events. One of the area's most popular leisure destinations.
Large Victorian park with lake, bandstand and landscaped grounds near Hanley. Ideal for a scenic walk and classic city-park atmosphere.
Historic former pottery district with independent shops, heritage buildings and a strong artistic identity. Great for exploring local character.
A famous oat-based savoury pancake from The Potteries, usually filled with cheese, bacon or egg. It is Stoke-on-Trent's best-known traditional street and breakfast food.
A hearty North Staffordshire stew of slow-cooked beef, root vegetables and stock. It is a traditional local comfort dish often served in pubs and homes.
Crumbly white cheese made in Staffordshire and nearby Cheshire. It is a classic regional dairy product, often eaten with bread, oatcakes or salads.
Popular local oatcake kitchen serving classic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Casual, affordable and strongly associated with Potteries food culture.
Refined modern British dining in a polished setting. Known for high-quality tasting menus and one of the area's strongest fine dining reputations.
Well-regarded Indian restaurant with a long-standing reputation for quality curries and attentive service. Comfortable venue suited to a relaxed dinner.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals usually cost less than in London or Manchester, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station -> Hanley Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Stoke-on-Trent station pair, with some services arriving at Longport. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent 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.
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.
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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Stoke-on-Trent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Wi-Fi is available at Stoke-on-Trent. ATMs are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-on-Trent. 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Parking, WC.
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-on-Trent: 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 taxis: By the North end of platform 1, 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.
Longport is 4 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Longport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Longport.
Available at Longport: Parking.
Available at Longport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Longport: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. This station has a degree of step free access to the platform which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check for details. Wheelchair users may need assistance on Platform 1 as there are no lowered kerbs on the pavements and the gradient of the ramp to the platform is steep. The gradient of the ramp to Platform 2 is moderate. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible taxis: Euro 01782 314444, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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