Manchester to Birmingham train time and tickets from £23

Trains from Manchester to Birmingham

Among the fastest ways to connect Manchester and Birmingham involves taking affordable trains that service the route, an approximately 70 mile (113 km) stretch. The journey from Manchester to Birmingham by train lasts roughly 1h 30min if direct; however, some journeys may have one or two changeovers. The longest duration a train to Birmingham from Manchester has is around 2 hours. Passengers travelling from Manchester to Birmingham can choose from an estimated 45 daily departures. The number of daily trips remains static on weekdays and weekends.

Manchester to Birmingham Train Time: Daily Departures

Nearly 45 trains travel from Manchester to Birmingham every day throughout the week. Thus, the route receives roughly 315 weekly departures. If you need to get to Birmingham early in the morning, you can catch the first departure around 05:00 and arrive at about 07:00. After this early trip, up to three trains leave Manchester for Birmingham every hour. On weekdays, the last departure exits the terminal in Manchester at roughly 22:00 and reaches its destination at approximately 23:30. However, weekend trains finish their trips slightly earlier, as the last departure has an exit time of about 21:30.

How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Birmingham?

If you board one of the trains from Manchester to Birmingham for a direct trip, it may take you an estimated 1h 30min to travel. But not all trains are direct, which translates to longer travel times. Trips with two changeovers can last nearly 2 hours. Some of the places you may have a layover include Crewe, Tamworth and Stock.

Downtown Manchester. Source: Shutterstock

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

Departure train station: When you take a train from Manchester to Birmingham, Manchester Piccadilly will be the departure terminal. Usually, the station is busy but has the required security to keep it safe. Between Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester city centre, there is a distance measuring nearly 0.9 miles (1.4 km). Without luggage, it is enjoyable strolling towards downtown Manchester from the terminal. The walk takes about 15min. Taxis, which connect Manchester Piccadilly and central Manchester in approximately 10min, can also serve you. Stagecoach Manchester buses, a cheap transfer means, get to the city centre in about 10min as well. At Manchester Piccadilly, you can use amenities like toilets and Wi-Fi at no cost. There are also parking spaces, luggage-storage services, ticket offices, shops, restaurants and lounges where you can relax and read a magazine. Assistants to help people with disabilities are also available.

Arrival train station: Birmingham New Street is the terminal where a Manchester to Birmingham train arrives. Since the terminal is about 0.3 miles (0.4 km) from central Birmingham, it is possible to walk to the city centre in almost 5min. In a cab, travelling from Birmingham New Street to downtown Birmingham requires roughly 10min. Buses are not available for the short trip. Birmingham New Street is a modernised terminal with amenities like free Wi-Fi, lockers to keep luggage, cash points and retail stores. Passengers with disabilities can get assistance at this terminal.

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Birmingham?

CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Trains work to provide trains from Manchester to Birmingham. CrossCountry is the oldest of the travel firms, having commenced services in 2007. CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast trains have an average speed of 125 mph (200 kph), while West Midlands Trains travel slower, at approximately 110 mph (177 kph). While the companies are private enterprises, the largest investors in CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast are British. On the other hand, West Midlands Trains is a Dutch and Japanese holding company’s subsidiary.

Night trains Manchester

Roughly five night trains are available for passengers in Manchester who wish to get to Birmingham. At roughly 19:00, the first night train for the Manchester-Birmingham rail route starts its voyage. The long-distance locomotive takes about 2 hours to travel there and reaches Birmingham around 21:30. On weekdays, the last night train you can take is at about 22:00; however, you might need to get to Manchester Piccadilly early on weekends, since the last Manchester to Birmingham train departs at approximately 21:30.

CrossCountry trains from Manchester to Birmingham

CrossCountry provides nearly 16 trips from Manchester to Birmingham. The company’s trains don’t have changeovers and maintain a medium speed of around 125 mph (200 kph). On average, they take 1h 30min to finish their journeys.

West Midlands Trains trains from Manchester to Birmingham

West Midlands Trains generally runs the most affordable trains from Manchester to Birmingham. The company offers around 25 trips per day, which last around 2 hours. Most train rides are not direct and can have stops at Stoke-on-Trent or Crewe.

Avanti West Coast trains from Manchester to Birmingham

Some of the faster Manchester to Birmingham trips are by Avanti West Coast. The company runs approximately four departures, with durations of roughly 1h 30min. While some Avanti West Coast journeys are direct, others feature stopovers in Crewe, Stafford or Nuneaton.

Trains from Manchester to Birmingham: Sustainability travel

Through environmental management systems, CrossCountry ensures its trains make the world greener. The company’s leadership spearheads several environmental conservation initiatives, to reduce pollution from trains. West Midlands Trains implement favourable disposal mechanisms and carbon-emission-cutting strategies to reduce pollution. From time to time, the company presents an environmental and sustainability report that outlines new conservation targets and what West Midlands Trains is doing to achieve them. With Avanti West Coast, the philosophy of reduce, reuse, recycle is widely implemented. For example, the company uses leak detection systems to avoid water loss. Further, Avanti West Coast monitors and consistently reduces energy consumption in their trains and terminals.

Train Manchester to Birmingham: Services on Board

The commendable services provided aboard the Manchester-Birmingham trains coupled with affordable fares give you an ideal travel experience. On CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast trains, standard and first-class seating classes are available. Some of the services you can expect are power points for device charging and Wi-Fi. You can also find toilets equipped with baby-changing tables. If you prefer some coffee, snacks or hot food on board, you may have to travel first class. The luxurious seating class has widely spaced, padded seats. If you need your pet on the train, Manchester to Birmingham trains will not charge you. However, you may have to pay extra if you have more than one animal with you. When it comes to free luggage transport, CrossCountry allows one item, while Avanti West Coast allows two. On West Midlands Trains, three luggage pieces are allowable. If your bag is small, you can tuck it under the seat in front of you or the overhead compartment. Also, bringing your folded bike on the train is free. The three companies provide care for disabled passengers through trained staff members.

How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham?

Trains from Manchester to Birmingham offer travel discounts from time to time. You can reduce your transport expenses by buying a flexible ticket through Omio, so you can travel when maximum discounts are available. Also, slower trains that allow stopovers generally charge less than high-speed rides. For even cheaper train tickets, be sure to book a seat on the train in advance of the day you travel to Birmingham from Manchester.

Guardian statue in Birmingham. Source: Shutterstock

To Birmingham by train—travel tips

Heritage enthusiasts, art lovers and outdoor admirers will find Birmingham a city to reckon with. Kick off your visit by checking out the interactive exhibit at the Museum of the Jewellery Quarter, which tells of Birmingham’s past. You can explore even more history at the University of Birmingham campus, in the educational Lapworth Museum of Geology or the Library of Birmingham. For some fresh outdoor air, stroll around Cannon Hill Park or the expansive green fields of Winterbourne House and Garden. Further, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery are available to dazzle you with outstanding arts. Before waving goodbye to the city, be sure to experience local dishes at the top restaurants in Birmingham.

• Opheem
• The Ivy Temple Row
• Original Patty Men Birmingham
• The Beeches Hungry Horse
• Gianmarco’s
• La Galleria
• SAW BBQ