- 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.
Cheapest price on 04 Oct
£89
Average ticket price on 04 Oct
£90
Fastest journey on 04 Oct
4 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 04 Oct
5 h 5 m
Trains on 04 Oct
3
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Croydon to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Croydon to Manchester will cost around £90 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £89.
On Sun 04 Oct, we found 3 trains from Croydon to Manchester, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 275 km distance in an average of 5 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 45 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Trains from Croydon to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £63 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 275 km distance in 2h 32m.
Distance 275 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 2h 32m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 22:45 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 84 days |
The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Manchester trains for today, Saturday 3 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 14:31 Croydon | 3h13 | 17:44 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 4 October | |||||
![]() | 4:46 Croydon | 5h10 | 9:56 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:10 Croydon | 4h19 | 12:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:18 Croydon | 5h45 | 14:03 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
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.
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.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Croydon 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.

Most Croydon to Manchester trains use the East Croydon to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Moston. Use this guide to compare Croydon and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
East Croydon is 1 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
East Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at East Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at East Croydon. ATMs are available at East Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at East Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at East Croydon: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at East Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at East Croydon: 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 all platforms. Lifts to overbridge from all platforms and side entrance. Long steep ramps to platforms from main entrance. (over 1:10 gradient). Assistance Meeting Point is the Information Point on station concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
South Croydon is 2 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
South Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at South Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at South Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at South Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Croydon: Parking, WC.
Available at South Croydon: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category C station: This station does not have step-free access. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
West Croydon has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at West Croydon.
Wi-Fi is available at West Croydon.
Ticket office support is available at West Croydon.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at West Croydon: Parking.
Available at West Croydon: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at West Croydon: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: B2 station category. Step free access available for platform 1 and 3 using the London Road car park entrance . This side gate is kept locked but has help buttons to request use. Step-free access via separate entrance to platform 4 (to Sutton), 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.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Moston is 6 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Moston has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Moston.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Moston: Parking.
Available at Moston: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Moston: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Services Towards Manchester : From Hollinwood Avenue, along a path (75 paces, 1:14 variable slope) onto the platform. Services towards Rochdale : From Hollinwood Avenue, through a 4ft gate and down a ramp (65 paces, 1:12 variable slope) onto the platform, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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