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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Glasgow to Manchester. Traveling by train from Glasgow to Manchester usually takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, but the fastest TransPennine Express train can make the trip in 3 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 183 mi (295 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 13m |
| Lowest price | $42.97 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Avanti West Coast |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Glasgow to Manchester?
2 train services operate from Glasgow to Manchester. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 1 | 3h 29m | $85.93 |
| TransPennine Express | 1 | 3h 14m | $81.02 |
Avanti West Coast is one of the primary rail links between London and Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. On any given day, Avanti West Coast operates almost 300 routes and departs hourly from select destinations.
TransPennine Express train tickets from Glasgow to Manchester start from $43, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 TransPennine Express schedules to Manchester. TransPennine Express in Glasgow leaves from Glasgow Central . And in Manchester trains arrive at Manchester Oxford Rd Station .
From Glasgow to Manchester train travel on TransPennine Express takes 3 hours and 14 minutes. If you are looking to get to Manchester faster, TransPennine Express offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 13 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Manchester on a weekend there is typically one TransPennine Express scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Glasgow.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Glasgow and Manchester is approximately 183 miles, or 295 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 13 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 Glasgow to Manchester are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Glasgow at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Glasgow twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Manchester faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Manchester to Glasgow.
City Information
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.
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 Glasgow?
Main departure station: Glasgow Central
There is one train station in Glasgow.
All train stations in Glasgow:
Glasgow Central
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main arrival station: Deansgate
Manchester receives travelers from Glasgow at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Manchester:
Deansgate
Manchester Oxford Rd Station
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Need a return trip from Manchester to Glasgow?
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