Birmingham to Manchester train with Cross Country and Avanti West Coast

Trains from Birmingham to Manchester

Connecting Birmingham and Manchester by train isn’t just enjoyable but also fast. The cities are roughly 70 miles (113 km) apart by rail. A typical train from Birmingham to Manchester can travel the distance within about 1h 30min if the trip is direct. The indirect trains’ travel time can amount to approximately 3 hours. Such trains allow one or two switches, at destinations like Crewe, Smethwick Galton Bridge or Stafford. About 40 trains leave a departure station in Birmingham and head towards Manchester on a single day. However, Saturdays and Sundays aren’t as busy; almost 15 trains travel between the cities daily.

Birmingham to Manchester Train Time: Daily Departures

Between early morning and late night, about 40 daily weekday departures and 30 weekend trains travel from Birmingham to Manchester. Thus, you have nearly 230 trains weekly to choose from when making the Birmingham-Manchester trip. On weekdays and weekends, the first departure embarks roughly a few minutes to 06:00; it arrives in Manchester around 07:30. After the first trip, two or three trains leave Birmingham for Manchester at intervals of approximately 20-30min. You can catch the last Manchester train around 23:00 during weekdays if you are in Birmingham at night. The last weekend train exits Birmingham at about 22:00 daily.

How long is the journey by train from Birmingham to Manchester?

Since different companies run the trains from Birmingham to Manchester, travel durations aren’t equal. Some fast and direct trains can whisk passengers through a comfortable Birmingham-Manchester journey within approximately 1h 30min. Contrastingly, if the train you take requires switches or has a relatively low average speed, you may spend about 3h on the trip.

Train from Birmingham. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Birmingham to Manchester?

Departure train station: Birmingham New Street will be your most probable departure terminal when travelling from Birmingham to Manchester by train. The station operates near central Birmingham, about 0.3 miles (0.4 km) from the city centre. If possible, walk from downtown Birmingham to Birmingham New Street. The stroll lasts roughly 5min and gives a mini-tour of the city. If you take a taxi, you will reach the train station after approximately 10min. A Birmingham to Manchester train may sometimes depart from Birmingham Moor Street. The railway station is about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from the city centre and is accessible by walking or taxis in roughly 10min. The two departure stations have waiting areas, post boxes, trolleys, cash machines, payphones, Wi-Fi and toilets. For travellers in wheelchairs, there is step-free access ways and professional assistance from staff members.

Arrival train station: Almost any train to Manchester from Birmingham arrives at Manchester Piccadilly Train Station. The terminal’s distance from downtown Manchester is roughly 0.9 miles (1.4 km). If you fancy walking, you can spend about 20min connecting Manchester Piccadilly and the city centre. However, taxis and some buses provided by Go North and TransPennine Express can get you to central Manchester in an estimated 10min. Few Birmingham to Manchester departures dock at Manchester Oxford Road, a busy station situated almost 0.4 miles (0.6 km) from downtown Manchester. From the terminal, it takes approximately 8min or 4min to get to the city centre by foot or taxi, respectively. At both stations, look out for facilities like Wi-Fi, washrooms, cash machines, taxi stands, payphones and assistance for disabled travellers.

Which train companies travel from Birmingham to Manchester?

There are three primary providers of trains from Birmingham to Manchester – West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast. While all firms are subsidiaries, Avanti West Coast and CrossCountry (which operate medium-speed trains) have private establishments in Britain for parent companies. West Midlands Trains, whose trains have a lower average speed, operates under several enterprises, in the Netherlands and Japan.

Night trains Birmingham

Even after darkness settles in Birmingham, you still have around six trains to board to travel to Manchester. At approximately 19:30, the first night train commences its journey. From then onwards, roughly two trains make the Birmingham-Manchester trip every hour. The last train is available for boarding at about 23:00 on weekdays and around 22:00 on weekends. At times, you may find the last departure having an exit time of roughly 21:30. Thus, it is advised to check train availability and make ticket bookings in advance on our website.

West Midlands Trains trains from Birmingham to Manchester

West Midlands Trains provides most Birmingham to Manchester trips, consisting of roughly 20 daily departures. The trains, whose speed tops nearly 110 mph (177 km/h), are slower but cheaper than those from other providers. They can take between 1h 40min and 3 hours to travel and stop once or twice, at Crewe or Smethwick Galton Bridge.

CrossCountry trains from Birmingham to Manchester

CrossCountry affords almost 14 daily trains for the Birmingham-Manchester route. If you wish to make a direct trip, CrossCountry trains are a suitable option for you. However, a few trains require a changeover at Stafford. The travel time for Birmingham to Manchester CrossCountry trains ranges approximately between 1h 30min and 2h 30min.

Avanti West Coast trains from Birmingham to Manchester

Approximately five daily trains travel from Birmingham to Manchester courtesy of Avanti West Coast. They usually stop at Crewe before proceeding to their arrival terminal, arriving after about 1h 30min to 2h.

Trains from Birmingham to Manchester: Sustainability travel

Besides saving you time and money, travelling via Birmingham to Manchester trains is ideal when avoiding environmental pollution. West Midlands Trains continually adopts measures to see the company become carbon neutral. At CrossCountry, passengers can be sure to find ISO-certified, pollution-fighting systems in place. Avanti West Coast uses a slightly different method to avert global warming. The company conducts technological upgrades that see their trains consume less energy and reduce harmful emissions.

Train Birmingham to Manchester: Services on Board

Cheap trains from Birmingham to Manchester complement your travel comfort using various onboard services. There are electronic device charging points beside cosy seats in the standard-class cabins. Free Wi-Fi is available on West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast trains, while CrossCountry may charge a small fee for internet access. All three companies also provide a first-class sector, with a calm environment to check out our online magazine before arriving. The seats are spacious, and complimentary foods and drinks are available. Some of the items you can bring on your train at no cost include luggage, pets and folding bikes.

However, more than two pets can attract a charge. West Midlands Trains lets you pack three bags; Avanti West Coast allows two; while CrossCountry permits a single luggage piece. If your bike doesn’t fold, be sure to book its storage space in advance, as spots can run out. If a traveller anticipates difficulties moving around due to impaired mobility, they can call the train providers approximately 12 hours before their travel times to request assistance.

How to find cheap train tickets from Birmingham to Manchester?

Trains from Birmingham to Manchester charge less during off-peak times. If interested in saving, travel in the evening or buy a flexible ticket and make a trip on a day when a discount presents itself. If you aren’t in a rush, you can travel using the slower Birmingham to Manchester trains that are comparatively affordable. Remember, tickets for the train trips to Manchester from Birmingham are available seven days in advance. If you buy them early, you have a chance to save.

Ordsall Chord in Manchester. Source: Shutterstock

To Manchester by train—travel tips

Manchester’s rich heritage, coupled with galleries and fresh food eateries, will turn your tour into a long-lasting memory. Delve into the city’s rich history by visiting museums like the National Football Museum and the People’s History Museum. While you’re at it, immerse yourself in the religious culture intertwined with Manchester’s way of life by visiting ancient churches like the Manchester Cathedral. If you prefer strolling through Manchester, pass by outdoor areas like Castlefield. For an even more unique experience, be sure to get to Chinatown. The neighbourhood is an ideal place to sample Chinese dishes or buy souvenirs. Manchester is also a model city to explore art. Be sure to step into its various art galleries, including:

• Manchester Art Gallery
• The Lowry
• Portico Library
• Whitworth Art Gallery
• Wythenshawe Hall
• HOME
• Contemporary Six