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Trains from Manchester to Croydon

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Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Manchester to Croydon

Trains to Croydon from Manchester

First train

03:32

Last train

00:24

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationCroydon
Journey time

From 2h 56m

Distance

171 miles (275 km)

Frequency

216 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Hull Trains, London North Eastern Railway, London Overground, Lumo, Southern, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

What are the train times from Manchester to Croydon?

Check out the next trains departing from Manchester to Croydon for Tuesday 13th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
12:1415:263h 12m, 2 changes
12:3415:393h 5m, 2 changes
12:5416:093h 15m, 2 changes
13:1416:263h 12m, 2 changes
13:3416:403h 6m, 2 changes
13:5417:093h 15m, 2 changes
14:1417:263h 12m, 2 changes
14:3417:403h 6m, 2 changes
14:5418:093h 15m, 2 changes
15:1418:273h 13m, 2 changes

Travelling from Manchester to Croydon by train

If you're planning to travel from Manchester to Croydon, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Manchester to Croydon takes around 4 hours 37 minutes. There are normally 216 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Croydon.

You'll have to make 1 change on your journey to Croydon, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and Lumo.

Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.

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

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

How do I travel from Manchester to Croydon?

You can get from Manchester to Croydon by train in 4 hours and 37 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 2 hours and 56 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Manchester to Croydon take?

The average journey time by train between Manchester and Croydon is 4 hours and 37 minutes, with around 216 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 Manchester and Croydon by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Croydon is 2 hours and 56 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Croydon?

No, there are no direct train services from Manchester to Croydon. Travelling from Manchester to Croydon by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Croydon?

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 Manchester to Croydon 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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