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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Manchester and Birmingham. The average train journey from Manchester to Birmingham takes one hour and 33 minutes, but some CrossCountry train trips are as short as one hour and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 70 mi (113 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 30m |
| Lowest price | $20.44 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Manchester to Birmingham?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Manchester and Birmingham cost $51.54, on average. Booking your trip at least 7 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $6.88 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Manchester to Birmingham, book online with Wanderu at least 7 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $6.88 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Manchester to Birmingham?
2 train services operate from Manchester to Birmingham. CrossCountry 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | 2 | 1h 37m | $68.77 |
| CrossCountry | 6 | 1h 33m | $50.58 |
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.
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 Manchester to Birmingham usually takes about 1 hours and 33 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 6 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Manchester to Birmingham are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Manchester at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:00pm. 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 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Manchester to Birmingham.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Birmingham 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.
Birmingham
As the second-largest city in the UK, Birmingham effortlessly blends the city’s quaint vibe with modern-day high-rises. One of the top local attractions is St. Martin in the Bull Ring, the original parish church of Birmingham. Featuring remarkable Gothic Revival architecture standing in stark contrast with the futuristic-looking shopping centers, the church is a great spot for travelers looking for a bit of respite. As you stroll around the city, don’t forget to visit the famous Cadbury World, which details the long history of the brand, as well as all the products it produces. For culturally-inclined activities, head to the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, which offers over 40 exhibits.
If you wish to try out authentic Indian dishes with a local twist, head over to Pushkar. For those who wish to enjoy a more upscale dining experience, Bank offers a chic menu in an elegant setting.
The principal rail station is Birmingham New Street Station, which is the busiest train station in the UK. The Birmingham Coach Station offers coach services by National Express as far as London and Dublin. The city’s main airport is the Birmingham Airport, which is located 6 miles east of the city center.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Manchester?
Main departure station: Manchester Piccadilly Station
There is one train station in Manchester.
All train stations in Manchester:
Manchester Piccadilly Station
Where is the train station in Birmingham?
Main arrival station: Birmingham New St
Birmingham has one train station.
All train stations in Birmingham:
Birmingham New St
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