Trains from Manchester to London
Manchester to London by train
| Journey time | From 2h 3m |
|---|---|
| Price | From £23 |
| Distance | 163 miles (262 km) |
| Frequency | 61 trains per day |
| First train | 04:05 |
| Last train | 21:15 |
| Departure station | Manchester |
| Arrival station | London |
| Changes | Direct trains available |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast |
Travelling from Manchester to London by train
Thinking about taking the train from Manchester to London? We’ve got you covered.
The train from Manchester to London usually takes around 2h 21m but can take just 2h 3m on the fastest services, with around 55 trains running on this popular route per day. Once you're on board, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes along the way.
You'll be travelling with Avanti West Coast on this route. All Avanti trains offer free WiFi, power sockets and plenty of room for luggage with racks at either end of the carriage and sometimes also in the middle. There’s also a well-stocked bar carriage on board where you can purchase hot and cold drinks and snacks throughout your journey. If you’re travelling in First Class, you’ll enjoy an at-seat dining menu with the added bonus of real cutlery!
How to get cheap train tickets from Manchester to London
Want to snap up the cheapest fares? Read our top tips for finding cheap train tickets from Manchester to London below or check out the latest train deals and discounts:
- Get a Railcard: Save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year
- Book in advance: Most train companies in the UK usually release tickets 12 weeks in advance
- Travel Off-Peak: Tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends compared to Peak times
- Use GroupSave: If you're travelling in a group of 3-9 people, you can save up to 34% on eligible journeys at Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak times
- Split your train tickets with SplitSave, our new split-ticketing app feature.
If you want to know more about the journey to London from Manchester by train, keep reading for timetables, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Journey details
How long does the train from Manchester to London take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and London is 2 hours and 28 minutes, with around 61 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 London by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to London is 2 hours and 3 minutes.
How much does the train from Manchester to London cost?
Train ticket prices from Manchester to London can start from as little as £23 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 London?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to London without having to change trains. There are 61 direct trains from Manchester to London 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 London leave?
The first train from Manchester to London leaves at 04:05. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to London leave?
The last train from Manchester to London leaves at 21:15. 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 London by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to London cover a distance of around 163 miles (262 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from London to Manchester. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Manchester to London.Cheap train tickets from Manchester to London
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 London 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.