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Trains from Manchester to London

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Avanti West Coast
London North Eastern Railway

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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
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  3. Manchester to London

Trains to London from Manchester

It takes an average of 2h 36m to travel from Manchester to London by train, over a distance of around 163 miles (262 km). There are normally 57 trains per day travelling from Manchester to London and tickets for this journey start from £14 when you book in advance.

First train

04:04

Last train

22:14

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationLondon
Journey time

From 1h 59m

Distance

163 miles (262 km)

Frequency

57 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £14

Train operators

Avanti West Coast

Travelling from Manchester to London by train

🍃 Create 67% less CO2 when you choose train over car*

Is switching to train one of the best ways to lower your CO2 impact? Sure is. Keep it simple. Keep it low carbon.

Planning a trip from Manchester to London by train? We've got you covered!

The train from Manchester to London takes around 2 hours 35 minutes on average, with the fastest direct Avanti West Coast trains getting you there in just 2 hours 6 minutes. Around 55 trains run this route daily.

The first train from Manchester to London departs at 04:04, and the last train leaves at 22:15. With up to 112 trains a day, you’ve got plenty of options for early birds and night owls alike!

Start your journey at Manchester Piccadilly and hop on an Avanti West Coast train. Enjoy onboard amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets and a shop for snacks and drinks. For more comfort, upgrade to Standard Premium for extra space and a guaranteed table, or go First Class for at-table service, complimentary food and drink and access to First Class lounges at both ends.

Once you arrive at London Euston station, you’re within minutes of some of the top landmarks like Trafalgar Square and Hyde Park. Or if you’re in town for some retail therapy, read our guide to some of the best places to go shopping in London.

Want cheap train tickets from Manchester to London? Travel Off-Peak for lower fares and book early – tickets bought 8 weeks in advance can save you over 40%. Railcard holders can also save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.

Ready to book? Start a search with us today. Just enter the dates you’d like to travel and we’ll do the rest. For more information about the train to London from Manchester, keep reading:

*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 London?

Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to London? 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 London?

You can get from Manchester to London by train in 2 hours and 36 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 1 hour and 59 minutes. You can also take the bus from Manchester to London. Check out our Journey Planner for more 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 36 minutes, with around 57 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.

How much does the train from Manchester to London cost?

Train tickets from Manchester to London can start from as little as £14 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book.

What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and London by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to London is 1 hour and 59 minutes.

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

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

Train tickets from Manchester to London start at £14§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 London 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.

Why should I travel by train from Manchester to London?

If you want to travel from Manchester to London, choose the sustainable option - choose train!

Go green

Taking the train instead of driving lowers your CO2 impact by a whopping 67%.* Keep it simple, keep it low-carbon.

Save time & money

What's faster or cheaper than flying from Manchester to London? Ah yes, that'd be the train. Cheaper even without a Railcard, too. Win for you. Win for the planet.

Bikes on board

In the UK, you can take your bike on the train, for free! Cool, huh? And, thanks to our bike reservation feature, travelling with your bike has never been easier.

Travel in style

Unlike flying or driving, going by train means no extra luggage charges or parking costs. Plus, you step off the train, right into the city-centre. Aaaand relax.

* 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.

Between Manchester and London, 87% of the journeys sold on Trainline between May 2022 and May 2023 were cheaper and faster by rail vs plane. (61% of the journeys sold on Trainline were cheaper and faster by rail vs car.)

Train vs plane vs car: The showdown

Wondering how the train stacks up against flying or driving? Here’s the quick comparison:

  • Train: Fastest city-centre to city-centre, no faff with airport security or baggage fees, and you can actually stretch your legs.
  • Plane: Takes longer door-to-door (especially when you count check-in and travel to the airport), usually pricier, and less eco-friendly.
  • Car: Slower in traffic, parking nightmares, and you’ll miss out on that sweet, sweet train Wi-Fi.
  • Bonus: Taking the train slashes your CO2 impact by up to 67% compared to driving. Go you!

Avanti West Coast trains from Manchester to London

What you need to know about Avanti West Coast trains serving the Manchester-London route:

Avanti West Coast has been a major rail operator on Britain’s West Coast Main Line since 2019. It operates high-speed intercity trains linking London to major British cities, such as Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Avanti’s recently refurbished Pendolino trains serve the busy route between Manchester and London. These ‘tilting’ trains lean into curves on the tracks, allowing a higher top speed of 125mph.

More information about Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast train classes from Manchester to London

Take your choice of three classes, Standard, Standard Premium and First, when you travel from Manchester to London with Avanti West Coast.

