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Manchester to Birmingham by train
It takes an average of 1h 36m to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (113 km). There are normally 39 trains per day traveling from Manchester to Birmingham and tickets for this journey start from $9.81 when you book in advance.
| First train | 4:11 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:04 pm | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Birmingham | |
| Journey time | From 1h 28m | |
| Distance | 70 miles (113 km) | |
| Frequency | 39 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $9.81 | |
| Train operators |
Traveling from Manchester to Birmingham by train
Looking to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 1 hour 35 minutes to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 1 hour 28 minutes though. You'll usually find 34 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 Birmingham.
Once you’ve left the station, you can start to explore everything the birthplace of heavy metal has to offer. Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the best things to do in Birmingham, including essential trips to Cadbury World, the Bullring Shopping Centre and the Thinktank – a science museum offering you the chance to try out new technology. Or if cricket's more your thing, find out everything you need to know about watching cricket in England, including in Birmingham. History buffs can explore the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution in Birmingham and the nearby Black Country. And if you're looking for a hotel in Birmingham but are not sure which one to pick, check out our guide to the best hotels in Birmingham.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Manchester to Birmingham start from £9.70 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 Birmingham by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.
FAQs about the train journey from Manchester to Birmingham
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Birmingham? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Birmingham?
How close is Manchester to Birmingham by train?
Is it possible to get from Manchester to Birmingham without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Birmingham?
What time does the first train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
What time does the last train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
How often are trains from Manchester and Birmingham?
Do you need to book the train from Manchester to Birmingham in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham
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 Manchester to Birmingham 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.