- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Balloch to Manchester
Showing times and prices for 10 Aug
Cheapest price
£98
Average price
£98
Fastest journey
4 h 13 m
Average duration
4 h 13 m
Trains per day
7
Distance
318 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Balloch to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Balloch to Manchester will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £98.
Fast trains
To travel from Balloch to Manchester you need to make at least one change.
6:084h13Balloch10:21Manchester£981One-way1 change- 8:084h13Balloch12:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 10:084h13Balloch14:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 12:084h13Balloch16:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 14:084h13Balloch18:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 6:084h13Balloch10:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 8:084h13Balloch12:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 10:084h13Balloch14:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 12:084h13Balloch16:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
- 14:084h13Balloch18:21Manchester£981One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Balloch to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Balloch to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 7m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £36, and a train costs an average of £98.
Distance: 318 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£98 Average Price | £36 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 37m Average total duration Fastest 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 53m Average total duration 6h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Balloch to Manchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Balloch to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Balloch to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £98 but you can travel from only £36 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 19:56. The fastest train covers the 318 km distance in 4h 13m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £36
Distance 318 km |
Average train duration 5h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £98 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 13m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 19:56 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £36
Train companies: ScotRail from Balloch to Manchester trainsScotRail trains will get you between Balloch and Manchester from £36. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ScotRail
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 13m
Cheapest Price
£98
ScotRail frequency
5 a day
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £6.10
To the city centre
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use contactless tap and go on Bee Network buses and trams for capped fares. Always use the same card or device for every tap.
- The Bee Network app is the official app for journey planning, live departures and buying tram and bus tickets.
FAQs: Balloch to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Balloch to Manchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Balloch to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £98, while the average price tends to be around £98.
The train journey from Balloch to Manchester covers a distance of 318 km and takes approximately 4h 13m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Balloch to Manchester is 318 km.
The first train from Balloch to Manchester leaves at 4:54.
The last train from Balloch to Manchester departs at 19:56.
Trains from Balloch to Manchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Balloch to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Balloch to Manchester.
To get from Balloch to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Balloch to Manchester.
The train station in Balloch that goes to Manchester is Balloch station (BHC), and it arrives at Manchester Oxford Road (MCO).
The cheapest way to get from Balloch to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £36.
Booking trains from Balloch to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Balloch to Manchester offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish countryside, including lochs and rolling hills, before transitioning into the more urban vistas as it approaches Manchester.
A day trip from Balloch to Manchester is not feasible due to a journey duration of 4h 13m. However, there are 5 train trips per day for this route.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Balloch to Manchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Balloch and Manchester
Most Balloch to Manchester trains use the Balloch to Manchester Oxford Road station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. Use this guide to compare Balloch and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Balloch
Arrival train stations in Manchester
Which Balloch station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Trains from Balloch to Manchester leave from Balloch. The station is from Balloch city centre at Balloch station, Balloch Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS.
BallochBalloch station, Balloch Road, Balloch, West Dunbartonshire, G83 8SS+44 344 811 0141
City-centre transport
Getting to Balloch from Balloch city centre
Bus207, 305, 306, 309 · 1m · every ~7 min
Balloch train station facilities and services
Balloch has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Balloch.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Balloch.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Balloch. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Balloch: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Balloch: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Balloch: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to single platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Manchester station do trains from Balloch arrive at?
Trains from Balloch to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester Oxford Road. Some services arrive at Manchester Piccadilly, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
DeansgateDeansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LG
City-centre transport
Getting to Deansgate from Manchester city centre
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainManchester Airport - Corkickle, Manchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Airport - Windermere, Wilmslow - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Preston, Stockport - Blackpool North · 5m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
Bus33, 255, 30 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
T1 · 1h 6m
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line · 6m · £2 · every ~38 min
Deansgate train station facilities and services
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Balloch
More options for your journey from Balloch to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Balloch
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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