- Recommended
Leigh Spinners Mill Museum
Local heritage museum with exhibits on mining, transport and everyday life in the Leigh area near Atherton.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Atherton
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £4
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £4
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 27 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 27 m
- Trains on 02 Nov
- 1
- Distance
- 18 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Atherton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Atherton will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Fast trains
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 trains from Manchester to Atherton, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 18 km distance in an average of 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 27 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.
9:55 0h27 Manchester 10:22 Atherton £4 1 One-way 0 changes
9:55 0h27 Manchester 10:22 Atherton £4 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Atherton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Atherton run on average 2 times per day, taking around 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 18 km distance in 24m.
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 18 km |
Average train duration 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 24m |
First train 4:07 |
Last train 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 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 Manchester to Atherton trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Atherton.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Atherton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £3.
The train journey from Manchester to Atherton covers a distance of 18 km and takes approximately 24m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Atherton is 18 km.
The first train from Manchester to Atherton leaves at 4:07.
The last train from Manchester to Atherton departs at 23:40.
Trains from Manchester to Atherton run approximately 2 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Atherton. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
Live departures
Manchester to Atherton train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Atherton trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:25 Manchester | 0h26 | 10:51 Atherton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Manchester to Atherton trains with Omio?
Northern Rail operates all trains services from Manchester to Atherton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Atherton.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- 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.
Train companies: Northern Rail from Manchester to Atherton trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Manchester and Atherton from £3. 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
24m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£3
Northern Rail frequency
2 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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Manchester and Atherton
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Atherton.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Atherton.
Complete guide to Atherton
Things to do in Atherton
Discover the best of Atherton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Atherton trip today.
- Recommended
Leigh Local History Museum
Volunteer-run museum in nearby Leigh presenting local archaeology, industry and social history through accessible displays.
- Recommended
Bolton Museum and Art Gallery
Regional museum and art gallery in Bolton with Egyptian, natural history and fine art collections worth the short trip.
- Recommended
Pennington Flash Country Park
Popular park with lakes, woodland walks, play areas and open space, ideal for families and relaxed outdoor time.
- Recommended
Cutacre Country Park
Scenic nature reserve with birdwatching hides, waterside paths and a broad wetland landscape close to Atherton.
Mesnes Park
Large municipal park with tree-lined walks, sports facilities and gardens, popular for a leisurely stroll.
- Gluten-free
Black pudding
Black pudding is a traditional Greater Manchester blood sausage made with oats and seasoning, long tied to local breakfasts and chip-shop suppers.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire hotpot
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, a North West classic long associated with local home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Manchester tart
Manchester tart is a baked tart with raspberry jam, custard and coconut, a much-loved regional pudding found across Greater Manchester.
Blue Tiffin
Casual Indian restaurant in Atherton known for curries, grilled dishes and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Ribble Valley Steakhouse
Smart local steakhouse and grill serving steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a modern, informal setting.
Istanbul Grill
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean spot with kebabs, grilled meats and mezze in a friendly casual dining room.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Typical visitor costs for hotels, meals and local rail are lower than in Manchester city centre or London, but higher than smaller rural towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis and leave small change in cafés if you wish.
Bee Network
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Atherton station -> Manchester Victoria
- Distance
- 0 km
- Travel time
- 0 min
- Contactless card payment works on Bee Network buses; bus tickets up to £10 can be bought with a contactless card or device.
- Atherton is in Greater Manchester rail zone fares. For a flexible day out, an off-peak AnyBus + train ticket costs £9.70 and covers buses and trains in Greater Manchester.
Plan your visit to Atherton
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 Atherton.
The train journey from Manchester to Atherton is not particularly known for scenic views, as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas.
FAQs: Manchester to Atherton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Atherton 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 Atherton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Manchester to Atherton 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 Manchester to Atherton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Atherton
Most Manchester to Atherton trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Hag Fold station pair, with some services arriving at Atherton. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Atherton train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Atherton
Which Manchester station do trains to Atherton leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Atherton leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £1 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Which Atherton station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Atherton most often arrive at Hag Fold. Some services arrive at Atherton, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Atherton arrival station.
Hag FoldHag Fold station, Spa Road, Hag Fold, Greater Manchester, M46 9WX
City-centre transport
Getting to Hag Fold from Atherton city centre
Hag Fold is 1 km from Atherton city centre. Public transport options include:
Onward travel informationOn Spa Road for buses to Bolton or Atherton. Busline 0870 608 2608
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off at bus stops under railway bridge. (Station side for Wigan, opposite side for Manchester)
MetroGMPTE 0161 608 2608
Hag Fold train station facilities and services
Hag Fold has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Ticket Office.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Hag Fold.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Hag Fold: Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Hag Fold: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Services towards Manchester: Up a ramp (11 paces, 1:10 slope) then up a further ramp (79 paces, average 1:20 slope) onto the platform. Services towards Wigan :Through a 3ft gate, up a ramp (104 paces, average 1:20 slope) onto the platform, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
AthertonAtherton station, Upton Road, Atherton, Lancashire, M46 9RH+44 8454014015
City-centre transport
Getting to Atherton from Atherton city centre
Atherton is 1 km from Atherton city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesPick Up / Drop Off outside station booking office entrance.
MetroGMPTE 0161 228 7811
Atherton train station facilities and services
Atherton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Atherton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Atherton.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Atherton: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Atherton: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Atherton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Lift access to platforms available from the first to the last train, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Train stations for Manchester to Atherton
Check train stations information for Manchester and Atherton, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Atherton is Manchester Piccadilly, and it arrives at Hag Fold.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Atherton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Atherton and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Atherton
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