Formby to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Fri 18 Sept
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Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
Merseyrail
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transpennine Express
Mersey Rail
Merseyrail
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Formby to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Formby to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, while a coach costs an average of £29.

Distance: 56 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£12

Average Price

Cheapest

£29

Average Price

£12

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 59m

Average total duration

4h 29m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Formby to Manchester is a train with an average price of £12.

This is compared to other travel options from Formby to Manchester:

A train is £16 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Formby to Manchester costing on average £29.

The fastest way to travel from Formby to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 19m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 29m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Formby and Manchester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £12 compared to roughly £12 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.90. The journey takes 1h 19m versus 1h 7m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Compare prices and tickets Formby 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Formby to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Merseyrail and more offer trains services from Formby to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Formby to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail or Merseyrail to find the best option for your trip from Formby to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Formby to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail or Merseyrail to find the best option for your trip from Formby to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Formby to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Formby to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Formby to Manchester run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £12 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 56 km distance in 1h 48m.

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
Distance
56 km
Average train duration
1h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£12
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
1h 48m
First train
4:37
Last train
23:28
Cheapest Month
May
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
70 days
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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Merseyrail from Formby to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Mersey Rail, Merseyrail trains will get you between Formby and Manchester from £12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£12
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£19
Transpennine Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Mersey Rail

About
Mersey Rail is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a network of commuter and regional services in the North West of England. Mersey Rail operates a variety of train types, including the Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units, and the Class 142 and Class 150 diesel multiple units. It also operates the Merseyrail Electrics, a fleet of electric multiple units. Mersey Rail offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Mersey Rail are Liverpool to Southport, Liverpool to Chester, and Liverpool to Ormskirk.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Mersey Rail Duration
1h 46m
Cheapest Mersey Rail Price
£21
Mersey Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
Refunds available according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be leashed
Quiet zone

Merseyrail

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Merseyrail Duration
1h 21m
Cheapest Merseyrail Price
£13
Merseyrail frequency
25 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

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.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Formby to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Formby 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Formby to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Formby to Manchester covers a distance of 56 km and takes approximately 1h 48m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Formby to Manchester is 56 km.
The first train from Formby to Manchester leaves at 4:37.
The last train from Formby to Manchester departs at 23:28.
Trains from Formby to Manchester run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Formby to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Formby to Manchester.
To get from Formby to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Formby to Manchester.
The train station in Formby that goes to Manchester is Formby station (FBY), and it arrives at Manchester Victoria (MCV).
The cheapest way to get from Formby to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Formby 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 Formby to Manchester offers a mix of suburban and industrial views, with some green landscapes as you pass through parts of the Merseyside and Greater Manchester regions, though it is not particularly renowned for being scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Formby to Manchester is feasible. The journey takes 1h 48m, covers 56 km, and trains run 2 times per day.
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 Formby to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Formby and Manchester

Most Formby to Manchester trains use the Formby to Manchester Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Victoria. Use this guide to compare Formby and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Formby
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Formby station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Formby to Manchester leave from Formby. The station is from Formby city centre at Formby station, Kirkland Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 2JF.
FormbyFormby station, Kirkland Road, Formby, Merseyside, L37 2JF+44 1515551111ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Formby from Formby city centre

BusF2 · 3m · £2 · every ~2 min

Formby train station facilities and services

Formby has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Formby.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Formby. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Formby: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Formby: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Formby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” The station can be accessed via street level and platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

FreshfieldFreshfield station, Victoria Road, Freshfield, Merseyside, L37 7DD+44 1515551111ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Freshfield from Formby city centre

Freshfield is 1 km from Formby city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Central - Southport, Sandhills - Southport · 2m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusF1 · 1m · £2 · every ~2 min

Freshfield train station facilities and services

Freshfield has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Freshfield.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Freshfield. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Freshfield: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Freshfield: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Freshfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” The station can be accessed via street level/ramps, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Formby to Manchester

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