Manchester to Stratford train with Avanti West Coast

Tue, May 12
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Stratford

Showing times and prices for May 12

Cheapest price

$125

Average price

$126

Fastest journey

2 h 52 m

Average duration

3 h 16 m

Trains per day

3

Distance

263 km

Cheap tickets

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 $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $125.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Manchester for Stratford on Tue, May 12, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, May 12 the direct trains cover the 263 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 m .

On Tue, May 12 the slowest trains will take 4 h 4 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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    9:35 AM2h52
    Manchester
    12:27 PMStratford
    $1251One-way
    0 transfers
  • East Midlands Railway
    9:43 AM4h04
    Manchester
    1:47 PMStratford
    $1251One-way
    0 transfers
  • Avanti West Coast
    9:34 AM2h53
    Manchester
    12:27 PMStratford
    $1291One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Stratford

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 $12. 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 $12, and a flight costs an average of $85.

Distance: 163 miles (263 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$113

Average price

$33

Average price

Cheapest

$188

Average price

$105

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 44m

Average total duration

3h 14m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 53m

Average total duration

5h 23m

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)

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Stratford is a bus with an average price of $33 (€26).

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Stratford:

A bus is $81 (€64) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Stratford costing on average $113 (€91).

A bus is $155 (€124) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Stratford costing on average $188 (€150).

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Stratford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 0m.

Other travel options to Stratford take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 14m.

Bus takes on average 5h 23m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Stratford including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Stratford among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 56m sooner (3h 14m by train vs 4h 10m by car). Tickets start at around $113 (€91) compared to roughly $105 (€84) 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.

Live departures

Manchester to Stratford train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stratford trains for today, Monday, May 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West Coast9:34 AM Manchester
2h53
12:27 PM Stratford0 transfersDirect
Avanti West Coast9:35 AM Manchester
2h52
12:27 PM Stratford0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Stratford by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, 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.

Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13
Thu
May 14
Fri
May 15
Sat
May 16
Sun
May 17
Mon
May 18

Why should you book Manchester to Stratford trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Manchester to Stratford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Stratford.

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 Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Stratford.
  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Stratford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Stratford.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Stratford.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Stratford?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Stratford is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Stratford route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Stratford per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Stratford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Stratford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Stratford run on average 15 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $63 (€50) but you can travel from only $12 (€9) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 01:13, the last at 22:47. The fastest train covers the 163 miles (263 km) distance in 2h 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $12 (€9)
Distance
163 miles (263 km)
Average train duration
3h 14m
Cheapest ticket price
$63 (€50)
Trains per day
15
Fastest train
2h 50m
First train
1:13 AM
Last train
10:47 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $12 (€9)

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway from Manchester to Stratford trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Manchester and Stratford from $12 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
$63 (€50)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 1m
Cheapest Price
$125 (€100)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Stratford

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Stratford can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $63 (€50), while the average price is around $113 (€91).
The train from Manchester to Stratford takes 2h 50m and runs 15 per day.
The first train from Manchester to Stratford leaves at 1:13 AM.
The distance by train from Manchester to Stratford is 163 miles (263 km).
The last train from Manchester to Stratford leaves at 10:47 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Manchester to Stratford.
There is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Stratford.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Stratford.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Stratford is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), which connects to Stratford (London) (SRA).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Stratford is by bus, with a cost of around $12 (€9).
The train journey from Manchester to Stratford offers a scenic route with views of the picturesque English countryside, charming villages, and lush green landscapes, making it a pleasant experience for travelers.
A day trip from Manchester to Stratford is not feasible as the journey duration is 2h 50m. However, there are 14 train trips per day available for this route, covering a distance of 163 miles (263 km).
You typically need 1 to 2 days in Stratford to explore its key attractions such as the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust sites, the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, and enjoy the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Stratford.
Since neither Manchester nor Stratford are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Stratford include Chelmsford, Billericay, Wickford, Ipswich, Colchester.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Stratford among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Stratford, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas such as near the Stratford International station and during events at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi drivers and unofficial ticket sellers offering inflated prices for local transportation or theatre tickets. It is advisable to use authorized services and stay vigilant in busy spots to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Stratford

Manchester
Stratford
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Stratford.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Victoria
  • 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.​​​​​​​
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • 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)

More options for your journey from Manchester to Stratford

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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