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Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Gloucester to Manchester. The train trip from Gloucester to Manchester is usually about 2 hours and 58 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 36 minutes.
| Distance | 112 mi (180 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 36m |
| Lowest price | £60.40 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Gloucester to Manchester?
2 train services operate from Gloucester to Manchester. Great Western Railway + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 2 | 2h 38m | £47.17 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 6 | 3h 5m | £64.80 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Gloucester to Manchester usually takes about 2 hours and 38 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 2 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Gloucester to Manchester start from £45, and on average cost . Daily there are 6 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Manchester. Great Western Railway + Connections in Gloucester leaves from Gloucester Train Station . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Piccadilly .
From Gloucester to Manchester train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 3 hours and 5 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 36 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains departing from Gloucester to Manchester tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Gloucester at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Gloucester.
City Information
Gloucester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Gloucester is a delightfully lively city in the heart of England. The city is surrounded by the rural and verdant Cotswolds but offers excitement as one of the area's bigger cities.
A visit to Gloucester must include stopping by the 11th century Gloucester Cathedral to marvel at the Romanesque architecture and even visit the tomb of King Edward II. Several museums dot the city's downtown, including the National Waterways Museum Gloucester and the Museum of Gloucester.
To breathe in the fresh air, head to the Robinswood Hill Country Park, Rococo Garden, and the Barnwood Arboretum. You can paddleboard or kayak at the Gloucester Docks or watch a game at the Gloucester Rugby sports grounds.
Gloucester is a stop along the Great Western Railway, which connects to the United Kingdom's rail network. National Express and Sindbad operate coach service to and from Gloucester for affordable travel from cities including London. International travelers can reach the city via the nearby Gloucestershire airport.
Manchester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Most recognizable for its world-famous football team, Manchester is a modern, vibrant city with a diverse range of attractions that will appeal to explorers of all kinds. Often referred to as "The Capital of the North," Manchester is also known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution. Visitors can relive this booming era by taking a trip to the Science and Industry Museum to see how this previously small town changed the world's ideas of industry and manufacturing forever. These days, Manchester is famous for its music and art scene, with it being the birthplace of bands like The Smiths and Oasis.
Art and music-lovers may want to visit Afflecks, a vast and eclectic emporium of all things indie and grunge, to purchase records, artwork, and memorabilia, among many other things. Manchester is also home to 15 parks and gardens, with Fletcher Moss Park and Botanical Gardens among the most popular. This park provides a beautiful setting for picnics and scenic walks, perfect for when you need an escape from the bustling city.
And if you really are only here for Man U, both Old Trafford and Etihad Stadium are stops on our itinerary to visit every premier league stadium in England.
With three large train stations—Piccadilly, Oxford Road, and Victoria—Manchester is easily accessible via rail. National Express and Megabus coaches also allow access from all over the country. In addition, Manchester Airport houses three large terminals, which provide global entry to the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Gloucester?
Image credit: Elliott Brown
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Gloucester Train Station
Gloucester Train Station is centrally located in the city, across the street from the Gloucester Transport Hub, where coaches operate, and within walking distance of Gloucester Cathedral. The station building is simple but includes a shopping concourse with retail alongside amenities like an ATM, onsite parking, and restrooms. From Gloucester Train Station, Transport for Wales operates hourly service along the line to Cardiff. In addition, CrossCountry stops in Gloucester on its Cardiff to Nottingham route, and Great Western Railway operates several routes from Gloucester to cities including London and Bristol.
All train stations in Gloucester:
Gloucester Train Station
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly
As the city's main train station, Manchester Piccadilly receives regular trains from London, Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Liverpool. It has 14 platforms, with platforms 13 and 14 positioned away from the main concourse and accessed via a moving walkway. The mezzanine level contains a variety of shops and food outlets. Travellers can also access Metrolink trams on the Blue, Yellow, and Purple lines by descending into the lower level. The area around the station hosts plenty of parking, several hotels, and a variety of food options.
Train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly
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