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TransPennine Express
ScotRail

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Manchester to Helmsdale by train

First train

05:22

Last train

22:02

Departure station

Manchester

Arrival station

Helmsdale

Journey time

From 10h 14m

Distance

325 miles (523 km)

Frequency

4 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train operators

TransPennine Express, ScotRail, Caledonian Sleeper

Taking the train from Manchester to Helmsdale in 10 hours 14 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Manchester to Helmsdale? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 12 hours 16 minutes to travel the 325 miles (523 km) from Manchester to Helmsdale by train, although you can get there in as little as 10 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 4 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. During your journey, you'll either be travelling with ScotRail or TransPennine Express, as they are the main operators of services on this route.

Book train tickets from Manchester to Helmsdale in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Helmsdale by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

FAQs about the train journey from Manchester to Helmsdale

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

How do you get to Helmsdale from Manchester?

To travel to Helmsdale from Manchester, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 12 hours and 16 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 10 hours and 14 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Manchester to Helmsdale?

Trains from Manchester to Helmsdale take an average of 12 hours and 16 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 10 hours and 14 minutes. You'll usually find 4 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

What is the quickest journey time between Manchester and Helmsdale by train?

The quickest journey time between Manchester and Helmsdale by train is 10 hours and 14 minutes.

Are there direct trains from Manchester to Helmsdale?

No, there are no direct trains running from Manchester to Helmsdale, you’ll usually need to make at least 2 changes during the journey.

Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Helmsdale

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 Helmsdale 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.

† 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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