Trains from Manchester to Glasgow
Manchester to Glasgow by train
| Journey time | From 3h 2m |
|---|---|
| Price | From £14.30 |
| Distance | 183 miles (295 km) |
| Frequency | 30 trains per day |
| First train | 03:57 |
| Last train | 19:30 |
| Departure station | Manchester |
| Arrival station | Glasgow |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train operators | TransPennine Express |
Taking the train from Manchester to Glasgow
Take the train from Manchester to Glasgow, and you'll be soaking up the Scottish Lowlands less than three and a half hours later on the fastest services. Sit back, relax, and take in the view as you fly up through the beautiful countryside in Cumbria and Lancashire to Glasgow Central Station, situated right in the heart of the city centre.
If you’re travelling direct, it’s likely to be a TransPennine Express train, where you’ll find a range of services on board, including free WiFi, plenty of space to store luggage, and power sockets to charge your devices. First Class passengers can even enjoy a complementary in-seat refreshment service, as well as extra space to stretch your legs. If your journey requires a change along the way, you’ll likely to be swapping to an Avanti West Coast service for the second leg. Another advantage of the train over the car us that there's no need to find car parking either - simply hop off the train at Glasgow Central Station and start sight-seeing right away. Glasgow Modern Art Gallery is just four minutes' walk from the station; many other attractions and shopping streets are nearby too.
Ready to book? Start browsing ticket prices and train times from Manchester to Glasgow now using our Journey Planner at the top of this page. Looking for more information on the route? Just scroll down for answers to your frequently asked questions, as well as our top tips for finding cheap tickets.
Journey details
How long does the train from Manchester to Glasgow take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Glasgow is 3 hours and 17 minutes, with around 30 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 Manchester and Glasgow by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Glasgow is 3 hours and 2 minutes.
How much does the train from Manchester to Glasgow cost?
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Glasgow can start from as little as £14.30 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 Manchester to Glasgow?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Glasgow without having to change trains. There are 30 direct trains from Manchester to Glasgow each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Manchester to Glasgow leave?
The first train from Manchester to Glasgow leaves at 03:57. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to Glasgow leave?
The last train from Manchester to Glasgow leaves at 19:30. 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 Manchester and Glasgow by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to Glasgow cover a distance of around 183 miles (295 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Glasgow to Manchester.Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Glasgow
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 Manchester to Glasgow 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.