Lancaster to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Fri 13 Nov
+ Add return
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
3,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
3,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lancaster to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Nov
Cheapest price on 13 Nov
£8
Average ticket price on 13 Nov
£19
Fastest journey on 13 Nov
52 m
Average journey duration on 13 Nov
54 m
Trains on 13 Nov
14
Distance
76 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lancaster to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Lancaster to Manchester will cost around £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.

Fast trains

On Fri 13 Nov, we found 14 trains from Lancaster to Manchester, including 12 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 56 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.

  • Transpennine ExpressW84878
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW84893
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89878
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89881
    0 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressW84896
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Lancaster to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Lancaster to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:22, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 50m.

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
76 km
Average train duration
59m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
50m
First train
4:22
Last train
23:26
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
14 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

Frequently asked questions about your Lancaster to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Lancaster to Manchester.

The cost of a train ticket from Lancaster to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train journey from Lancaster to Manchester covers a distance of 76 km and takes approximately 50m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Lancaster to Manchester is 76 km.
The first train from Lancaster to Manchester leaves at 4:22.
The last train from Lancaster to Manchester departs at 23:26.
Trains from Lancaster to Manchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Lancaster and Manchester. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express, Northern Rail.

Live departures

Lancaster to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Lancaster to Manchester trains for today, Thursday 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transpennine ExpressW84881+Northern RailP28503
On time
6:43 Lancaster station (LAN)
1h26
8:09 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 change
Northern RailG89878
On time
6:52 Lancaster station (LAN)
0h59
7:51 Deansgate (DGT)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailP28503+Avanti West CoastW34207
Delayed
7:40 7:00Lancaster station (LAN)
1h09
8:09 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressW84893
On time
7:25 Lancaster station (LAN)
0h58
8:23 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89881
On time
7:51 Lancaster station (LAN)
1h00
8:51 Deansgate (DGT)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailP28505+Avanti West CoastW34271
Delayed
8:37 7:58Lancaster station (LAN)
1h11
9:09 Manchester Victoria (MCV)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressW84896
On time
8:28 Lancaster station (LAN)
0h54
9:22 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89882
On time
8:48 Lancaster station (LAN)
1h03
9:51 Deansgate (DGT)
0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84899
On time
9:29 Lancaster station (LAN)
0h53
10:22 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89883
On time
9:50 Lancaster station (LAN)
1h01
10:51 Deansgate (DGT)
0 changesdirect
Transpennine ExpressW84901
On time
10:26 Lancaster station (LAN)
0h56
11:22 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG89869
On time
10:50 Lancaster station (LAN)
1h01
11:51 Deansgate (DGT)
0 changesdirect
Friday 13 November
Transpennine ExpressW848786:28 Lancaster station (LAN)
0h54
7:22 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Lancaster to Manchester trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Lancaster to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Lancaster to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Lancaster 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Lancaster to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trip or Raileurope?

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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast from Lancaster to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Lancaster and Manchester from £5. 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
56m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£5
Northern Rail frequency
3 a day
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
50m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£7
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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
58m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£22
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Lancaster and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Lancaster to Manchester.
There is no night train service from Lancaster to Manchester.

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.

Plan your visit to Manchester

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Manchester.

The train journey from Lancaster to Manchester offers scenic views of the Lancashire countryside, with rolling hills and lush greenery, especially as you travel through the Forest of Bowland.

FAQs: Lancaster to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lancaster 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
Booking trains from Lancaster to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Lancaster to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Lancaster and Manchester

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

Departure train stations in Lancaster
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Lancaster station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Lancaster to Manchester leave from Lancaster. The station is 3 km from Lancaster city centre at Lancaster station, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 5NW.
LancasterLancaster station, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 5NWShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Lancaster from Lancaster city centre

Lancaster is 2 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainSouthwest Chief · 65h 2m · £824
Pennsylvanian · 17h 47m · £413
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 65h 11m · £723
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 75h 46m · £926
BusGreyhound US1210 · 69h 20m · £486

Lancaster train station facilities and services

Lancaster has practical services for this route, including Shopping, 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 Lancaster.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Lancaster. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Lancaster: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Lancaster: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts to All Platforms, accessible via taking the right hand entrance to the over bridge from 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: Yes.

Train stations for Lancaster to Manchester

Check train stations information for Lancaster and Manchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Lancaster that goes to Manchester is Lancaster, and it arrives at Manchester Airport.

More options for your journey from Lancaster to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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