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It takes an average of 1h 36m to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (113 km). There are normally 39 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Birmingham and tickets for this journey start from £7.80 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:04 | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Birmingham | |
| Journey time | From 1h 28m | |
| Distance | 70 miles (113 km) | |
| Frequency | 39 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £7.80 | |
| Train operators |
Taking the train from Manchester to Birmingham
Thinking about travelling from Manchester to Birmingham by train? We’ve got you covered.
The train from Manchester to Birmingham usually takes around 1h 36m but can take just 1h 28m on the fastest services, with around 27 trains running on this popular route every day. You won't need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available on this route.
You can travel on this route with either CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast. CrossCountry offer direct services, however you'll probably need to make a change at Crewe if you travel with Avanti.
To snap up the cheapest fares, book an Off-Peak time – train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham are usually cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you want to save even more, get a Railcard – you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
If you're ready to book, start a search for cheap train tickets to Birmingham with us today. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view live train times from Manchester to Birmingham.
*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 Manchester to Birmingham?
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Birmingham? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Birmingham?
How close is Manchester to Birmingham by train?
Is it possible to get from Manchester to Birmingham without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Birmingham?
What time does the first train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
What time does the last train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
How often are trains from Manchester to Birmingham?
Do you need to book the train from Manchester to Birmingham in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?
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
2. Sign up to Ticket Alert
3. Use a Railcard
4. Book split tickets
5. Travel Off-Peak
6. Consider a Season Ticket
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
Get cheap train tickets with split ticketing
What is split ticketing?
Split ticketing is a clever way to save money on train travel. Instead of buying one ticket for your whole journey, you buy separate tickets for different sections of the trip — and it often works out cheaper.
You’ll still travel on the same train, with no need to change along the way (in most cases). It’s a simple way to cut the cost of your journey!
How do split tickets work?
Split ticketing is when you buy separate tickets for different sections of your journey, rather than one ticket from start to finish.
Your journey is divided into smaller segments on paper, but you don’t need to leave the train. The only requirement is that the train stops at each of the stations shown on your tickets.
If asked, just make sure to show the correct ticket for the part of the journey you're travelling on.