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London to Manchester train ticket prices
€21.34
On Tue 05 May
London to Manchester train timetable
From London to Manchester, take the fastest train in 2h 11m, typically 2h 16m. Daily, 33 trains depart from London, with the first at 00:39 and the last at 20:59. During Off-Peak times starting at 09:30 on weekdays, enjoy a quieter space with fewer people. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. We save you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:39 London Euston | 2h 9m, Direct | 23:48 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
21:46 London Euston | 3h 40m, 1 change | 01:26 Manchester Piccadilly | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
22:03 London Euston | 2h 36m, Direct | 00:39 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
22:32 London St. Pancras International | 6h 21m, 1 change | 04:53 Manchester Piccadilly | East Midlands Railway | Find tickets |
23:30 London Euston | 7h 59m, 1 change | 07:29 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
London to Manchester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from London to Manchester 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.
Avanti West Coast trains from London to Manchester
Avanti is the main operator on the line from London to Manchester, connecting the two cities directly in just about 2 hours. You can pick between three different fares, all offering different levels of comfort and perks.
Standard, premium, or First Class: Which one to choose on Avanti West Coast Trains？
Avanti is the main high-speed rail carrier between the two cities. When booking the ticket, you can choose from three travel options: Standard, Standard Premium, or First Class.
London to Manchester: Avanti West Coast First Class worth it?
The trip takes only about 2 hours, making First Class more of a treat than a real necessity. It’s priced at normally double the standard fare, but can go up significantly depending on the time of booking. While you will get some extra room and access to the lounge, if you are not planning to have a meal onboard, you could choose for a more budget-friendly option and upgrade to premium instead. With Standard Premium, you still have your larger seat, dedicated carriage and access to snacks and drinks from the cafe onboard at a considerably lower price.
What is the luggage allowance?
Train travel from London to Manchester
Departure from London Euston
- Euston is directly connected with the rest of the city through its built-in underground stop via the Victoria and Northern lines, making it reachable from virtually anywhere in central London in under 15 minutes. Several bus routes also serve the station from central hubs like Oxford Circus, Trafalgar Square, and King's Cross.
Getting to your platform it's quite straightforward — all platforms are at the far end of the main concourse. Check the departure boards and, if you have any luggage to drop off, you can store it near the entrance to Platform 16.
Onboard trains from London to Manchester
The West Coast Main Line was deliberately routed to avoid hilly terrain, so expect a trip through large fields and plains with only some modest hills typical of the English countryside.
- The View Alert: Book your spot on the right-hand side facing north (the direction of travel) to get the wider open landscape views over Manchester upon arrival.
- Key Landmarks: entering Manchester, you’ll see the Stockport Viaduct, a towering 27-arch red-brick Victorian structure over the town.
Arriving at Manchester Picadilly
Manchester Picadilly is located on London Road, at the very core of the city. Buses and taxis are just in front of the train station, with the MetroCity tram (accessible through an escalator from the station) and two free city centre buses departing every 10–12 minutes.
- The Station Main Exit: Head this way for the city centre, Piccadilly Gardens, and the main shopping streets. It leads directly to Piccadilly Plaza, a busy area with shops, restaurants, and office buildings. This is also the most convenient exit for the bus stop.
- The Fairfield Street Exit: Located on the southwest side of the station, this is where you'll find the taxi rank. It's also the handiest exit if you're being picked up by car.
- The London Road Exit: On the southeast side, this exit is most convenient if you're heading towards Manchester University or the Northern Quarter.
London to Manchester train travel guide
Taking the train from London to Manchester is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from London, you can arrive at Manchester in just 2h 11m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from London to Manchester?
The average fare from London to Manchester is approximately €21.34, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
How do I find the best train route from London to Manchester?
What is the fastest train from London to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from London to Manchester is 2h 11m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
Are there direct trains from London to Manchester?
No, you will need to transfer when travelling from London to Manchester. TrainPal Train Journey Planner will assist you in finding the best train route. Enter the origin or destination places and other relevant details, then click "Search" to find the most suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from London to Manchester?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
How do I find London to Manchester train timetables?
London to Manchester trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
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.
Do London to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the London to Manchester route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
First Class offers an updated experience with more comfort and amenities, such as complimentary food and drinks. The exact services offered depend on the specific train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the London to Manchester route?
The London to Manchester route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
Bike reservations are mandatory and free for most train journeys, but space is limited. Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed. Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted. We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
All operators offer assistance services for passengers with disabilities or additional needs. This should be booked in advance to guarantee availability.
How to buy cheap London to Manchester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
* 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.
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