Manchester to Luton train with East Midlands Railway

Tue, May 19
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East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
London North Eastern Railway
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
London North Eastern Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Luton

Showing times and prices for May 19

Cheapest price

€83

Average price

€164

Fastest journey

3 h 16 m

Average duration

3 h 26 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Luton will cost around €164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €83.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Manchester to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.

  • East Midlands RailwayC04347 · W70694 · C04238
    8:43 AM3h42
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    12:25 PMLuton station (LUT)
    831One-way
    2 transfers
  • East Midlands RailwayW70781 · W70691 · C04235+Transpennine ExpressW84658
    8:13 AM3h42
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    11:55 AMLuton station (LUT)
    831One-way
    3 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW33888+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC41884
    8:54 AM3h16
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    12:10 PMLuton station (LUT)
    1141One-way
    2 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW34104+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW45553
    8:34 AM3h23
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    11:57 AMLuton station (LUT)
    2071One-way
    2 transfers
  • Avanti West CoastW34104+East Midlands RailwayC04235+CrossCountryG00806+East Midlands RailwayW70691
    8:34 AM3h21
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    11:55 AMLuton station (LUT)
    2291One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Manchester to Luton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. 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 €13, and a flight costs an average of €71.

Distance: 216 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€76

Average price

€24

Average price

Cheapest

€176

Average price

3h 45m

Average total duration

3h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 28m

Average total duration

3h 58m

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

East Midlands Railway

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

Manchester to Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Luton trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
East Midlands RailwayW70781 · W70691 · C04235+Transpennine ExpressW846588:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h42
11:55 AM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW33952+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC418818:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h26
11:40 AM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34104+CrossCountryG00806+East Midlands RailwayC04235 · W706918:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h21
11:55 AM Luton station (LUT)3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34104+ThameslinkW45553+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h23
11:57 AM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
East Midlands RailwayC04347 · W70694 · C042388:43 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h42
12:25 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW33888+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+East Midlands RailwayC418848:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
12:10 PM Luton station (LUT)2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

Compare bus, train, 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
May 19
Wed
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Why should you book Manchester to Luton trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway and more offer trains services from Manchester to Luton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Luton.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Luton.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare East Midlands Railway with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Luton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Luton.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Luton.

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

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Luton is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Luton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Luton 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 Manchester to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €38 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 216 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 €13
Distance
216 km
Average train duration
3h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
€38
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 11m
First train
12:06 AM
Last train
10:30 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
56 days
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 €13

Train companies: East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway from Manchester to Luton trainsEast Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Manchester and Luton from €13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

East Midlands Railway

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 25m
Cheapest Price
€41
East Midlands Railway 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

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
€38
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 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

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

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 24m
Cheapest Price
€81
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
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 dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

London North Eastern Railway

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
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
€84
London North Eastern Railway frequency
1 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

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Luton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Luton can start from as little as €38 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Luton is €76; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Manchester to Luton is 3h 11m to travel the 216 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Manchester to Luton leaves at 12:06 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Manchester to Luton leaves at 10:30 PM.
There are 7 trains a day from Manchester to Luton which require at least one change with East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Manchester to Luton. You can choose between East Midlands Railway. East Midlands Railway trains take around 3h 25m
When taking a train from Manchester to Luton, you can count on East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, London North Eastern Railway for the best way to get you to Luton. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Manchester and Luton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Luton from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 11m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Luton is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Luton including taking a bus, train, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Luton

Manchester
Luton
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Luton.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transit options for Manchester Airport
  • 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.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Luton

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to Luton

HomeTrainsTrain Times to LutonManchester to Luton train

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