TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets

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.

London to Manchester by train

It takes an average of 2h 39m to travel from London to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 163 miles (262 km). There are normally 62 trains per day travelling from London to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £19.40 when you book in advance.

First train

05:10

Last train

22:03

Departure station

London

Arrival station

Manchester

Journey time

From 2h 6m

Distance

163 miles (262 km)

Frequency

62 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £19.40

Train operators

Avanti West Coast

Travelling from London to Manchester by train

🍃 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.

Want to travel from London to Manchester by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from London to Manchester usually takes around 2h 29m but can take just 2h 3m on the fastest services, with around 50 trains running on this popular route per day. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as direct services are available. 

You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast on this route. Just sit back, relax and enjoy Avanti’s onboard services, including free WiFi and a bar carriage offering snacks and drinks.

How to get cheap train tickets from London to Manchester

Want to snap up the cheapest fares? Read our top tips for finding cheap train tickets from London to Manchester below or check out the latest train deals and discounts:

  • Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year
  • Book in advance: Most train companies in the UK usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
  • Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends compared to Peak times
  • Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people, you can save up to 34% on eligible journeys at Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times
  • Split your train tickets with SplitSave, our new split-ticketing app feature.

If you're ready to book, start a search for cheap train tickets to Manchester with us today. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view live train times from London to Manchester.

If you’re hoping to spend some time in Manchester but not sure how to get there, check out our guide on the best way to travel from London to Manchester.

*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.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from London to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from London to Manchester take?

The average journey time by train between London and Manchester is 2 hours and 39 minutes, with around 62 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between London and Manchester by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London to Manchester is 2 hours and 6 minutes.

How much does the train from London to Manchester cost?

Train ticket prices from London to Manchester can start from as little as £19.40 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from London to Manchester?

Yes, it is possible to travel from London to Manchester without having to change trains. There are 62 direct trains from London to Manchester each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from London to Manchester leave?

The first train from London to Manchester leaves at 05:10. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from London to Manchester leave?

The last train from London to Manchester leaves at 22:03. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between London and Manchester by train?

Trains travelling from London to Manchester cover a distance of around 163 miles (262 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester to London. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from London to Manchester.

Cheap train tickets from London to Manchester

Train tickets from London to Manchester start at £19.40 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

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 London 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.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.

Why should I travel by train from London to Manchester?

If you want to travel from London to Manchester, choose the more sustainable option - choose train!

Go green

Taking the train instead of driving lowers your CO2 impact by a whopping 67%.* Keep it simple, keep it low-carbon.

Save time & money

What's faster or cheaper than flying from London to Manchester? Ah yes, that'd be the train. Cheaper even without a Railcard, too. Win for you. Win for the planet.

Bikes on board

In the UK, you can take your bike on the train, for free! Cool, huh? And, thanks to our bike reservation feature, travelling with your bike has never been easier.

Travel in style

Unlike flying or driving, going by train means no extra luggage charges or parking costs. Plus, you step off the train, right into the city-centre. Aaaand relax.

* 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.

Between London and Manchester, 87% of the journeys sold on Trainline between May 2022 and May 2023 were cheaper and faster by rail vs plane. (61% of the journeys sold on Trainline were cheaper and faster by rail vs car.)

† 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.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.