Luton to Manchester train with Avanti West Coast

Sun 31 May
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
East Midlands Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Luton to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 31 May

Cheapest price

£75

Average price

£87

Fastest journey

3 h 20 m

Average duration

3 h 35 m

Trains per day

14

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Luton to Manchester will cost around £87 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.

Fast trains

To travel from Luton to Manchester you need to make at least one change.

  • East Midlands RailwayW70927 · C04443
    10:314h05
    Luton station (LUT)
    14:36Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £751One-way
    1 change
  • East Midlands RailwayC21139 · C04442
    9:284h08
    Luton station (LUT)
    13:36Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £751One-way
    1 change
  • East Midlands RailwayW70930 · C21589
    14:003h36
    Luton station (LUT)
    17:36Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £751One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW33214+East Midlands RailwayW70930+CrossCountryG66956
    14:003h20
    Luton station (LUT)
    17:20Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £751One-way
    2 changes
  • East Midlands RailwayW70927+Avanti West CoastW33142+CrossCountryG66948
    10:313h48
    Luton station (LUT)
    14:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £751One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Luton to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Luton to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a flight costs an average of £54.

Distance: 216 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£78

Average Price

£20

Average Price

Cheapest

£158

Average Price

3h 28m

Average total duration

2h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

4h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 2m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Luton to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Luton to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday 31 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
ThameslinkC22665+Avanti West CoastW33108+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston6:20 Luton station (LUT)
4h41
11:01 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
ThameslinkC22663+Avanti West CoastW33098+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston7:20 Luton station (LUT)
4h45
12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
ThameslinkX56735+Avanti West CoastW33172+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston8:39 Luton station (LUT)
4h23
13:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21139 · C044429:28 Luton station (LUT)
4h08
13:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
East Midlands RailwayC04191 · C04442+ThameslinkX567319:43 Luton station (LUT)
3h53
13:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC21881+Avanti West CoastW33294+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston9:53 Luton station (LUT)
3h56
13:49 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70927 · C0444310:31 Luton station (LUT)
4h05
14:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
East Midlands RailwayW70927+Avanti West CoastW33142+CrossCountryG6694810:31 Luton station (LUT)
3h48
14:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC04205+Avanti West CoastW33166+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston12:25 Luton station (LUT)
3h41
16:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
ThameslinkX56719+East Midlands RailwayW70924+Avanti West CoastW33329+CrossCountryG6695412:43 Luton station (LUT)
3h36
16:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3 changes
East Midlands RailwayC04207+Avanti West CoastW33189+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston13:17 Luton station (LUT)
3h48
17:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayW70930 · C2158914:00 Luton station (LUT)
3h36
17:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
East Midlands RailwayW70930+Avanti West CoastW33214+CrossCountryG6695614:00 Luton station (LUT)
3h20
17:20 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
East Midlands RailwayC04214+Avanti West CoastW33054+TubeTube from London St Pancras International to London Euston14:25 Luton station (LUT)
3h40
18:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Luton to Manchester by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train 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.

Sun
31 May
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Why should you book Luton to Manchester trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry and more offer trains services from Luton to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Luton to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Luton to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Luton to Manchester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Luton to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Luton to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Luton to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Luton to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Luton to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 216 km distance in 2h 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12
Distance
216 km
Average train duration
2h 58m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 50m
First train
0:04
Last train
22:30
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
77 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £12

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry from Luton to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Luton and Manchester from £12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£31
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

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
Transpennine Express frequency
1 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

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 23m
Cheapest Price
£45
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Trains from Luton to Manchester

There are no direct trains from Luton to Manchester, but it is possible to make the journey with only one change. This connection begins with an early morning East Midland Trains departure to Sheffield, connecting with a TransPennine Express service to Manchester. Additional and earlier journeys use Thameslink trains to London St. Pancras and London Underground services to Euston to connect with Virgin trains departures to Manchester. There are around four connections an hour until late evening. Journey times range from around 3 hours to 3 hours and 40 minutes. Trains from Luton to Manchester depart from Luton Station in the centre of town, arriving at the central Manchester Piccadilly Station.

FAQs: Luton to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Luton 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 Luton to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £78.
The train journey from Luton to Manchester covers a distance of 216 km and takes approximately 2h 50m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Luton to Manchester is 216 km.
The first train from Luton to Manchester leaves at 0:04.
The last train from Luton to Manchester departs at 22:30.
Trains from Luton to Manchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Luton to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Luton to Manchester.
To get from Luton to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Luton to Manchester.
The train station in Luton that goes to Manchester is Luton station (LUT), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Luton to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Luton 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 Luton to Manchester offers varied scenery, transitioning from urban areas and industrial landscapes to stretches of countryside, with glimpses of the Chiltern Hills and the Peak District, providing a mix of views along the way.
A day trip from Luton to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 50m. The frequency of trains is 6 per day, with a distance of 216 km.
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 Luton to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Luton and Manchester

Luton
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Luton is Luton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Luton for your trip from Luton to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 21:45 Saturday 05:45 - 22:00 Sunday 06:45 - 21:45
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Road Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There are heated waiting areas on platforms 1 to 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front and rear entrances
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 00:30 Saturday 06:30 - 00:00 Sunday 07:30 - 00:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Coffee shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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 via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink 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
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on platforms 2 and 3 and also adjacent to platform 4
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Front of station and Kimpton Road
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:30 Saturday 06:00 - 19:20 Sunday 07:45 - 17:45
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: YES
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station. Step free access to southbound platform 1 and northbound platform 4 (via a separate entrance). No step free access to northbound platform 2 or southbound platform 3. Most services call at platforms 1 and 2. The assistance meeting point is Platform 4 next to ticket office.
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink 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
WC
WC
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Platform 4
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Luton to Manchester train

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