Trains to Manchester

Travel by train to Manchester 

Often in the shadow of London's international fame, Manchester is a destination in its own right. The city, rich in industrial history, has evolved into a center of culture and modern living, and it is undoubtedly more than just a brief stop.

There is so much to talk about when it comes to this city - starting from the fact that the world's first industrialized city became a UNESCO City of Literature. Manchester was an industrial powerhouse, and its a modern exciting city, with historic streets full of fashionable restaurants, and thriving business district. Mancunians are passionate about football, seeing that their city is home to some of the best teams in the world like Manchester United and Manchester City, and you can feel that spirit at every step.

If you love art, we recommend checking out the Victorian artworks in the Manchester Art Gallery. At the same time, the Godlee Observatory gives a peek into the city's scientific heritage with its operational 1902 telescope. 

Explore Manchester on a Budget

The UK's rail network offers budget-conscious travelers various options to explore Manchester affordably. The Railcard provides significant discounts on train tickets, ideal for frequent travelers. The 'System One Travelcard' allows unlimited travel in Greater Manchester, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. Additionally, special promotions often include reduced-price tickets, enhancing affordability for travel needs across the UK.

Exploring Manchester on a budget is not too challenging, primarily thanks to the many free attractions. Whether you like contemporary or historical art, you will find something for yourself at The Lowry in the Salford Quays. The gallery and theater complex hosts free exhibitions accessible to the public. For those interested in history and architecture, the Manchester Cathedral, a great example of Gothic architecture, luckily doesn't have an admission fee. 

During spring and summer, you can escape the urban chaos in one of many green spaces and parks in Manchester. Heaton Park, one of the largest municipal parks in Europe, is a vast area to explore, including woodlands, a boating lake, and historical landmarks. It's an ideal place for a leisurely walk or a family picnic. Another gem is Fletcher Moss Park & Botanical Gardens, where visitors can wander through beautifully maintained gardens and nature reserves, all for free.

 If you didn't have enough art, the Manchester Art Gallery has an impressive fine art collection spanning six centuries, including some significant British and European pieces. The gallery often hosts free exhibitions and events. The Whitworth Art Gallery, part of the University of Manchester, also has a diverse collection of art and design, and, wait for it, there is no entry fee, and it's set in a beautiful location. A Perfect Day in Manchester

Perfect day in Manchester 

Start your day at the Manchester Cathedral, a stunning example of medieval architecture. Easily accessible by tram or bus, get off at the Victoria station, which is just a stone's throw away. After exploring the cathedral, take a short walk to the National Football Museum to celebrate the nation's love for the sport.

Next, hop on the tram from Victoria Station to St Peter's Square to visit the Manchester Art Gallery. Known for its collection of British and European art, it's a cultural treasure. A short walk from the gallery leads you to Market Street and the Arndale Centre, the heart of Manchester's shopping scene.

For lunch, head to the Northern Quarter, known for its diverse dining options. It's a short walk from Market Street, offering a chance to sample Manchester's culinary delights. After lunch, take the tram from Market Street to Deansgate-Castlefield to visit the Museum of Science and Industry in the historic Castlefield area.

In the afternoon, take a tram from Deansgate-Castlefield to the Whitworth Art Gallery on Oxford Road, showcasing modern art and design. Then, head to the nearby University of Manchester to explore its historic campus.

As the evening approaches, take a bus from Oxford Road to the John Rylands Library, an architectural masterpiece and one of the world's best research libraries. Afterward, catch the tram from St Peter's Square to Salford Quays, home to MediaCityUK, BBC, and ITV studios. This area is known for its modern architecture and cultural events.

End your day with a visit to The Lowry, accessible by a short walk from MediaCityUK tram stop. This theater and gallery complex in Salford Quays offers stunning performances and art exhibitions.

When it's time to return, the nearby tram and bus stops at Salford Quays offer convenient connections to return to your starting point or accommodation. Manchester's efficient public transport system, including its extensive tram network, ensures a smooth journey back, allowing you to savor the memories of a day spent exploring this vibrant city.

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors to Manchester

For first-time visitors to Manchester, we recommend staying in the city center or nearby areas like Salford Quays for easy access to major attractions. While accommodation costs might be higher, the convenience of being close to sights like the Manchester Cathedral, the National Football Museum, and the Northern Quarter saves both time and money on transportation. We also suggest visiting during off-peak times like spring or early autumn to avoid crowds and enjoy better prices. Manchester is vast, so prioritize your must-see attractions and plan a realistic itinerary that balances planned visits with spontaneous exploration.

