Getting from Manchester to Stockport is simple, and the journey is faster than you may think! Northern runs regular direct services from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport, and the fastest trains take as little as around 8 minutes.
Along this route, passengers enjoy views of Manchester's skyline and architecture, transitioning to suburban areas and green spaces, with occasional glimpses of rivers and bridges.
As the UK’s second-largest train provider, Northern offers services to over 500 stations in the north of England. 100 million journeys are made every year to destinations such as Bradford, Lincoln, Sheffield, Doncaster and York.
Manchester Piccadilly is one of the UK’s busiest interchange stations outside of London. The station is served by several train-operating companies like Northern, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, and others. Destinations include Norwich via Sheffield and Nottingham, Redcar via Leeds and Middlesbrough, and London via Milton Keynes.
Located about 15 minutes from the city centre by foot, Manchester Piccadilly has great transport links. Trams stop underground, linking the station to the city centre, Bury, Media City and other suburbs. There are also two free bus routes that stop by the station’s forecourt.
Main stops
With an average journey time of around 11 minutes, Manchester to Stockport trains typically don’t call at other stations. However, some journeys may stop at Levenshulme or Heaton Chapel.
Arriving at Stockport
Situated just off the A6 and above the River Mersey, Stockport station is minutes away from the town centre. Many bus routes and local train services are calling at the station.
Northern and Avanti West Coast operate the majority of trains serving Stockport station. Routes run by Transport for Wales (TfW), TransPennine Express and CrossCountry are also available, among other companies. You can catch local, regional and inter-city trains to destinations such as Exeter, Reading, London, and Cardiff.
A former mill town, Stockport was put on the map thanks to its hatting, silk and cotton-weaving industries. The Hat Works museum, Market Hall and streets along the town centre give a glimpse into the town’s history. No visit is complete without seeing the striking viaduct spanning the River Mersey
Northern train class
- Standard Class: Enjoy free WiFi on all newly refurbished trains with comfortable seating. Priority seats are available for the elderly, pregnant, or those with reduced mobility.
Northern train travel advice
- Luggage: Use dedicated luggage spaces and overhead racks or store smaller bags under seats to keep doors, walkways and seats free.
- Bicycles: Limited first-come, first-served spaces are provided for bikes, but they are free. Wheelchair spaces must be kept clear.
- Children:Kids aged 5–15 travel for 50% off on most fares, and those under 5 can board for free with an adult. 16–17-year-olds can get 50% off with the 16–17 Saver Railcard.
- Pets: Up to two dogs can ride with an adult for free. Keep them in a carrier or on a lead and off seats. Cats, birds and other pets must travel in a carrier.
- Passenger Assist: Assist passengers with boarding and alighting trains, help with entering and exiting stations, reserve seats, purchase tickets, and more.
Save your novel or podcast for another journey - getting from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport only takes around 10 minutes with Avanti West Coast trains.
Passing through the city into the Greater Manchester urban area, the train offers views of Manchester's skyline and suburban green spaces, making it the best way to get to the vibrant metropolitan borough.
Avanti West Coast is the main operator of long-distance train services on the West Coast Main Line. With links to the UK’s largest cities, destinations include London, Birmingham, Liverpool and Glasgow.
Avanti West Coast train classes
- Standard Class: Benefit from free WiFi, comfortable seating, plug sockets at some tables and window seats, and the option to purchase food and beverages from the shop.
- Standard Premium Class: Choosing Standard Premium provides extra legroom, a wider, more comfortable seat, and plug sockets at every window seat.
- First Class: Relax in spacious seating with larger seats and extra legroom, with personalized service, free refreshments and WiFi, and access to the First Class Lounge.
Avanti West Coast train travel advice
- Luggage: Luggage shouldn’t exceed 30 x 70 x 90 centimetres. Storage is available in the racks and above your seat.
- Bicycles: Bike reservations are free and mandatory, with limited spaces for standard bikes, folding bikes, tandems, and e-bikes. Unbooked bikes, motorcycles, tricycles, and e-scooters are not allowed.
- Children: Children under 5 travel free with paying adults, while those aged 5–15 receive discounted tickets. 16–17 Saver Railcard holders get 50% off most fares.
- Pets: Pets aren’t allowed on seats, and dogs must be on a lead or in a carrier at all times.
- Passenger Assist: Assist with boarding and alighting trains, book wheelchair space and seating, offer comprehensive rail information, and help with animals or pets.
Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport with TransPennine Express trains involves a very speedy about 10-minute journey.
The train journey offers views of the city's skyline and industrial architecture, transitioning into suburban neighborhoods and green spaces.
TransPennine Express serves the north of England and Scotland, with routes to major cities like Edinburgh, Leeds, and Liverpool, ensuring comprehensive connectivity across the region.
TransPennine Express train classes
- Standard Class: Standard Class travel includes cosy seating, generous luggage capacity, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary snacks and beverages offered during specific times and on certain routes.
- First Class: Take advantage of free WiFi and comfortable, spacious seating with legroom, power outlets, and USB ports at every seat, along with complimentary snacks and drinks available at certain times and on specific routes.
TransPennine Express train travel advice
- Luggage: There are racks for large, heavy bags and overhead space for smaller pieces of luggage such as carry-on bags.
- Bicycles: Spaces for bikes and e-bikes must be reserved for free. E-bikes mustn’t be charged on board. E-scooters and similar devices are not permitted.
- Children: Adults can bring two children under 5 for free, while kids under 16 get 50% off Advance tickets. Additional savings are available with the 16–17 Saver or Family and Friends Railcards.
- Pets: Up to two dogs or small pets can accompany you free of charge. Smaller animals must be in a pet carrier.
- Passenger Assist:Providing ramps for entering and exiting trains, luggage support, and station guidance, with help for stairs and provision of wheelchairs or buggies for covering greater distances.
Travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Stockport in just about 8 minutes by train. Located just about 9 miles (around 14 km) apart, the journey whisks you between the city and the former mill town.
Along the way, witness the blend of Manchester's modern skyline and historic warehouses, shifting to views of tree-lined streets and tranquil parks as you approach Stockport.
Transport for Wales (TfW) is the operator of the most popular train routes in Wales and also connects passengers to destinations in England. Trains serve smaller towns as well as places like Cardiff, Swansea and Birmingham.
Transport for Wales train classes
- Standard Class: Travel comfortably with seating, luggage storage, and free Wi-Fi on most trains, with plug sockets available at most seats. Enjoy light bites and drinks from the food bar throughout the day.
- First Class: First Class travel offers larger, cosier seating, with complimentary drinks and snacks on selected routes.
Transport for Wales train travel advice
- Luggage: Each passenger can bring up to three pieces of luggage - that’s up to two large bags and one smaller handbag or backpack.
- Bicycles: Spaces for bikes are limited. Reservations are free. While e-cycles are allowed, e-scooters are not permitted.
- Children: When accompanied by a paying adult, children aged 11–15 travel free on off-peak services, while those under 11 travel free anytime.
- Pets: Two pets are allowed per passenger, but they must not inconvenience or endanger others.
- Passenger Assist: Provide ramps for boarding and alighting trains, guide you through the station, help find and reserve seats, and assist with luggage.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.