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East Midlands Railway
TransPennine Express

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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 Liverpool

It takes an average of 52m to travel from Liverpool to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 31 miles (50 km). There are normally 226 trains per day travelling from Liverpool to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £2 when you book in advance.

First train

03:40

Last train

00:18

Departure stationLiverpool
Arrival stationManchester
Journey time

From 31m

Distance

31 miles (50 km)

Frequency

226 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £2

Train operators

East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express

How to travel from Liverpool to Manchester by train in just 35m

🍃 Create 67% less CO2 when you choose train over car*

Is switching to train one of the best ways to lower your CO2 impact? Sure is. Keep it simple. Keep it low carbon.

Planning a day out and need more information about the journey from Liverpool to Manchester? Look no further!  

Generally, the train journey from Liverpool to Manchester usually takes around 51 minutes. But, if you want to get there quicker, you can travel from Liverpool to Manchester by train in just 35 minutes on the fastest services provided by Transpennine Express, Northern or East Midlands Railways. With around 164 direct trains running on this popular route every day, you don’t need to worry about changing along the way.  

When travelling on this route, you’ll hop on a train at Liverpool Lime Street and travel through the 31 miles that separate these two major cities. Whether you’re travelling with Transpennine Express, Northern or East Midlands Railway, you’ll enjoy comfortable seating and WiFi. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.  

Boasting vibrant nightlife and trendy shops, Manchester is one of the biggest cities in the UK and the ideal place for a day out. If you’re not sure what to see and do once you’ve arrived, check out our guide to the best things to do in Manchester, including a trip to the National Football Museum and the Manchester Art Gallery.  

Want to snap up the cheapest fares? Try taking the train during Off-Peak times. Also, if you tend to travel more than a few times a year, get yourself a Railcard and you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.  

Keen to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Liverpool to Manchester in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. There’s no need to wait, start your journey today! For more information, keep reading for our train timetable, tips on booking cheaper fares and our FAQs including first and last train times.  

*Calculations are based on CO2 / passenger km, comparing an average petrol car, using statistics and conversion factors published in the government’s greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published 7 June 2023 and revised 28 June 2023. See here for more.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Liverpool to Manchester?

Want to know more about your journey from Liverpool 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 Liverpool?

To get to Manchester from Liverpool, why not take the train? With 226 trains per day and an average journey time of 52 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. You can also catch the bus from Liverpool to Manchester. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Liverpool to Manchester by train?

On average, it takes around 52 minutes to travel from Liverpool to Manchester by train, although you can get there in 31 minutes on the fastest services. With 226 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 Liverpool to Manchester?

The price of a train ticket from Liverpool to Manchester can start from as little as £2, 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 Liverpool to Manchester?

The fastest time a train can travel the 31 miles (50 km) from Liverpool to Manchester is 31 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Liverpool 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 Liverpool to Manchester start at £2§ 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 Liverpool 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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