Standard Class

In Standard Class on Avanti West Coast services from Manchester to London you’ll be able to make use of the following onboard services:

  • Free onboard WiFi.
  • Access to the onboard shop where you can purchase food and drink.
  • Refurbished seats and tables.
  • Power sockets at selected table and window seats.

Standard Premium Class

In Standard Premium Class, you’ll receive these additional amenities:

  • Larger seats.
  • A guaranteed table at your seat.
  • Power sockets at every window seat.

First Class

In First Class, as well as all of the above, you’ll enjoy:

  • At-seat service.
  • Complimentary food and drink on board.
  • Access to First Class lounges at Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston (up to two hours before departure and up to one hour after arrival). Complimentary snacks, soft drinks and coffee are available in the lounges.

Onboard services from Manchester to London

These are the services available on board Avanti West Coast trains from Manchester to London.

How to get to Manchester Piccadilly station

Your train to London departs from Manchester Piccadilly station. Here’s how to get there.

Manchester Piccadilly station is just east of the city centre. Here are the different ways you can get there:

  • Walk: From Albert Square, you can walk to Manchester Piccadilly in under 20 minutes. Head east and the station is only a block away once you cross the canal.
  • Tram: Metrolink trams serve the whole of the centre of Manchester and four tram lines stop at Manchester Piccadilly station: the orange, light blue, purple and yellow lines.
  • Bus: Both free routes 1 & 2 terminate at Manchester Piccadilly station. Other bus services from around Greater Manchester terminate in Piccadilly Gardens, a quick walk or tram ride from Manchester Piccadilly station.

Everything you need to know about Manchester Piccadilly station

Did you know: Manchester Piccadilly station has changed its name twice in its long history, being first called Store Street, then Manchester London Road before being renamed Manchester Piccadilly in 1960.

Manchester Piccadilly station was first opened in 1842 and is the busiest train station in the Greater Manchester area. Here are some of the amenities you’ll find in the station today:

  • First Class lounge (for Avanti First Class customers only)
  • Taxi rank (at Fairfield Street exit)
  • Bike storage
  • Public WiFi
  • Level access to all platforms
  • Toilets (with baby-changing facilities)
  • Left luggage and lost property
  • Shops and refreshments
  • Waiting rooms

Arriving at London Euston station from Manchester

Make your way around London with ease after arriving at Euston station.

London Euston station is on the northern edge of Central London and is so well-connected by public transport that you can reach anywhere in the capital quickly:

  • Walk: Popular tourist areas Kings Cross, Bloomsbury and Camden Town are within walking distance of Euston. You’ll also find top attractions like the British Museum are easily accessible by foot (20-minute walk).
  • Underground: Euston Underground station—found downstairs from the main station concourse—is on the Northern and Victoria lines, for quick and easy access to Central London. Euston Square Underground station is a 5-minute walk away if you’re looking for the Metropolitan, Hammersmith & City or Circle lines.
  • Bus: There is a bus station in front of the station, which serves 10 bus routes departing in all directions.
  • Taxi: There is a taxi rank in front of the station facing onto Euston Road.

Using public transport in London

Public transport in London is managed by Transport for London (TfL). Here’s how to pay for your journeys in London:

Paying for your TfL journey

While you can buy single and return tickets and paper travelcards from ticket machines in stations, it is more convenient—and often cheaper—to pay for your journey using an Oyster card or using a contactless card.

  • Oyster Cards can be bought from tube stations and in Oyster Ticket Stops (commonly found in newsagents or kiosks). They cost £7 each and can be topped up with credit at ticket machines at tube stations or Oyster Ticket Stops.
  • You can use your contactless bank card or device to pay for journeys.

Touching in and out

On buses and trams in London you only need to touch in. For all other journey types (Tube, rail, DLR, Overground, Elizabeth Line etc.), you need to touch in at the beginning of your journey and out at the end. If you don’t touch in/out, you’ll be charged a maximum fare.

Where to travel next after London

London is just the beginning… See the top onward destinations from London by train:

London to Brighton

London to Oxford

London to Cambridge

London to Bath

London to Bristol

London to Birmingham

Passenger reviews about this journey

Easy to book. Nice journey but no train WiFi again

Dave H2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

The trip was very enjoyable, but the internet was very poor and the bathroom was closed throughout the trip

Z alanzi2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Excellent service. F a cup final day but no problems and arrived on time .

Mark Henry2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Smooth, clean and comfortable.

Julie Whitmey2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

A pleasant journey my reserve seat was ideal with the train busy. Additionally, the power socket for my mobile was very pleasing when I got to the other end still fully charged for the next part of my journey .

