Trains from Birmingham to Manchester
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Birmingham to Manchester by train
It takes an average of 1h 48m to travel from Birmingham to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (113 km). There are normally 36 trains per day travelling from Birmingham to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £12.60 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:01 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:01 | |
| Departure station | Birmingham | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 1h 27m | |
| Distance | 70 miles (113 km) | |
| Frequency | 36 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £12.60 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling from Birmingham to Manchester by train in 1h 26m
Thinking of spending some time in the northwest and need more information on how to travel by train from Birmingham to Manchester? We’ve got you covered!
On average, the journey from Birmingham to Manchester by train takes around 1h 46m but can take just 1h 26m on the fastest services. With around 27 direct trains running on this popular service each day, you can make yourself comfortable as you don’t need to change along the journey.
If you’re travelling from Birmingham to Manchester by train, you’ll board a CrossCountry train at Birmingham New Street station. Once you’ve found your seat, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the onboard amenities including free WiFi and a catering service. If you prefer to travel in style, why not upgrade to First Class? You’ll take advantage of complimentary food and drinks, larger reclining seats and extra table service. In less than an hour and a half, you will travel through 70 miles of rolling hills and arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.
If you’d like to snap up the cheapest fares, try to book an Off-Peak time – tickets tend to be cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you’d like to save even more, get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester with us today. For more information, continue reading for our timetable including live train times, FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.
*Calculations are based on CO2 / passenger km, comparing an average petrol car, using statistics and conversion factors published in the government’s greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published 7 June 2023 and revised 28 June 2023. See here for more.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Birmingham to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Birmingham to Manchester take?
The average journey time by train between Birmingham and Manchester is 1 hour and 48 minutes, with around 36 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Birmingham and Manchester by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Birmingham to Manchester is 1 hour and 27 minutes.
How much does the train from Birmingham to Manchester cost?
Train ticket prices from Birmingham to Manchester can start from as little as £12.60 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Birmingham to Manchester?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Birmingham to Manchester without having to change trains. There are 36 direct trains from Birmingham to Manchester each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Birmingham to Manchester leave?
The first train from Birmingham to Manchester leaves at 05:01. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Birmingham to Manchester leave?
The last train from Birmingham to Manchester leaves at 22:01. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Birmingham and Manchester by train?
Trains travelling from Birmingham to Manchester cover a distance of around 70 miles (113 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester to Birmingham. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Birmingham to Manchester.
Cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Birmingham to Manchester is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.