Whether navigating Manchester's attractions or planning excursions around the city, Virail ensures you travel quickly and conveniently. Start your Manchester adventure with Virail and enjoy a hassle-free journey exploring this historic and vibrant city.

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Popular train routes to Manchester

Discover popular train routes to Manchester and book the cheapest train ticket in no time

Popular routesAverage journey durationLowest priceTickets
Wolverhampton - Manchester1 hr 13 min$24.52Book
West Malling - Manchester4 hr 58 min$59.50Book
Preston - Manchester0 hr 43 min$5.13Book
Leeds - Manchester1 hr 15 min$4.72Book
Kidderminster - Manchester2 hr 23 min$35.20Book
High Wycombe - Manchester3 hr 39 min$59.46Book
Chesterfield - Manchester1 hr 23 min$10.36Book
Burnley - Manchester0 hr 46 min$15.97Book
Bristol - Manchester3 hr 11 min$60.53Book
Birmingham - Manchester1 hr 42 min$21.32Book

Train tickets to Manchester

Select departure and find the best deals on train tickets to Manchester.

Find the best day to travel to Manchester by train

When travelling to Manchester by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Chiltern Railways is a British train operating company that provides passenger services between London Marylebone and Birmingham Snow Hill, as well as other destinations in the Midlands and South East England. The company was established in 1996, and it is owned by Arriva UK Trains since 2009. Chiltern Railways operates a fleet of modern trains, including the Class 68 locomotives and the Class 165 and 168 diesel units.

East Midlands Railway is a train operating company that provides passenger services across the East Midlands region of England. It was formed in 2019, taking over the franchise previously operated by East Midlands Trains. The company operates services on routes including London St Pancras to Sheffield, Nottingham to Liverpool, and Norwich to Liverpool. East Midlands Railway also operates local services within the East Midlands, connecting towns and cities such as Derby, Leicester, and Lincoln.

Great Western Railway (GWR) is a British railway company that operates passenger services between London and the southwest of England, as well as parts of Wales. It was founded in 1833 and was originally known as the Great Western Railway Company. GWR is now owned by FirstGroup. The company is known for its iconic green livery and its historic steam locomotives, including the famous Flying Scotsman.

Northern is a train operating company that provides passenger services across the north of England. Northern is owned by Northern Trains Ltd, a division of "DOHL," the public sector holding company for the Department of Transportation. It is owned by Arriva UK Trains and operates over 2,500 services every weekday, serving cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle.

TransPennine Express is a train operating company in the United Kingdom that provides intercity train services across the North of England and Scotland. The company operates services between major cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket options, including advance purchase tickets, out-of-season tickets, and flexible tickets. The company also provides onboard facilities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and refreshments.

The Welsh Government owns the non-profit organization Transport for Wales. It is responsible for the procurement and management of passenger rail services in Wales, as well as the development of the Welsh rail network. The company was established in 2018, taking over from Arriva Trains Wales, and operates services across Wales and the Borders. Transport for Wales is a great choice for your journeys within Wales, such as Cardiff to Aberdare or Newport to Swansea, or for your trips in England, like Manchester to Chester or Birmingham to Shrewsbury, and even for your travel between England and Wales.

West Midlands Railway is a train operating company that provides passenger services across the West Midlands region of England.The West Midlands Trains consortium, composed of Abellio, JR East, and Mitsui, won the franchise for the region, leading to the establishment of the service in 2017. The West Midlands Railway offers a variety of services, including longer distance services to cities like London and Liverpool as well as local and regional trains.

Eco-Friendly Travel: Making a Greener Choice - Manchester

From choosing green cities and sustainable transport options, we guide you through the details of reducing your carbon footprint while exploring the globe

  • Air quality
    30
    Good
  • Renewable energy
    47%
    Moderate
  • Green spaces
    0%
    Low
  • Total score
    48
    Moderate
Rank Cities Air quality Energy Green spaces Total score
1 Wolverhampton 30 47 - 48
2 West Malling 30 47 - 48
3 Preston 30 47 - 48
4 Leeds 30 47 - 48
5 Kidderminster 30 47 - 48
6 High Wycombe 30 47 - 48
7 Chesterfield 30 47 - 48
8 Burnley 30 47 - 48
9 Bristol 30 47 - 48
10 Birmingham 30 47 - 48
Cheap train tickets to Manchester
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets to Manchester.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip to Manchester, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from to Manchester.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.