Glasgow to Manchester train with TransPennine Express

Fri, Dec 19
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TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
LNER
CrossCountry
ScotRail
1,000+ travel companies
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 31

Cheapest price

€49

Average price

€66

Fastest journey

3 h 13 m

Average duration

3 h 22 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

295 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Glasgow to Manchester will cost around €66 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €49.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Glasgow for Manchester on Wed, Dec 31, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Dec 31 the direct trains cover the 295 km distance in an average of 3 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 13 m .

On Wed, Dec 31 the slowest trains will take 3 h 35 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.

Avanti West CoastW01974+Northern Rail (3)L06358
10:38AM3h35
Glasgow Central (GLC)
02:13PMDeansgate (DGT)
491One-way
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW02947+Northern Rail (3)L06355
08:38AM3h35
Glasgow Central (GLC)
12:13PMDeansgate (DGT)
491One-way
1 transfer
TransPennine ExpressC73806
09:09AM3h13
Glasgow Central (GLC)
12:22PMManchester Oxford Road (MCO)
541One-way
0 transfers
Avanti West CoastW02947+Northern Rail (3)Y25416
08:38AM3h40
Glasgow Central (GLC)
12:18PMManchester Victoria (MCV)
591One-way
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW02947+Northern Rail (3)L07254
08:38AM3h13
Glasgow Central (GLC)
11:51AMDeansgate (DGT)
931One-way
1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Glasgow to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €18, and a train costs an average of €20.

Distance: 295 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus

€69

Average price

€33

Average price

Cheapest

4h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 6m

Average total duration

4h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.7kg

CO2 emissions

TransPennine Express

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Glasgow to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Manchester trains for today, Tuesday, December 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:28 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
avanti_west_coastW02947+northern_railL07254
On time
8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
3h13
11:51 AM Deansgate (DGT)
1 transfer
avanti_west_coastW02947+northern_railY25416
On time
8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
3h40
12:18 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 transfer
avanti_west_coastW02947+northern_railL06355
On time
8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
3h35
12:13 PM Deansgate (DGT)
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Glasgow to Manchester by bus or train

Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Glasgow to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Glasgow to Manchester is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Glasgow to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Glasgow to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Glasgow to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Glasgow to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Glasgow to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €20 but you can travel from only €18 by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 295 km distance in 3h 11m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €18
Distance
295 km
Average train duration
4h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
€20
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
3h 11m
First train
00:06
Last train
23:46
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €18

Train companies: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, ScotRail, first_transpennine_express from Glasgow to Manchester trainsTransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, CrossCountry, ScotRail, first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Glasgow and Manchester from €18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

TransPennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
€38
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 11m
Cheapest Price
€37
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

LNER

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 6m
Cheapest Price
€78
LNER frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets per passenger
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 14m
Cheapest Price
€99
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

ScotRail

About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 56m
Cheapest Price
€91
ScotRail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest Price
€91
first_transpennine_express frequency
7 a day

Trains from Glasgow to Manchester

Once great industrial cities of the Victorian era, Glasgow and Manchester have reinvented themselves as cultural and media powerhouses for the 21st century. The rail links established in the 19th century remain, allowing business and leisure travelers to take direct trains from Glasgow to Manchester seven days a week. Journey times from Scotland's largest city are around three hours and 15 minutes for the quickest services.  Departures range from very early morning to mid evening. Additional indirect trains with one change en route increase the journey options to Manchester.

Which train companies travel from Glasgow to Manchester

First Transpennine Express operates direct trains from Glasgow Central to Manchester Piccadilly. Indirect connections involve taking First Transpennine Express or Virgin Trains departures from Glasgow and changing at Carlisle, Lancaster, Wigan North Western or Preston for Northern Rail connections to Manchester.

How long is the train from Glasgow to Manchester?

The fastest services on the 216 mile route south from Glasgow to Manchester are First Transpennine Express direct trains, taking three hours and 14 minutes. The quickest indirect connections with Virgin Trains and Northern Rail via Preston only take a minute or two longer to reach Manchester.

How many trains are there from Glasgow to Manchester?

The First Transpennine Express timetable has direct trains from Glasgow to Manchester Piccadilly every two hours from early morning to just after 7:00 p.m. Indirect services run roughly every half hour from very early morning to midday, then at least once an hour in the afternoon until mid evening. Sunday schedules offer less frequent services, no early morning departures from Glasgow and longer journey times on some routes.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Glasgow to Manchester?

Departure train station: Glasgow Central Station is situated in the city center, with Subway connections available from nearby St Enoch and bus services stopping on Hope Street and Union Street. Station facilities include a food supermarket, news vendor, bakery, pharmacy, coffee bar and taxi stands.

Arrival train station:Manchester Piccadilly Station is situated in the center of Manchester, with trams stopping by the main entrance and city bus routes stopping on London Road and Fairfield Street. The station concourse has a business lounge, a mini supermarket, pharmacy, vending machines, coffee shops, a news vendor, bakery, free WiFi and taxi stands.

FAQs: Trains from Glasgow to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Manchester can start from as little as €19 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Glasgow to Manchester is €45; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Glasgow to Manchester train travel time is 3 h 11 min   for the 295 km long journey, but the duration can vary if you travel on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Glasgow to Manchester leaves at 03: 45. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Glasgow to Manchester leaves at 20: 55.
Yes, there is 1 direct train a day from Glasgow to Manchester with TransPennine Express or first_transpennine_express. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
For the trip from Glasgow to Manchester you can take a train with Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, LNER, ScotRail, CrossCountry or first_transpennine_express. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services from Glasgow to Manchester on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 20: 55.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Glasgow Central, which is located around 0.8 miles (1.3 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.

A trip to Manchester from Glasgow is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 11 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Glasgow to Manchester is January.
You have options as you can travel between Glasgow and Manchester 2 different ways: train or coach.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Glasgow to Manchester

Glasgow
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Glasgow is Glasgow Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Glasgow Central for your trip from Glasgow to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Oswald Street NCP Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Krispy Kreme
  • Gordon St Coffee
  • Starbucks
  • Upper Crust
  • The Beer House
  • Patisserie Valerie
  • Alston Bar & Beef
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxis are available outside opposite the Gordon Street exit
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be located on Gordon Street.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Accessible toilets can be located inside the Gordon Street entrance, use the intercom for access. There is also an accessible toilet on platform 9 opposite the water hydration point. Both toilets are operated with a radar Key Accessible shower is available within the changing places facility.
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Indigo Glasgow
  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
  • voco Grand Central Glasgow
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • There is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
Public transit options for Glasgow Central
  • Bus lines: 6, 7, 18, 21, 75, 263, 267, 500 Airport Express
  • Train lines: West Coast Main Line, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus pick up / drop off on Gordon St.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:55 Saturday 05:10 - 23:55 Sunday 07:10 - 23:55
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Information Desk on Concourse.
  • 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: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilet is located on the concourse. Toilet facilities are only available during station opening hours. On Sundays the toilets close at 23:00. Radar - National Key Scheme
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station next to the ticket office
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing)
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Glasgow Queen Street
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on the bridge at Cathedral Street
  • Metro: Interchange station for SPT Subway
Argyle StreetShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 23:15 Saturday 06:30 - 23:15 Sunday 10:10 - 17:40
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: This is a Category C station. No step free access - escalators & stairs to below ground Island platform
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Argyle Street
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off on Osborne Street
HomeTrainsTrain Times to ManchesterGlasgow to Manchester train

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