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TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast

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Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train

It takes an average of 3h 42m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 34 trains per day traveling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from $20.03 when you book in advance.

First train

3:45 am

Last train

8:14 pm

Departure station

Edinburgh (Waverley)

Arrival station

Manchester

Journey time

From 3h 5m

Distance

175 miles (281 km)

Frequency

34 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From $20.03

Train operators

TransPennine Express

Travel from Edinburgh to Manchester by train

Planning a trip over the border and need more information on how to get the train from Edinburgh to Manchester? Look no further! 

Usually, the journey time from Edinburgh to Manchester by train is 3 hours and 20 minutes. Although, on the fastest services, the journey can take just 3 hours and 3 minutes. As there are around 32 direct trains running on this route every day, you can sit back and relax as you don’t need to make any changes during your journey.  

If you’re traveling on this route, you’ll board a TransPennine Express train at Edinburgh Waverley station. Once you’ve found your seat, you can begin to enjoy the onboard amenities including comfortable seating and free WiFi. If you prefer to travel in style, why not upgrade to First Class? You’ll enjoy all the benefits of Standard Class, as well as reclining seats, more legroom and complimentary food and drink. In just over 3 hours, your train will arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.  

As soon as you’ve exited the station, you can begin to explore the city’s most famous sights. Unsure where to visit first? For inspiration, head over to our guide on the best things to do in Manchester, including a trip to Manchester Art Gallery and the National Football Museum.  

If you need to travel to Manchester Airport, you can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly station. To learn more, check out our guide on trains to and from Manchester Airport.

If you’d like to book cheaper train tickets, try to travel at Off-Peak times – tickets tend to be cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours between Monday and Friday. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Advance tickets – they are normally released 12 weeks before the travel date and are usually a lot cheaper.  

Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester with us today. For more information, keep reading for our train timetables where you can view first and last train times, as well as FAQS and tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?

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

How do you travel to Manchester from Edinburgh (Waverley)?

To get to Manchester from Edinburgh (Waverley), why not take the train? With 34 trains per day and an average journey time of 3 hours and 42 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train?

On average it takes around 3 hours and 42 minutes to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train, although you can get there in 3 hours and 5 minutes on the fastest services. With 34 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How much is the train ticket from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?

The price of a train ticket from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester can start from as little as $20.03, depending on the time of day, route and class you book. Train tickets may also be cheaper when you book in advance compared to buying them on the day.

How fast can trains travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?

The fastest time a train can travel the 175 miles (281 km) from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester is 3 hours and 5 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?

Planning a trip to the UK soon? As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.

1. Book in advance

Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester start at $20.03§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. Sign up to Ticket Alert

If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.

3. Book split tickets

Our handy feature SplitSave will ‘split’ your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.

4. Travel Off-Peak

If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper than Anytime tickets in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.

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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