London to Manchester train

About Manchester Piccadilly

Manchester, in the north-west of England, is known as the "Northern Powerhouse" due to the number of businesses, young professionals and industry that has settled there from London, or existed since the industrial revolution.

In the city centre is Manchester Piccadilly, a modern station which is the main hub to national train services; from Edinburgh in the north, or high-speed train services down to London.

Trains from London to Manchester

Manchester is a popular destination for business and leisure travellers alike. Whether heading up to see one of the two football clubs play, to wander round the vibrant Northern Quarter or for a business meeting at Salford Quays, train travel is a great option. Frequent, direct trains depart from London Euston heading to Manchester Piccadilly at 20-minute intervals spread throughout the day. With journey times of a little over two hours, passengers can make the most of comfortable Virgin Trains to arrive at their destination.

Which train companies travel from London to Manchester?

Only one company used to serve the route from London to Manchester: Virgin trains. Virgin Trains was the sole provider of high-speed rail connections on this route. The rail company will stop operating this high-speed rail route as of 8th December 2019, whereafter First Group and Trenitalia will serve the route.

How long is the train from London to Manchester?

Virgin high-speed trains can complete the journey from London to Manchester in as little as two hours five minutes. The slowest service is the late-evening departure which takes nearly three hours 30 minutes travelling at a slower pace throughout the journey. All services are direct, except the very first and last services of the day which involve one change at Crewe.

How many trains are there from London to Manchester?

The first direct service departs London Euston shortly after 6:00 a.m. with departures continuing at 20 minute intervals until around 11:00 p.m. There's one earlier train departs at 5:15 a.m. that requires one change at Crewe. With numerous departures per hour, passengers are sure to find a journey to suit their schedule.

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

Departure train station: Trains depart from London Euston station. In the heart of London, Euston is served by numerous local bus routes and has a designated taxi rank as well as links to several London Underground services. It is within walking distance of London Kings Cross and St Pancras, where passengers can access the Eurostar. Within the station, passengers can expect restaurants, cafes and small supermarkets.

Arrival train station: Trains terminate at Manchester Piccadilly, the busiest of the five stations within the city. There is extensive public transport services across Manchester, including trams and buses. Passengers can buy a Plus Bus extension to their rail ticket for unlimited bus and tram travel around the city. Station facilities include free WiFi, photo booths and water fountains.

Best Time to visit Manchester

When travellers head to Manchester largely depends on what they want to see and do. For example, anyone who wants to watch Manchester City or United playing the EPL will want to book their tickets between late August and early May. May is also time for the popular Manchester Jazz Festival, while mid-July sees the Manchester International Festival dominate the city's cultural life, with global music acts and theatre performances. Otherwise, summer is definitely the best time for pure sightseeing. Spring and fall tend to see plenty of rain in Greater Manchester (although attractions will be much less busy). However, between June and the end of August, the weather is usually bright, warm, and perfect for getting to know the city. This period is also the peak period for music festivals and community street events, such as June's Parklife Festival in Heaton Park or August's Manchester Pride. Winter breaks could work well too, with plenty of Christmas Markets, foodie events, and sales at malls like the Trafford Centre for visitors to enjoy. Just remember to dress warm and, carry a weather-resistant jacket.