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Trip Summary
You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Norwich and Manchester. The average train journey from Norwich to Manchester takes 4 hours and 56 minutes, but some East Midlands Railway train trips are as short as 4 hours and 42 minutes.
| Distance | 158 mi (255 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 42m |
| Lowest price | £120.18 |
| Trains per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | East Midlands Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Norwich to Manchester?
2 train services operate from Norwich to Manchester. East Midlands Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 2 | 5h 26m | £120.18 |
| East Midlands Railway | 5 | 4h 49m | £120.18 |
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 Norwich to Manchester usually takes about 5 hours and 26 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 2 trips on this route every day, and 2 daily trips on weekends.
East Midlands Railway train tickets from Norwich to Manchester start from £120, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 East Midlands Railway schedules to Manchester. East Midlands Railway in Norwich leaves from Norwich Train Station . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Oxford Rd Station and one other train station.
From Norwich to Manchester train travel on East Midlands Railway takes 4 hours and 49 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, East Midlands Railway offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 4 hours and 42 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, East Midlands Railway offers 8 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Norwich and Manchester is approximately 158 miles, or 255 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 42 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Norwich to Manchester are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Norwich at 09:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Norwich to Manchester.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Norwich.
City Information
Norwich
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Norwich is known as England's City of Stories. The city's hidden gems include iconic buildings, cosy pubs, and many other interesting landmarks that you'll tell your own stories about for years to come.
Norwich boasts two impressive cathedrals, each outfitted with soaring arched ceilings and stained glass. To reach even further back in Norwich's history, check out Norwich Castle. This medieval fortress was first built over one thousand years ago, in 1121.
For those who want to experience a different kind of adventure, be sure to try activities like the Norwich Ghost Walks, Norfolk Mead Boat Hire, and Dippy National Tour. And don't forget to visit the Bullards at Chantry Place for some gin shopping and tasting.
As part of a tour of England's premier league stadiums, drop by the Norwich City Football Club and watch a game. Our other recommended top spots include the Bread Source, home to artisan baked goods, and the Mysabar, where both the food and the drinks inspire.
It is easy to reach Norwich from near or far. Flights conveniently arrive at Norwich International Airport, but ground travel is your best bet for domestic trips. Train companies with connections to Norwich include Greater Anglia, Great Northern, London Overground, Southeastern, and Thameslink. If you prefer to take a coach, Megabus has got your back.
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 Norwich?
Image credit: Erik
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Norwich Train Station
Norwich Train Station (formerly known as Norwich Thorpe) is an opulent Victorian building that abuts the River Wensum in Norwich. The station is about a 10-minute walk to the town centre, but several restaurants in and around the station ensure you won't travel hungry. The station's many amenities include bike rentals, a convenience store, public restrooms, ATMs, and additional retail on the concourse. Norwich is the northern terminus along the Great Eastern Main Line, operated by Greater Anglia to London. It is also the terminus for additional routes, like the East Midlands Railway route to Liverpool and the Greater Anglia route to Stansted Airport.
All train stations in Norwich:
Norwich Train Station
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester receives travelers from Norwich at its two active train stations.
Train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Manchester Oxford Rd Station
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Norwich?
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