- 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
£34
Average price
£58
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 35 m
Trains per day
6
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 £58 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
To travel from Croydon to Manchester you need to make at least 2 changes.
G88722+
C01312+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
W34147+
W45420+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
C22358+
W34175+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
W34021+
W45477+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
G88722+
W34073+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+
L89084
W34021+
W45477+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
W34147+
W45420+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
G88722+
C01312+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
C22358+
W34175+
Tube from London Bridge to London Euston
G26628 · C09766+
C01369 · C01312Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Croydon to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a flight costs an average of £53.
Distance: 275 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£108 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest | £160 Average Price |
4h 7m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 37m Average total duration 5h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Croydon to Manchester trains for today, Wednesday 19 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 13:15 Croydon | 3h08 | 16:23 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 20 August | |||||
W34175+ C22358+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston | 5:20 East Croydon (ECR) | 3h45 | 9:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34021+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+ W45477 | 6:01 East Croydon (ECR) | 3h18 | 9:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
C01369 · C01312+ G26628 · C09766 | 6:15 East Croydon (ECR) | 3h50 | 10:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
W34147+ W45420+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston | 6:21 East Croydon (ECR) | 3h23 | 9:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
W34073+ L89084+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston+ G88722 | 6:24 East Croydon (ECR) | 4h16 | 10:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
C01312+ G88722+ Tube from London Bridge to London Euston | 6:24 East Croydon (ECR) | 3h41 | 10:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
Trains from Croydon to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £69 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 3h 4m.
Distance 275 km |
Average train duration 3h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £69 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 22:45 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 5 days |
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 Manchester Victoria. 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.
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.
Purley is 5 km from Croydon city centre. Public transport options include:
Purley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Purley.
Wi-Fi is available at Purley. ATMs are available at Purley.
Ticket office support is available at Purley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Purley: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Purley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Purley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is on platform 6 above the waiting room, 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.
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 Victoria 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 Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need