St Albans to Manchester train with East Midlands Railway

Sat, Sep 19
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Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
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 St Albans to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

Cheapest price on Sep 19

€124

Average ticket price on Sep 19

€124

Fastest journey on Sep 19

5 h 40 m

Average journey duration on Sep 19

6 h 30 m

Trains on Sep 19

6

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St Albans to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from St Albans to Manchester will cost around €124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €124.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from St Albans to Manchester without transferring at least 2 times.

  • ThameslinkW45512+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
    1:55 AM7h40
    St Albans City (SAC)
    9:35 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    1241One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkW45519+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
    2:55 AM6h44
    St Albans City (SAC)
    9:39 AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    1241One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkW45516+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
    3:55 AM5h44
    St Albans City (SAC)
    9:39 AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    1241One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkW45519+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
    2:55 AM6h40
    St Albans City (SAC)
    9:35 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    1241One-way
    2 transfers
  • ThameslinkW45512+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
    1:55 AM7h44
    St Albans City (SAC)
    9:39 AMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    1241One-way
    2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for St Albans to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St Albans to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €129 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 49m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €129, while a flight costs an average of €316.

Distance: 143 miles (231 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight

€129

Average price

Cheapest

€316

Average price

3h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 49m

Average total duration

1h 49m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

East Midlands Railway

Most popular train company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from St Albans to Manchester is a train with an average price of €129.

This is compared to other travel options from St Albans to Manchester:

A train is €187 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from St Albans to Manchester costing on average €316.

The fastest way to travel from St Albans to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 49m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 19m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between St Albans and Manchester including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from St Albans to Manchester among Omio's users.

Live departures

St Albans to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for St Albans to Manchester trains for today, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands Railway6:55 PM St Albans
4h14
11:09 PM Manchester0 transfersDirect
Saturday, September 19
ThameslinkW45512+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
On time
1:55 AM St Albans City (SAC)
7h40
9:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45512+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
On time
1:55 AM St Albans City (SAC)
7h44
9:39 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45519+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
On time
2:55 AM St Albans City (SAC)
6h44
9:39 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45519+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
On time
2:55 AM St Albans City (SAC)
6h40
9:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45516+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
On time
3:55 AM St Albans City (SAC)
5h44
9:39 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 transfers
ThameslinkW45516+East Midlands RailwayW70941 · C04445
On time
3:55 AM St Albans City (SAC)
5h40
9:35 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets St Albans to Manchester by train or flight

Compare 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book St Albans to Manchester trains with Omio?

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

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 St Albans to Manchester.
  • 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 train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from St Albans to Manchester.

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 St Albans to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from St Albans to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from St Albans to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from St Albans to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €71 but you can travel from only €64 by flight.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 2h 34m.

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
Flight from €64
Distance
143 miles (231 km)
Average train duration
3h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
€71
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
2h 34m
First train
12:04 AM
Last train
10:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
3 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
Flight from €64

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express from St Albans to Manchester trainsEast Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express trains will get you between St Albans and Manchester from €64. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 East Midlands Railway Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
€71
East Midlands Railway frequency
4 a day
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

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 Avanti West Coast Duration
2h 34m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
€79
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
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

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
3h 12m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
€89
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.

FAQs: Trains from St Albans to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St Albans to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from St Albans to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €71, while the average price is around €129.
The train from St Albans to Manchester takes 2h 34m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from St Albans to Manchester is 143 miles (231 km).
The first train from St Albans to Manchester leaves at 12:04 AM.
The last train from St Albans to Manchester leaves at 10:15 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from St Albans to Manchester.
There is no direct train service currently available from St Albans to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from St Albans to Manchester.
The train station in St Albans that goes to Manchester is St Albans City (SAC), which connects to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from St Albans to Manchester is by flight, with a cost of around €64.
The train journey from St Albans to Manchester offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with scenic stretches particularly as you pass through areas like the Peak District, featuring rolling hills and lush landscapes.
A day trip from St Albans to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 34m. Trains run 3 times per day. The distance is 143 miles (231 km).
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United, with its tours and museum. Discover the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art, or enjoy a captivating performance at the Manchester Opera House. For nightlife, check out Deansgate Locks' bars and clubs. Spend a relaxing day at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery, Science and Industry Museum, and see the stunning architecture of Manchester Cathedral. The John Rylands Library offers a look at rare manuscripts, while Castlefield invites leisurely strolls through its historic ruins and canals.
To fully experience Manchester, including its cultural landmarks, museums, and vibrant nightlife, spending 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from St Albans to Manchester.
Since neither St Albans nor Manchester 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 Manchester include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newton-le-Willows, Chester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from St Albans to Manchester 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 Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
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 St Albans to Manchester

Most St Albans to Manchester trains use the St Albans City to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Oxford Road. Use this guide to compare St Albans and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in St Albans
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which St Albans station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from St Albans to Manchester leave from St Albans City. The station is from St Albans city centre at St Albans station, Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE.
St Albans CitySt Albans station, Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE+44 345 026 4700WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental

St Albans City train station facilities and services

St Albans City has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at St Albans City.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at St Albans City. ATMs are available at St Albans City.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at St Albans City.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at St Albans City: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at St Albans City: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at St Albans City: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to the platform. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

St Albans AbbeySt Albans Abbey station, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DN+44 3301235247ParkingDiningAccessibilityBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to St Albans Abbey from St Albans city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesTowards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill near to the station entrance car park. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill.

St Albans Abbey train station facilities and services

St Albans Abbey has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at St Albans Abbey.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at St Albans Abbey: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at St Albans Abbey: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at St Albans Abbey: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on Platform One, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

Most popular train connections from St Albans

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