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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Ashford to Manchester. The train trip from Ashford to Manchester is usually about 3 hours and 57 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Southeastern + Connections train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 51 minutes.
| Distance | 208 mi (335 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 51m |
| Lowest price | $136.85 |
| Most frequent service | Southeastern + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Ashford to Manchester?
Southeastern + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Ashford to Manchester. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southeastern + Connections | 2 | 3h 57m | $136.85 |
Southeastern is a rail franchise that operates passenger train services between central London and southeast England. The company's fleet of over 300 trains stops at 180 stations across London, Kent, and East Sussex, and standard and first-class fares are available. First-class passengers enjoy dedicated areas, larger seats, more legroom, and a quieter travel experience. Onboard restrooms are available for all passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Ashford and Manchester is approximately 208 miles, or 335 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 51 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 Ashford to Manchester tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Saturday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Ashford at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. 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 Ashford twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Ashford?
Main departure station: Ashford International Station
There is one train station in Ashford.
All train stations in Ashford:
Ashford International Station
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Image credit: North West Transport Photos
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Manchester Airport
Refurbished in 2004 and 2014, Manchester Airport Station is a combined rail, Metrolink tram, and bus station. Referred to as "The Station" on signage, it is linked to the airport terminals by the Sky Link elevated walkway. Northern, TransPennine Express, and Transport for Wales operate rail services, with destinations including central Manchester, Edinburgh, and Glasgow. National Express and Megabus also operate frequent buses to and from the airport. The Metrolink tram connects with Manchester Victoria rail station, located much closer to the center of Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Airport
Manchester Piccadilly
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