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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Manchester to Glasgow. Traveling by train from Manchester to Glasgow usually takes around 3 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest TransPennine Express train can make the trip in 3 hours and 14 minutes.
| Distance | 183 mi (295 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 14m |
| Lowest price | RON 172.65 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Northern Rail |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Manchester to Glasgow?
2 train services operate from Manchester to Glasgow. Northern Rail usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Rail | 2 | 3h 24m | RON 307.55 |
| TransPennine Express | 3 | 3h 20m | RON 199.05 |
Northern Rail, branded simply as 'Northern' on its trains, travels to cities such as Manchester, Blackpool, Windermere, Newcastle, and York. Complimentary WiFi is usually available in first- and standard-class carriages, plus an onboard restroom. The newer trains boast extra legroom, and all services have space for luggage at the end of carriages.
TransPennine Express train tickets from Manchester to Glasgow start from RON 173, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 TransPennine Express schedules to Glasgow. TransPennine Express in Manchester leaves from Manchester Oxford Rd Station and one other station. And in Glasgow trains arrive at Glasgow Central .
From Manchester to Glasgow train travel on TransPennine Express takes 3 hours and 20 minutes. If you are looking to get to Glasgow faster, TransPennine Express offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 14 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, TransPennine Express offers 3 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Glasgow.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Manchester and Glasgow is approximately 183 miles, or 295 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 14 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 departing from Manchester to Glasgow tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. 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 Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Manchester at 04:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. 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 3 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Manchester to Glasgow.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Glasgow to Manchester.
City Information
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.
Glasgow
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. The city's name means "Dear Green Place" in Gaelic, and Glasgow earns this title as it is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the area. Beyond its impressive green spaces, it is full of historical and cultural destinations.
There are dozens of inspiring museums and galleries in the city, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Glasgow Green is a vast public park dotted with monuments right next to the People's Palace, a museum devoted to social history. In the central shopping district, Buchanan Street is your go-to for mouthwatering cuisine and retail therapy.
If you want to try some local beer, hit up The Pot Still, The Ben Nevis Bar, or The Laurieston. Be sure to visit the Clydeside Distillery, too, so you can see how the national drink of Scotland (hello, Scotch) is manufactured.
Several trains serve Glasgow, including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Rail, and the West Midlands Railway. In addition, Megabus and FlixBus offer bus service from Glasgow to other destinations in Scotland and beyond.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main departure station: Deansgate
Manchester has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Glasgow.
All train stations in Manchester:
Deansgate
Manchester Oxford Rd Station
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Where is the train station in Glasgow?
Main arrival station: Glasgow Central
Glasgow has one train station.
Train stations in Glasgow:
Glasgow Central
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Need a return trip from Glasgow to Manchester?
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