The cheapest and fastest trains from Birmingham to Manchester
Cheapest price
€19
Average price
€40
Fastest journey
1 h 25 m
Average duration
1 h 27 m
Trains per day
62
Distance
113 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Birmingham to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Birmingham to Manchester will cost around €40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €19.
Of the 62 trains that leave Birmingham for Manchester on Mon, Dec 22, 32 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 113 km distance in an average of 1 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 25 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 1 h 28 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
C72381
W05291+
L08894
W05240+
L11299
W05259+
L11288
W05254+
L11291
C72381
C74879
C74781
C72344
C74784Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Birmingham to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Birmingham to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €17.
Distance: 113 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€37 Average price | €12 Average price Cheapest |
2h 26m Average total duration Fastest 1h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Birmingham to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Birmingham to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C74786 | On time 9:01 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h36 | 10:37 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W02442 · W02539 | On time 9:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h48 | 10:55 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74788 | On time 10:00 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h33 | 11:33 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01950+ L64779 | On time 10:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h07 | 12:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72305 | On time 11:01 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h29 | 12:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01953+ L64804 | On time 11:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h04 | 1:11 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72310 | On time 12:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 1:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01947+ L64806 | On time 12:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h08 | 2:15 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74807+ W02598 | On time 12:22 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h57 | 2:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72315 | On time 1:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 2:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C74790 | On time 1:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h30 | 3:00 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72320 | On time 2:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 3:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01945 · W02527 | On time 2:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 3:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72327 | On time 3:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 4:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01943 · W02524 | On time 3:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 4:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72333 | On time 4:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 5:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72336 | On time 4:30 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h30 | 6:00 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72339 | On time 5:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 6:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01940 · W02517 | On time 5:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 6:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W01937 · W02513 | On time 6:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 7:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74826+ W02562 | On time 6:22 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h57 | 8:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W01955 · W02510 | On time 7:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 8:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74829+ W02556 | On time 7:22 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 9:20 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W01985 · W02507 | On time 8:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 9:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74832+ W02551 | On time 8:22 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h58 | 10:20 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72367 | On time 9:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 10:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W01984 · L02248 | On time 9:07 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 10:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C72375 | On time 10:01 PM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h27 | 11:28 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, December 22 | |||||
C74781 | 6:01 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 7:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C74782 | 6:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h29 | 7:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W05226+ L08909 | On time 6:34 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h08 | 8:42 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74784 | 7:01 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 8:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W05229+ W02545 | On time 7:04 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h41 | 8:45 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74785 | 7:26 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h33 | 8:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C72293 | 8:01 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h28 | 9:29 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W02933 · W02543 | On time 8:07 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h37 | 9:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C74899 | On time 8:30 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 1h29 | 9:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W05234+ L08926 | On time 8:34 AM Birmingham New Street (BHM) | 2h06 | 10:40 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Birmingham to Manchester by train or bus
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Birmingham to Manchester
Trains from Birmingham to Manchester run on average 28 times per day, taking around 1h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €17 but you can travel from only €6 by bus.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:58, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 113 km distance in 1h 25m.
Distance 113 km |
Average train duration 1h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price €17 |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 1h 25m |
First train 01:58 |
Last train 23:28 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country from Birmingham to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country trains will get you between Birmingham and Manchester from €6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail (3)
Cross Country
Trains from Birmingham to Manchester
With over 20 trains from Birmingham to Manchester on any day of the week, travellers will find it's a simple matter to book tickets at any time of the year on this popular route. The quickest journeys take one hour 27 minutes, while average trip times are about one hour 40 minutes.
Birmingham to Manchester Train Time: Daily departures
The first daily train to Manchester leaves Birmingham New Street at just before 6:00 a.m. and takes one hour 33 minutes to reach Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station. Cross Country operate trains every hour from this point until their final train of the day at just before 10:00 p.m. Most Cross Country trains to Manchester are direct services. The last train of the day leaves New Street at around 10:30 p.m. and is operated by Transport for Wales. Additional services are provided by Transport for Wales throughout the day.
How long is the journey by train from Birmingham to Manchester?
The fastest direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester take around 87 minutes and are operated by Cross Country. Other services provided by Transport for Wales are indirect and require at least one change. The slowest journey takes three hours, while average journey times are around one hour 40 minutes.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Birmingham to Manchester?
Departure train station: Trains from Birmingham to Manchester leave from Birmingham New Street Railway Station, which is located in the centre of town. Passengers can reach Birmingham Bull Ring shopping centre on foot from the Grand Central shopping area located above all platforms which is connected to the Bull Ring by a walkway. Facilities at New Street Station include a First Class Lounge, a business area complete with phones, fax, copiers, a waiting room, and station buffet. Station staff are available at all times to assist any travellers with disabilities or mobility problems.
Arrival train station: Trains arrive at Manchester Piccadilly Station, located a short walk from the Manchester Conference Centre, and all city centre shopping. Free bus trips on Routes 1, 2, and 3 throughout Manchester city centre are available until midnight from Monday to Saturday and offer useful hop on/off transport to most popular locations. Manchester Piccadilly station services include WiFi, extensive dining options, waiting rooms and public toilets.
