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Birmingham to Manchester by train

It takes an average of 1h 46m to travel from Birmingham to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (113 km). There are normally 31 trains per day traveling from Birmingham to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from $11.34 when you book in advance.

First train

05:01

Last train

22:01

Departure station

Birmingham

Arrival station

Manchester

Journey time

From 1h 27m

Distance

70 miles (113 km)

Frequency

31 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $11.34

Train operators

CrossCountry, Transport for Wales

Traveling from Birmingham to Manchester by train

Looking to travel from Birmingham to Manchester by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 1 hour 46 minutes to travel from Birmingham to Manchester by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 1 hour 27 minutes though. You'll usually find 31 trains per day running along the 113 km route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won't need to make any changes on your way to Manchester.

Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Birmingham to Manchester start from $11.34 when you book in advance, so start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Manchester by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.

FAQs for Birmingham to Manchester

Want to know more about your journey from Birmingham to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Birmingham to Manchester take?

The average journey time by train between Birmingham and Manchester is 1 hour and 46 minutes, with around 31 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Birmingham and Manchester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Birmingham to Manchester is 1 hour and 27 minutes.

How much does the train from Birmingham to Manchester cost?

Train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester can start from as little as $11.34 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.

Is there a direct train from Birmingham to Manchester?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Birmingham to Manchester without having to change trains. There are 31 direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Birmingham to Manchester leave?

The first train from Birmingham to Manchester leaves at 05:01. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Birmingham to Manchester leave?

The last train from Birmingham to Manchester leaves at 22:01. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Birmingham and Manchester by train?

Trains travelling from Birmingham to Manchester cover a distance of around 70 miles (113 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester to Birmingham.

Cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester

Train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester start at $11.34 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Birmingham to Manchester is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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