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Travel info about Trains to Manchester

Manchester has always been independent and forward-looking since its industry-oriented past. Trains to Manchester stop at four main railway stations: Piccadilly, Oxford Road, Victoria and Deansgate, which make up the Manchester station group.


With intercity connections, Manchester's rail network connects neighbouring areas and towns, from Wigan, Oldham, Bolton, Stockport to Rochdale. The best way to get to famous attractions such as Salford Quays and the Museum of Science and Industry is by taking the free Metroshuttle bus. Today, it has a large student group, two top-notch football teams and a fabulous downtown full of shopping malls, cool microbreweries and lively bars. Is there anything this city can't offer?

How to find cheap train tickets to Manchester With TrainPal

To get cheap train tickets to Manchester, you need to be very savvy when buying tickets. But don't worry, we are here to give you the best advice to save money. Until you realize it, you will have some extra money to spend in the city instead of just using it to go there!


Let's start our money-saving list, first of all, be sure to buy train tickets to manchester in advance. In some cases, the price of a train ticket will increase as the departure date approaches. So, by buying a pre-sale ticket as far in advance as possible, you will give yourself a better chance of getting a cheap train ticket to manchester.


Want to know more? Head over to our train ticket page for a complete guide.


When buying cheap advance tickets, try to book your tickets during off-peak hours. When selecting a manchester train ticket, be sure to check all the rail tickets to Manchester in the drop-down menu as we will highlight the cheapest off-peak tickets.


Before you buy a ticket, make sure that the price of your return ticket is actually lower than the price of two one-way tickets. Sometimes one method may be cheaper than the other. The same is true of the chosen arrival station. When you choose "Manchester, Any" and a particular train station, try to check the train fares to manchester differences.


In particular, it is worth noting that if you choose to buy direct train tickets or split train tickets, their final prices will be different. Split train tickets will stop at different stations. Although the time will be extended, in some cases it will be cheaper to buy split train tickets than direct manchester train tickets.


Are you taking trains to Manchester with a group of two or more people? Then, you can also get a certain discount on train fares to manchester, thanks to the group purchase of train tickets. This is a very useful money saving technique. Please note that these group tickets are not available for all journeys, and if your journey proves valid and you select from the train ticket drop-down menu, these group tickets will automatically apply. All tickets must be purchased at one time, and all passengers must travel together on the day of departure.


If you need more tips on buying the cheap train tickets to Manchester, please check out our train tickets page.

Popular Trains to Manchester

There are several popular travel routes to Manchester by train that TrainPal can offer. It's easy to travel from Manchester by train from all over the UK, including direct routes from some of the biggest cities like London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, etc. Here are some of the top train travel routes we've picked out for you below, or you can start your search from a leading city in the UK to Manchester by visiting our train ticket UK purchasing page.

RouteTrain fares fromFastest routeTrains per dayTrain operators
London to Manchester£13.22h 6mAround 58London Underground
Birmingham to Manchester£9.51h 28mAround 53Transport for Wales
Liverpool to Manchester£2.934mAround 118TransPennine Express
Glasgow to Manchester£14.13h 11mAround 29TransPennine Express
Bradford to Manchester£3.555mAround 49TransPennine Express
Blackpool to Manchester£5.51h 3mAround 88TransPennine Express
Salford to Manchester£3.33mAround 135Northern

Places to visit in Manchester

Manchester's rail network connects neighbouring areas and towns, from Wigan, Oldham, Bolton, Stockport to Rochdale. The best way to get to famous attractions such as Salford Quays and the Museum of Science and Industry is by taking the free Metroshuttle bus. Today, it has a large student group, two top-notch football teams and a fabulous downtown full of shopping malls, cool microbreweries and lively bars. Is there anything this city can't offer?


Want to book a trip online? Discover a cheapest train ticket UK to Manchester with TrainPal.

Trains to Manchester FAQs

Q: Which train companies run trains to Manchester?

A: There are a number of trains companies in the UK that operate trains to Manchester, including London Underground, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, Northern.

