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Trains from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport

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Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. London Waterloo to Manchester Airport

Trains to Manchester Airport from London Waterloo

First train

04:49

Last train

22:59

Departure stationLondon Waterloo
Arrival stationManchester Airport
Journey time

From 2h 54m

Distance

158 miles (254 km)

Frequency

27 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

Travel by train from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport

Looking to travel from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport by train? You've come to the right place!

Generally, the train from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport takes around 4 hours 42 minutes, but can take just 2 hours 54 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 27 trains per day from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport.

You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.

Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Railway and TransPennine Express trains run on this route.

Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.

Start your search for train tickets from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport in our Journey Planner.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport?

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

How do I travel from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport?

You can get from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport by train in 4 hours and 42 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 2 hours and 54 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport take?

The average journey time by train between London Waterloo and Manchester Airport is 4 hours and 42 minutes, with around 27 trains per day running on this route. 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 Waterloo and Manchester Airport by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport is 2 hours and 54 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport?

No, there are no direct train services from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport. Travelling from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from London Waterloo to Manchester Airport?

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 London Waterloo to Manchester Airport 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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