ANTHONY WAY2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

All went smoothly. The train was on time and clean. Thank yoi

Mrs Linda Orritt2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Easy to use the app. No stress, enjoyed my booked journeys.

Grace Ennis2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

It was fantastic

Customer2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Beats walking

customer2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

First time using the train to visit Wembley was a fantastic experience throughout even better beating the Bert’s

Kenny Vernon2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

the train from london euston to manchester picadilly was 2 hours delayed and after boarding to a different tran i had to sit on the floor for the 3 hours

Ivanna Klietsova2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Seats have very small legroom. Despite paying over £250 seats not together! Very disappointing

Lorna McCoy2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Very poor. Manchester to London cancelled as was the return journey! Had to catch later trains which meant my reservations were unavailable and both trains were greatly overcrowded.

Joyce Adams2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

The booking system doesn't tell you if all the seats you want are already gone. I arrived to find that I did NOT get a table seat which I had booked. Also, almost all the seats in the Quiet coach face in one direction rather than half each way. Consequently, on my journey BACK from Euston, I found I had been given a backward-facing seat with no table. Please improve the booking system to reflect what is actually available.

Mrs M2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Train was cancelled and the train after was late so not good at all

Pam Wilson2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Very bad, trains were cancelled

Towobola Onikoyi2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

The train was canceled

Christopher Ware2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Didn't have any space to sit

Hasan Molla2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

My train was cancelled without notice

Martin Brooks2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Excellent on time room on the train just a bit of carnage trying to get in it

Consumer2 years agoChevronRightChevronRight

Rated 3.3 / 5. Showing 20 out of 70 reviews.

Tips and tricks from our Trainline team

We love helping our customers find inspiration for their next train journey. Discover some travel stories written based on our employees' experiences.

Manchester to London, a First-Class experience by train

After a few days in Manchester for work, it was time for the return south and home via London Euston. I always look forward to the train journey, one time I even saw Jimmy Carr onboard!

For business, I always try and book as far in advance as possible to save on the First-Class fare. Not only saving a little bit of money on the fare but also having something to look forward to on the way back.

Manchester Piccadilly is a big, light, airy railway station with plenty of eateries and shops if you need to grab anything before boarding the Avanti West Coast train. I made my way down the platform to the First-Class carriage, settling into the comfy seat and popping my phone on charge.

As always there are some great people onboarding looking after you and today was no exception. The refreshments included with the fare make it an even better journey and before you realise, the Pendolino train begins to snake its way out of the city.

Throughout the whole journey to London, I found myself staring out of the window as the countryside flew by swapping from green fields and rivers to towns and city scenes. One of the things I love about the Pendolino trains is the windows, they are huge!

I still find it remarkable that in just over 2 hours I can be from Manchester city centre to London Euston and 2/3 of the way home.

About Richard

Richard, a Trainline employee, chose to share his experience of the journey between Manchester and London.

It's great to take the train between Manchester and London

I often take the train from Manchester to London with Avanti West Coast, travelling in Standard Class. It takes just over two hours to get from Manchester Piccadilly station to London Euston station by train.

What I enjoyed about the journey

This journey by train boasts great views – certainly better than sitting staring at the open road on the motorway! It’s also a fast journey. With the quickest trips taking around 2 hours, that leaves you plenty of time to explore London.

It’s also possible to work while you’re on the train, as there’s free WiFi, reading light and plug sockets near each seat.

On board the train, it’s very comfortable – there are comfy seats with a reasonable amount of legroom. The train is always clean, there are onboard toilets, and each carriage is air-conditioned! What’s more, there’s a good selection of food and drink available from the helpful staff members at the Onboard Shop.

It’s also nice to see a quiet carriage on the train – perfect if you don’t want to be distracted while working or reading a good book.

I also thought my ticket was good value for money as I bought a split ticket. I make this journey 2 to 3 times per week, and I could not afford the journey this often if it was not for Trainline's SplitSave feature.

What I didn’t like about the journey

One thing I didn’t like about my trip was that the train was delayed, so we arrived late at London Euston station. However, I was kept up to date by the Trainline app so I knew when we would arrive in London without having to guess!

Overall, taking the train from Manchester to London is usually a pretty good experience. I’m always pleased with the train’s onboard environment and taking the train beats flying or sitting at a standstill on the motorway any day!

 

About Peter

Peter, a Trainline employee, chose to share their experience of the journey between Manchester and London. The review has been written by one of our travel writers, based on a survey including multiple-choice questions regarding pros and cons of the journey. 

† 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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