Q: How can I get cheap train tickets to Manchester?

A: It’s easy to grab yourself cheap train tickets to Manchester. You can get cheap train tickets to Manchester by splitting your ticket with us.

Q: Are trains running to Manchester?

A: Trains run frequently almost every day to Manchester, although there may be less services during the weekends and bank holidays. Check our live train times for up-to-date information on trains to Manchester.

Q: What is Split Ticketing?

A: Split tickets means dividing your train journey into two or more parts, each with a separate ticket, rather than just one ticket from the departure station to the destination. If you buy multiple tickets along the trip, you can save a lot of money than buying one ticket in some cases.

Q: How does split ticketing work?

A: For example, if you travel from London to Manchester, you can buy two tickets - one to Manchester to Morpeth and one from Morpeth to London Kings Cross - instead of one single train tickets to Manchester throughout the entire journey. What's more, you can take the same train for the whole journey without changing it. The train only needs to stop for a while at the split ticket station along the way. If you are asked to show the correct ticket, make sure you show the correct ticket part of the whole journey.

Blog Posts featuring Manchester

Birmingham to Manchester: a Journey Through the Heart of England
If you're planning a trip to the UK, travelling by train from Birmingham to Manchester is an excellent way to explore some of the country's most vibrant cities and scenic countryside. The journey takes around 90 minutes and offers stunning views of the rolling hills and green fields of the Midlands. 1. Attractions Along the Way From Birmingham to ManchesterAs you journey from Birmingham to Manchester, there are several attractions that you can visit along the way. Here are two must-see destinations that you won't want to miss: Peak District National Park The Peak District National Park is located in the heart of England, and it is one of the most popular national parks in the country. It covers an area of 555 square miles and is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the UK, including rolling hills, deep valleys, and rugged moorland. You can take a detour from the train journey to explore this beautiful area on foot. There are several hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, including the famous Kinder Scout walk. National Sea Life Centre, Birmingham The National Sea Life Centre is located in the heart of Birmingham and is home to over 2,000 sea creatures from around the world. The centre has several themed zones, including an Amazon rainforest exhibit and a penguin enclosure. If you have time, you can take a guided tour of the centre and learn about the different species that call it home. Arriving in Manchester Once you arrive in Manchester, there are plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. Here are a few highlights that you won't want to miss: The Northern Quarter The Northern Quarter is a vibrant neighbourhood in the heart of Manchester's city centre. Here, you'll find a mix of independent shops, trendy bars, and quirky cafes. It's a great place to explore on foot, and you're sure to find plenty of hidden gems along the way. Manchester Art Gallery The Manchester Art Gallery is home to one of the most impressive collections of art in the UK outside of London. The gallery has a wide range of exhibits, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative art. It's a great place to spend an afternoon, and entry is free. The National Football Museum The National Football Museum is located in the heart of Manchester's city centre and is a must-visit destination for any football fan. The museum has several interactive exhibits, including a penalty shootout game and a commentary booth. 2. Use TrainPal to Book Train Tickets Birmingham to Manchester Travelling by train from Birmingham to Manchester is a great way to see some of the best sights that the heart of England has to offer. With stunning scenery along the way and plenty of attractions to explore, it's a journey that you won't forget. To make your journey even more enjoyable, consider using TrainPal to book your tickets. With TrainPal, you can easily compare prices and find the best deals on train tickets, making your journey more affordable and stress-free. Whether you're a solo traveller, a couple, or a group of friends, TrainPal makes it easy to book your train tickets and get the most out of your trip to the UK.
Take the Train to the "Northern Capital" : Manchester