Which train companies travel from Birmingham to Manchester?
Cross Country is the main provider for trains from Birmingham to Manchester, as services are quicker and direct. The Transport for Wales trains (formerly Virgin Trains) require at least one change at Crewe.
Cross Country Birmingham to Manchester
Passengers can reserve seats in Standard or First Class on Cross Country trains from Birmingham to Manchester, and free WiFi is provided on all journeys. Services are direct and most journeys take around one hour 27 minutes.
Birmingham to Manchester Trains: Services onboard
First Class travellers with Cross Country benefit from free snacks and drinks served direct to their seats, with complimentary meals also available on week days. Standard travellers can purchase refreshments from trolley services on most trains. Cyclists with folding bikes can carry them on board any train, and they should be stored in the overhead luggage racks during the journey. Two spaces for normal bikes are available for reservation, while a further last-minute space is also available on all trains, however, it is not possible to board with a bike if the train is already carrying three cycles. Mobility assistance is available on request. There are no formal luggage restrictions or allowances for any train journeys from Birmingham to Manchester, but it's important to bear in mind that all luggage needs to be carried on and off the train. It's also vital to ensure luggage and larger items don't impact on the comfort of others during journeys. It is possible that excess charges are applied for passengers with too much bulky luggage on any journey.
How do I find cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester?
It's a breeze to book cheap trains from Birmingham to Manchester at any time using the Omio app. Of course, booking in advance is always the recommended way to source the most affordable trips, but opting for slower journeys using indirect services can also help cut the costs of train travel for any journey from Birmingham to Manchester.
FAQs: Trains from Birmingham to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Birmingham to Manchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Birmingham New Street, which is located around 1.7 miles (2.7 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Birmingham to Manchester
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available from Sky Wi-Fi The Cloud.
- You can leave bags with Excess Baggage Co inside the entrance off Hill Street.
- Type of shops available: Boots located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier Camden Food located beyond the ticket barrier Costa located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 5b escalator Funky Pigeon located beyond the ticket barrier between Platform escalators 9-10 M&S Food located on the main concourse Mi Casa Burritos located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 9 escalator The Pasty Shop located beyond the ticket barrier next to Platform 7 escalator W H Smith located on the main concourse, before the ticket barrier
- Car Park: Short Stay Car Park
- All Bar One
- Leon
- Caffè Nero
- Five Guys
- Krispy Kreme
- The Pasty Shop
- Upper Crust
- Wasabi
- Starbucks
- Hotel Chocolat
- Taxi: Taxis drop off with the 'drop & go' in the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). For more information visit Traintaxi
- Accessible taxis: Taxis drop off within the 'drop & go' off the Hill Street entrance. The taxi rank is on Navigation Street (Stephenson Street / Victoria Square exit). All taxis are accessible with manual wheelchairs, most are accessible with electric wheelchairs. For more information visit Traintaxi
- Step-free access in the whole station and ramps available for train access. All platforms have elevators and escalators.
- Toilets Location: Male, Female, Accessible and Baby Change facilities are available in all parts of the station. These are located between: Platforms 2 - 3a (Blue Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11a (Yellow Lounge) Platforms 10 - 11b (Red Lounge)
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Close to Platforms 1A and 12A and Platforms 10 and 11B
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
- Holiday Inn Birmingham City Center
- Premier Inn Birmingham City Center (New St Station)
- Radisson Blue Hotel, Birmingham
- Waiting rooms location: There are two large seating areas beyond the ticket barrier between the escalators to platforms 5b and 8b. All platforms have waiting areas with seating
- Mon - Sat: 05:15 - 23:00
- Sun: 07:30 - 23:00
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- In the middle of the station.
- Bus lines: N5, N6, N8, 4, 9, 23, 45, 50, 61, X51, X70
- Train lines: West Midlands, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales
- Onward travel information: There are nearby bus stops on Smallbrook Queensway and Hill Street Most buses are wheelchair accessible. ********************************************************************************************************** For information go to the local travel information office by the Stephenson Street entrance. Alternatively, visit Transport for West Midlands, or call 0121 214 7214.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 06:00 - 21:00 Friday 06:00 - 23:00 Saturday 07:00 - 23:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 None
- Car Park: Birmingham Snow Hill (Council Managed)
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is available on the station concourse, by the Ticket Office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The Ladies toilets are located in the Waiting Room on Platform 3 and also on Platform 2. The Gents toilets are located on Platform 2 and Platform 3. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1 and 3; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The toilet facilities are only available from the first to last service.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248998
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from: Bus Stop SH4, at the front of the station on Colmore Row.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 00:10 Saturday 05:55 - 23:55 Sunday 08:40 - 00:10
- Type of shops available: Newsagent, Flower stall
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Access Category A. Step free access to all platforms.
- Accessible taxis: If you would like us to assist you in booking an accessible taxi for your onward journey please contact 03456 005 165.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are located on Platform 1 and between platforms 3 & 4.
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Between Platforms 2 and 3 at the south end of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: This station is not usually served by rail replacement buses, due to difficult road access. Replacement buses stop at Birmingham Snow Hill station.
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
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