London to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Avanti West Coast Journey: Ride the Train From London to Manchester

Introduction

The train from London to Manchester is a fast and comfortable way to travel from the UK capital to the heart of northwest England. Recently refurbished trains mean you can relax as you speed through the British countryside at up to 125 mph (220 km/h). In this guide, I’ll share my top tips to make your journey from London to Manchester by train easy!

Route Overview

Avanti West Coast is the only operator that provides direct trains from London to Manchester, which is why I always choose them over other options. However, if you’re on a budget, there’s a cheaper but slower route with West Midlands Railway, but this requires changing trains at Crewe.

London to Manchester train journey times range from 2h 06m to 2h 19m on direct trains, which is twice as fast as the quickest coach to Manchester! If you’re considering flying instead, it’s really not worth it. With trains departing every 20 minutes on Mondays through Saturdays and every 30 minutes on Sundays, I can always find a train that fits my itinerary.

Transportation Experience

Booking London to Manchester train tickets on Omio was simple. I chose my time and class of travel, and within moments of booking, my ticket was on my phone and ready to use!

The train from London to Manchester passes through some beautiful countryside in the Trent Valley. I like to sip a glass of wine from the onboard shop and enjoy the views rolling by.

On Avanti, I sometimes upgrade to First Class or the mid-tier Standard Plus. Both feature the same larger, reclining seats, but First Class also offers complimentary food and drink served directly to your seat. The First Class menu is updated every 3-4 months, but you can expect hot food, such as a full English breakfast in the morning and pasta or tabbouleh salad for lunch and dinner. Alcohol is also complimentary to First Class customers after 11 am.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

Trains from London to Manchester depart from London Euston station and arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station. Euston is just a 15-minute ride by London Underground from the city center, while Manchester Piccadilly is just a 10-minute walk from the city center.

On arrival in Manchester Piccadilly, I used the excellent “Metrolink” tram system. There's even a free bus from directly outside the station, which travels to all the main sites downtown, such as the Science and Industry Museum.

Schedule and Frequency

Trains from London to Manchester depart every 20 minutes, Monday through Saturday, and every 30 minutes on Sundays.

Onboard Experience & Services

On arrival at Euston, check the large departure boards for your platform number, which is displayed about 15 minutes before departure. Keep in mind that this may be different from what’s printed on your ticket.

Make sure to have your ticket ready, as inspections take place at the platform entrance.

On the train, you’ll have a choice of a large table or an airline-style seat with a pull-down table. You’ll have access to a power outlet, USB charging point, and reading light. There are also window blinds in case you don’t want to see the fabulous views.

There’s an excellent onboard shop selling sandwiches, snacks, and drinks, including alcohol. I’m a big fan of the cheeseburger! You can also order online using the train's reliable Wi-Fi connection and have food delivered to your seat.

Luggage can be stored in the racks above the seats, whilst larger items (max 30 x 70 x 90 cm) can be kept in the luggage racks at the entrance to each carriage.

Ticketing Advice

The cheapest tickets go on sale 12 weeks before departure. Don’t worry if you book late. You can still find good deals just a few days before travel. You can also get a discount if you buy a railcard or travel in a group.

Budget Breakdown

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations

• To escape the crowds, I like to sit in the courtyard just outside the station.
• Arrive early and stock up on treats: Euston station has a wide selection of eateries, but head just outside to find the Sainsbury’s Local supermarket, where things are much cheaper!
• Sit on the right-hand side when heading north for the best views, including Wembley Stadium and the Grand Union Canal
• Travel off-peak for the cheapest tickets: Trains before 9 AM are often busier and more expensive, so departing late in the morning makes for a more enjoyable journey.

Conclusion

Traveling by train from London to Manchester is an enjoyable experience, which you can make in comfort and style, made even better by the ease of booking via Omio. With fast journey times and scenic views, it’s a smart alternative to flying or driving to Manchester. It’s my favorite way to travel and one I always look forward to.

About the Author: Jessica Owen

Job Title: Travel Content Creator Bio: I'm the brains behind Travel So Good. I enjoy sharing my honest opinions on trains, planes and hotels, as well as creating fun travel challenges. I've traveled with every train operating company in the UK and know how to get the best value from every trip I make, which allows me to travel in First Class more often!