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Trains from Stratford (London) to Manchester

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Avanti West Coast
Chiltern Railways

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Stratford (London) to Manchester

Trains to Manchester from Stratford (London)

First train

03:56

Last train

23:46

Departure stationStratford (London)
Arrival stationManchester
Journey time

From 2h 51m

Distance

164 miles (263 km)

Frequency

235 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, Chiltern Railways, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia, London North Eastern Railway, London Overground, Southeastern, Thameslink, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales, c2c

What are the train times from Stratford (London) to Manchester?

Check out the next trains departing from Stratford (London) to Manchester for Tuesday 20th October 2026 using our handy timetable below, including platform and live travel information. You can view the full day timetable or search for a different date here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
13:1816:193h 1m, 1 change
13:2316:192h 56m, 2 changes
13:3816:443h 6m, 1 change
13:4616:442h 58m, 2 changes
13:5817:053h 7m, 1 change
14:0817:052h 57m, 2 changes
14:1817:233h 5m, 1 change
14:2317:233h 0m, 2 changes
14:3817:443h 6m, 1 change
14:4617:442h 58m, 2 changes

Travelling from Stratford (London) to Manchester by train

If you're planning to travel from Stratford (London) to Manchester, we're here to help!

On average, the train journey from Stratford (London) to Manchester takes around 4 hours 36 minutes. There are normally 235 trains per day travelling from Stratford (London) to Manchester.

You'll have to make 1 change on your journey to Manchester, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway and Greater Anglia.

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 Stratford (London) to Manchester?

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

How do you travel to Manchester from Stratford (London)?

To get to Manchester from Stratford (London), why not take the train? With 235 trains per day and an average journey time of 4 hours and 36 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Stratford (London) to Manchester by train?

On average, it takes around 4 hours and 36 minutes to travel from Stratford (London) to Manchester by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 51 minutes on the fastest services. With 235 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Stratford (London) to Manchester?

The fastest time a train can travel the 164 miles (263 km) from Stratford (London) to Manchester is 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Stratford (London) to Manchester?

There are no direct trains that run between Stratford (London) and Manchester. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

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

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 Stratford (London) to Manchester 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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