- Must visit
Shakespeare's Birthplace
Flagship Shakespeare museum in his birthplace, with exhibitions on his life, family, and legacy in a preserved Tudor setting.
Cheapest price
€97
Average price
€97
Fastest journey
2 h 57 m
Average duration
2 h 57 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
263 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Stratford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stratford will cost around €97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €97.
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester for Stratford on Sat, Aug 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Aug 22 the direct trains cover the 263 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 57 m .
On Sat, Aug 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 57 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 Stratford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €9, and a flight costs an average of €78.
Distance: 163 miles (263 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€98 Average price | €12 Average price Cheapest | €128 Average price | €85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration 5h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Stratford:
A bus is €86 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stratford costing on average €98.
A bus is €115 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Stratford costing on average €128.
Other travel options to Stratford take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
Bus takes on average 5h 25m.
You'll arrive about 59m sooner (3h 11m by train vs 4h 10m by car). Tickets start at around €98 compared to roughly €85 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stratford trains for tomorrow, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:14 AM Manchester | 2h57 | 12:11 PM Stratford | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, flight, 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 Stratford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €52 but you can travel from only €9 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:52, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 3h 3m.
Distance 163 miles (263 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price €52 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 3h 3m |
First train 2:52 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Stratford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stratford trip today.
Flagship Shakespeare museum in his birthplace, with exhibitions on his life, family, and legacy in a preserved Tudor setting.
Restored family home where Shakespeare's wife grew up; combines domestic history, collection displays, and attractive grounds.
Museum house exploring Shakespeare's daughter and son-in-law, with fine rooms, medical history, and landscaped gardens.
Historic timber-framed main street filled with character, shops, and classic town views; ideal for first-time walking and photos.
Pleasant riverside parkland with lawns, paths, and swan-filled views; excellent for relaxing walks near the theatre district.
Broad pedestrian-friendly route with heritage buildings, independent shops, and direct links to key Shakespeare attractions.
A classic British meal of battered fish and chips, widely eaten in Stratford and across England, often served with mushy peas and malt vinegar.
A slow-cooked beef pie with ale gravy under pastry. It reflects the hearty pub cooking common in Warwickshire and the wider Midlands.
Pork sausage wrapped in bacon, usually served with roast dinners. It is a beloved traditional side on Sunday lunches in local pubs.
Fine dining restaurant by Chef Paul Foster, known for seasonal British tasting menus in an intimate modern setting.
Historic riverside restaurant serving classic British dishes and afternoon tea in an elegant timber-framed building.
Well-known local restaurant focused on steak, seafood, and grills with a polished but relaxed atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and theatre can raise costs, but dining and local transport are usually manageable versus London.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: small change or no tip is fine.
Official public transport app
Stratford Station -> Oxford Circus, London
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stratford 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 Stratford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stratford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Stratford (London) station pair, with some services arriving at Stratford International. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stratford 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 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.
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.
Stratford (London) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stratford (London).
Wi-Fi is available at Stratford (London). ATMs are available at Stratford (London).
Ticket office support is available at Stratford (London). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234.
Available at Stratford (London): Parking, WC.
Available at Stratford (London): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stratford (London): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms, 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: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Stratford International has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stratford International.
ATMs are available at Stratford International.
Ticket office support is available at Stratford International. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Textphone 0800 783 4548, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stratford International: Parking, WC.
Available at Stratford International: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stratford International: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access to all platforms via lifts.Pedestrian access to the international station from the regional station either via Westfield shopping centre or the roadway to the second entrance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Maryland has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Maryland.
Wi-Fi is available at Maryland.
Ticket office support is available at Maryland. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Maryland: Parking, WC.
Available at Maryland: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Maryland: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Accessibility Category A. This station has step-free access to all platforms Staff ramp assistance is always available. Accessible seating is available on platforms 1&2, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: An accessible ticket machine is located within the stations ticket hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Staff are available to assist from the first to last train, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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