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Home > UK Train Journey > Manchester to Birmingham Train

Manchester to Birmingham train ticket prices

For a train from Manchester to Birmingham, Advance Tickets are available starting at £2.18*, with the average fare being £22.20. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!

Manchester to Birmingham train times

Travelling from Manchester to Birmingham, the fastest train takes 1h 28m with an average travel time of 1h 31m. 50 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 05:11 and the last at 23:37. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.

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Departs	Arrives	Status	Duration	Operator
11:03 Manchester Piccadilly	12:33 Birmingham New Street	On time	1h 30m	CrossCountry	Find tickets
11:25 Manchester Piccadilly	12:56 Birmingham New Street	On time	1h 31m	CrossCountry	Find tickets
11:30 Manchester Piccadilly	13:20 Birmingham New Street	On time	1h 50m	Transport for Wales	Find tickets
12:03 Manchester Piccadilly	13:33 Birmingham New Street	On time	1h 30m	CrossCountry	Find tickets
12:25 Manchester Piccadilly	13:56 Birmingham New Street	On time	1h 31m	CrossCountry	Find tickets

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Manchester to Birmingham Train journey information

Plan your journey from Manchester to Birmingham with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.

First train	05:11
Last train	23:37
Departure station	Manchester
Arrival station	Birmingham
Distance	70 miles (113 km)
Journey time	From 1h 28m
Price	From £2.18
Train operators	Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern

CrossCountry: Manchester to Birmingham trains

Traveling from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street is quick and easy with a direct train run by CrossCountry. With 20 daily departures, you'll have plenty of trains to choose from.

The comfortable 1.5-hour journey takes you through scenic towns and cities while offering convenient connections between major cities across England, Scotland, and Wales, including Birmingham, Edinburgh, Manchester, and Cardiff.

Check out TrainPal for the best way to buy cheap train tickets and remember to use your Railcard for extra savings.

Departing from Manchester Piccadilly

The fastest route from Manchester to Birmingham departs from Manchester Piccadilly station. The station is conveniently located right in the city's centre, making it a super convenient station from which to leave. It’s only a 25-minute walk from Manchester Victoria Station, a 10-minute walk from Manchester Bus Station, and is connected to Manchester Airport’s shuttle train.

Manchester Piccadilly is managed by Network Rail, and as one of the busiest railway stations in the UK outside of London, a range of train operators run their services from Picadilly, such as Northern Rail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, and TransPennine Express.

Main stops

The main stops for the Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street train are Stockport, Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Stafford, and Wolverhampton. However, stops may vary depending on the service. It’s best to check which stations the train passes through before you travel.

Arriving at Birmingham New Street

Birmingham New Street is located directly in the city centre. It is close to Birmingham’s other two central train stations, Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street, which is good to know if you have ongoing connecting trains.

Major UK train operators, including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midland Trains, and Transport for Wales, use Birmingham New Street with many trains connecting Birmingham to London Euston station.

There is plenty to do near Birmingham New Street, from a wide range of retail, dining, and nightlife to world-class museums.

CrossCountry train classes

Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
First Class: Manchester to Birmingham New Street First Class tickets provide for a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before traveling.
Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Manchester to Birmingham train travel guide

The train journey from Manchester to Birmingham combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can get to Birmingham in just 1h 28m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking

1. Where can I buy the cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?

Looking for discounted train tickets? Use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also help you save. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal provides even more savings with split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. How do I find the best train route from Manchester to Birmingham?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Manchester to Birmingham.

3. What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train?

The fastest train journey time from Manchester to Birmingham is 1h 28m . Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.

4. Are there direct trains from Manchester to Birmingham?

Yes, there are direct trains from Manchester to Birmingham. You can check to find the live train timetable, stops, and more details. No transfers are needed, allowing you to reach your destination smoothly and effortlessly.

5. What are the main train operating companies from Manchester to Birmingham?

The main train operating companies from Manchester to Birmingham include Avanti West Coast, a key provider on this route. For the latest and most accurate information on train operators, schedules, and services, head to TrainPal, which allows you to compare different train operators, check schedules, and book tickets all in one place. It's a great tool for finding the best deals and most convenient travel times!

6. How far in advance can I book UK train tickets?

Book cheap train tickets on the TrainPal 12 weeks in advance for the best discounts. Save more with Split Tickets or a Railcard, and explore more destinations across the UK for less!

Check timetables and during the journey

1. Are Manchester to Birmingham trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?

Manchester to Birmingham trains are generally punctual, but delays or disruptions can happen due to weather, strikes, and other factors. With Train Journey Planner, finding a train timetable for your trip is simple. Enter your departure and arrival stations to view a detailed schedule of available trains. Provide your travel details to find the best routes, connections, and train times.

2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.

3. Do Manchester to Birmingham trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester to Birmingham are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company

4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

Other things you might be interested

1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.

3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Without

Buy Senior Railcard

† Railcards offer discounted train tickets, with various types based on age and number of travellers. Enjoy up to 1/3 off for a cheaper journey. The actual price will vary based on factors such as the train service, time, and ticket availability.

Compensation and refunds

Trainpal makes it simple to adjust your travel plans, get refunds, and request Delay Repay.

Change your plans or get a refund: Visit our Ticket Refunds and Changes page.
Check for any train delays or interruptions:Go to our train Delays and Disruptions page or UK Rail Strike page.

Need help? Just contact us!

How to buy cheap Manchester to Birmingham train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Split tickets

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Book in advance

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Off-Peak train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.

Use a Railcard

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Save with Season Tickets

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

Travel in groups

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.

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More train routes

Trains from Manchester	Trains from Birmingham
Manchester to London	Birmingham to London
Manchester to Leeds	Birmingham to Manchester
Manchester to Liverpool	Birmingham to London Euston
Manchester to Edinburgh	Birmingham to Coventry
Manchester to Sheffield	Birmingham to Nottingham

* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.

** Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.

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Manchester to Birmingham Trains From £9.42*

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