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Outbound fromEdinburgh (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 travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £21.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:14 | |
| 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 £21.50 | |
| Train operators |
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.
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.