Birmingham to Manchester train with CrossCountry

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.