It takes an average of 2h 37m to travel from Manchester to London by train, over a distance of around 163 miles (262 km). There are normally 55 trains per day travelling from Manchester to London and tickets for this journey start from £21 when you book in advance.
First train | 04:03 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 21:15 | |
Departure station | Manchester | |
Arrival station | London | |
Journey time | From 2h 6m | |
Distance | 163 miles (262 km) | |
Frequency | 55 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £21 | |
Train operators |
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!
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:
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!
*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.
The average journey time by train between Manchester and London is 2 hours and 37 minutes, with around 55 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to London is 2 hours and 6 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Manchester to London can start from as little as £21 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.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to London without having to change trains. There are 55 direct trains from Manchester to London each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Manchester to London leaves at 04:03. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
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.
Trains travelling from Manchester to London cover a distance of around 163 miles (262 km) during the journey.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
If you want to travel from Manchester to London, choose the sustainable option - choose train!
Taking the train instead of driving lowers your CO2 impact by a whopping 67%.* Keep it simple, keep it low-carbon.
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.
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.
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.)