Luton to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Sat, Dec 06
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
TransPennine Express
CrossCountry
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1,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
TransPennine Express
CrossCountry
east_midlands_trains
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Dec 09

Cheapest price

€71

Average price

€81

Fastest journey

3 h 36 m

Average duration

3 h 45 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Luton to Manchester will cost around €81 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €71.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Luton for Manchester on Tue, Dec 09, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 09 the direct trains cover the 216 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 36 m .

On Tue, Dec 09 the slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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 Coast
08:29AM3h36
Luton
12:05PMManchester
711One-way
0 transfers
East Midlands Trains
03:11PM3h54
Luton
07:05PMManchester
831One-way
0 transfers
Avanti West Coast
09:23AM4h42
Luton
02:05PMManchester
831One-way
0 transfers
Avanti West Coast
11:41AM4h24
Luton
04:05PMManchester
841One-way
0 transfers
East Midlands Trains
11:10AM3h55
Luton
03:05PMManchester
841One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Luton to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Luton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €12, and a flight costs an average of €48.

Distance: 216 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€99

Average price

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€185

Average price

3h 28m

Average total duration

2h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 35m

Average total duration

5h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 4m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 4m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Luton to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Manchester trains for today, Monday, December 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:58 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
east_midlands_railwayY07315+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW09722
On time
8:25 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h19
11:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
thameslinkY36183+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW09638
On time
8:31 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h34
12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
thameslinkY36681+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW09640
On time
8:59 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h20
12:19 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
east_midlands_railwayY07599 · Y07130 · Y07227+transpennine_expressC27107
On time
9:15 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h50
1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 transfers
east_midlands_railwayY07321+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW09724
On time
9:27 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h17
12:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers
thameslinkY36686+assertis_tubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+avanti_west_coastW09643
On time
9:29 AM Luton station (LUT)
3h36
1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Manchester by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

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

The best time to book your train from Luton to Manchester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Luton to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Luton 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 Luton to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €71 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 216 km distance in 3h 17m.

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 €12
Distance
216 km
Average train duration
2h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
€71
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 17m
First train
00:04
Last train
22:30
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 €12

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains from Luton to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Luton and Manchester from €12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 20m
Cheapest Price
€42
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

East Midlands Trains

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
€82
East Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

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
TransPennine Express frequency
1 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

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
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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Price
€90
east_midlands_trains frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Trains from Luton to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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
On average the Luton to Manchester train time is 4 h 18 min   covering the 216 km long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Luton to Manchester leaves at 04: 34. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Luton to Manchester leaves at 21: 40.
There are 10 trains a day from Luton to Manchester which require at least one change with CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains or Virgin Trains. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Take the Luton to Manchester train with CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains or Virgin Trains. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the route from Luton to Manchester as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 40.

When departing from Luton, you have various train station options to start your route from including Luton and Luton Airport Parkway. When arriving in Manchester, you can end your trip in train stations like Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport and Manchester Victoria.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Luton, which is located around 0.7 miles (1.2 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (766 m) away from the city centre.

The cheapest month for a train from Luton to Manchester is August.
Yes, you can take a coach to Manchester from Luton.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Luton to Manchester

Luton
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Luton is Leagrave. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Leagrave for your trip from Luton to Manchester.
LeagraveWifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:30 Saturday 06:00 - 19:20 Sunday 07:45 - 17:45
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station. Step free access to southbound platform 1 and northbound platform 4 (via a separate entrance). No step free access to northbound platform 2 or southbound platform 3. Most services call at platforms 1 and 2. The assistance meeting point is Platform 4 next to ticket office.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
LutonWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:45 Saturday 05:45 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Road Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There are heated waiting areas on platforms 1 to 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front and rear entrances
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 00:30 Saturday 06:30 - 00:00 Sunday 07:30 - 00:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Coffee shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
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 level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and also adjacent to platform 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station and Kimpton Road
  • Storage CCTV: Yes

Most popular train connections from Luton

HomeTrainsTrain Times to ManchesterLuton to Manchester train

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