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Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train
It takes an average of 3h 40m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 28 trains per day traveling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from $28.82 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:12 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:14 pm | |
| Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 3h 4m | |
| Distance | 175 miles (281 km) | |
| Frequency | 28 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $28.82 | |
| Train operators |
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.
FAQs 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.
Are there any direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?
How far is the train ride from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?
What is the best way to travel to Manchester from Edinburgh (Waverley)?
What time does the first train run from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?
How late does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester run?
How many trains go from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester per day?
When do tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester
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 Edinburgh (Waverley) 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.