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TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast

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Low prices found by our customers
Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Trains to Manchester from Edinburgh (Waverley)

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 travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £14 when you book in advance.

First train

03:45

Last train

20:14

Departure stationEdinburgh (Waverley)
Arrival stationManchester
Journey time

From 3h 5m

Distance

175 miles (281 km)

Frequency

34 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £14

Train operators

TransPennine Express

Travelling from Edinburgh to Manchester by train in just over 3 hours

Considering a trip over the border and need more information on the journey from Edinburgh to Manchester by train? You’ve come to the right place! 

Generally, the journey from Edinburgh to Manchester by train takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes, but can take just 3 hours and 7 minutes on the fastest services. With around 29 direct trains running on this popular route each day, you can sit back and enjoy the journey, as you don’t need to make any changes along the way.  

When travelling on this route, you’ll board a TransPennine Express train at Edinburgh Waverley station, in the heart of the Scottish capital. Once you’ve settled in your seat, you can begin to enjoy the onboard amenities, such as comfortable seating, plug sockets, free WiFi and access to their onboard entertainment platform. In just over 3 hours, you’ll travel over the border and arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.  

Once you’ve exited the station, you’re perfectly placed near the centre of the city to start exploring straight away. If you’re unsure where to begin, read our guide to the best things to do in Manchester, including a trip to Manchester Art Gallery, the National Football Museum and Piccadilly Gardens.  

If you want to snap up the cheapest train tickets, try travelling at Off-Peak times, as tickets are generally cheaper compared to travelling at Peak times. If you want to save even more money, why not get yourself a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.  

Eager to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. For more information, keep reading for FAQs, money-saving tips and train timetables. 

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. You can also catch the bus from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester. 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 £14, 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?

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 £14§ 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. Use a Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.

4. 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.

5. Travel Off-Peak

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

6. Consider a Season Ticket

Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester is right for you.

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.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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