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Trains from Manchester to London Waterloo East

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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Manchester to London Waterloo East

Trains to London Waterloo East from Manchester

First train

20:25

Last train

22:20

Departure stationManchester
Arrival stationLondon Waterloo East
Journey time

From 7h 19m

Distance

163 miles (263 km)

Frequency

1 train per day

Changes

3 changes

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Southeastern, Thameslink, TransPennine Express

Travelling from Manchester to London Waterloo East by train

If you're planning to travel from Manchester to London Waterloo East, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Manchester to London Waterloo East takes around 8 hours 2 minutes. There are normally 1 train per day travelling from Manchester to London Waterloo East.

You'll have to make 3 changes on your journey to London Waterloo East, as there are no direct trains.

Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, Southeastern and Thameslink trains run on this route.

Save money on your train tickets by booking in advance.

Use our Journey Planner to compare ticket prices and find the cheapest fares.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Manchester to London Waterloo East?

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

You can get from Manchester to London Waterloo East by train in 8 hours and 2 minutes on average, with the fastest journeys taking just 7 hours and 19 minutes. Check out our Journey Planner for more details.

How long does the train from Manchester to London Waterloo East take?

The average journey time by train between Manchester and London Waterloo East is 8 hours and 2 minutes, with around 1 train 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.

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

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to London Waterloo East is 7 hours and 19 minutes.

Can you take a train directly from Manchester to London Waterloo East?

No, there are no direct train services from Manchester to London Waterloo East. Travelling from Manchester to London Waterloo East by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

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

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Waterloo East 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.
† 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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