Take the Train to the "Northern Capital" : ManchesterWhat are the tourist attractions in Manchester, UK? When it comes to Manchester, some people think of football, and some people think of Manchester University. How many people know that Manchester is the birthplace of industry? But now Manchester has no industrial atmosphere. It is a city of tourism and leisure. There are always unexpected surprises in the beautiful Manchester. The food in Manchester is also good, and there are many tourist attractions in Manchester. So how to take the train from London to Manchester?Ⅰ. The attractions of Manchester1. Manchester CathedralManchester Church is a medieval vertical Gothic style building located in the center of Manchester and is the main church of the Anglican Diocese of Manchester. The Manchester Church was built in the early 15th century. Although it was renovated and expanded in the Victorian era, the Victorian Church was severely damaged by air raids during World War II. It took the Manchester City Government 20 years to restore the church.2. Manchester Town HallCompleted in 1887, Manchester City Hall is the location of the diplomatic center. It is small in size and is located in Albert Square in the city center, facing the monument commemorating Queen Victoria's husband and other great men.3. Manchester China TownChinatown is surrounded by four streets: Charlotte Street, Portland Street, Oxford Street and Mosley Street. This is the largest Chinatown in the UK. There are many cultures of Chins, famous food and snacks, etc. can be found here.4. Manchester Art MuseumThe Manchester Art Museum is located on Mosley Street in Manchester. It opened in 1824. It is one of the most famous private art museums in Manchester and one of the most popular art museums. It has become a paradise for Manchester art.The museum's collections are diverse and divided into three major parts, namely, works of art, decorative arts and costumes. Among them, there are more than 13,000 works of art, the most famous of which are the paintings of the world-famous Pre-Raphaelites. The decorative art works in the museum include pottery, glass products, furniture, iron products, wallpaper, etc. The most outstanding ones are early British glazed pottery and 17th century silverware. The clothing collection in the museum can reach more than 21,000 pieces, covering various clothing and decorations in history from 1600 to the present.5. Museum of Science and IndustryRight in the heart of Manchester's Castle District, it used to be the world's first railway station. With superior conditions such as canals, warehouses, and railway stations, it has historically been the center of British industrial and commercial activities. Now you can experience Manchester's industrial development history here.Ⅱ. How to travel from London to Manchester by train?Of the 6 trains that travel from London to Manchester every day 2 travel direct so it's quite easy to avoid journeys where you'll have to change along the way.These direct trains cover an average of 262 kilometers every 2 hours and 56 minutes, but if you time it well, some of them can get you to your destination in as little as 2 hours and 7 minutes.The slowest train takes 3 hours and 30 minutes and usually requires one or two transfers along the way, but if you are on a budget, this may save you money.
A Train Journey from Manchester to London
 Trains from Manchester to London, which depart early in the morning, are convenient and fast, running all day, and are an important means of transporting large numbers of passengers. Most trains leave Manchester Piccadilly station and end at London Euston, you can also choose the selected late night services, ending at St Pancras and Marylebone stations.  1. How far is manchester from london by train?  When travelling by train from Manchester to London, the distance between the two places is about 261km. The trip usually lasts 2.5 hours and runs most of the day. Late trains at night may take longer and may require stopovers or transfers.   Due to heavy traffic on the route, travelers need to be aware of several peak hours, including the morning commute and late night. Virgin Rail runs mainly day trains, while CrossCountry and East Midlands run a small number of night trains between the two cities. There is also an easy return train journey from London to Manchester.   2. From Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station  Passengers travelling from Manchester to London should depart from the city's main train station, Manchester Piccadilly. This heavily trafficked station is the fourth largest in the UK except London, which can arrive all parts of Manchester. Taxis and buses are available outside the station, the city centre is also accessible by the Manchester Light Rail tram.   Other major train operators calling at the station are Northern, TransPennine Express and Arriva Trains Wales. There is a regular train service between Manchester Piccadilly station and Manchester Airport, running six trains an hour, with fewer overnight services. The station is open 24 hours a day, so passengers can easily catch early morning or late night flights.   3. Arrive at London Euston Railway Station  Most daily trains from Manchester to London end at London Euston Station, located in central London. The Northern Line, overground trains and many buses pass through Euston station. Trains arriving late from Manchester may also stop at St Pancras or Marylebone.   All the above stations are accessible by night buses and taxis when the metro is not in service, and have easy access to the city centre.Welcome to choose Trainpal's official website to book cheap train tickets. We will provide you with one-stop ticketing service.