- Recommended
Carnforth Station Heritage Centre
Compact railway museum in the station, centred on Brief Encounter and local rail history, with a preserved refreshment room.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Carnforth
Showing times and prices for 14 Aug
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£8
Fastest journey
1 h 28 m
Average duration
1 h 28 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
79 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Carnforth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Carnforth will cost around £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester for Carnforth every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 79 km distance in an average of 1 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 28 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 28 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.
8:561h28Manchester10:24Carnforth£81One-way0 changes
- 8:561h28Manchester10:24Carnforth£81One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester to Carnforth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Carnforth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £8, and a coach costs an average of £31.
Distance: 79 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price |
1h 39m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 41m Average total duration 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Carnforth train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Carnforth trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:56 Manchester | 1h28 | 10:24 Carnforth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Carnforth by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
Sat
15 Aug
15 Aug
Sun
16 Aug
16 Aug
Mon
17 Aug
17 Aug
Tue
18 Aug
18 Aug
Wed
19 Aug
19 Aug
Thu
20 Aug
20 Aug
Why should you book Manchester to Carnforth trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Manchester to Carnforth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Carnforth.
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Carnforth.
- 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Carnforth.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Carnforth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Carnforth.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Carnforth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Carnforth run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 22:38. The fastest train covers the 79 km distance in 1h 7m.
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 79 km |
Average train duration 1h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 7m |
First train 4:57 |
Last train 22:38 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 49 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
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Carnforth trainsNorthern Rail, Transpennine Express, TransPennine Express, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Carnforth from £8. 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 Duration
1h 7m
Cheapest Price
£8
Northern Rail frequency
3 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
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
Average Duration
1h 33m
Cheapest Price
£12
Transpennine Express frequency
2 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
TransPennine Express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 4m
Cheapest Price
£37
TransPennine Express frequency
11 a day
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 6m
Cheapest Price
£12
Northern Trains Limited frequency
14 a day
Complete guide to Carnforth
Things to do in Carnforth
Discover the best of Carnforth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carnforth trip today.
- Recommended
Heron Corn Mill Museum
Volunteer-run heritage museum in a former silk mill, presenting local industry, farming and community life around Carnforth.
Leighton Hall
Historic house with curated interiors, family collections and seasonal exhibitions that add a museum-like visit to the estate.
- Must visit
RSPB Leighton Moss Nature Trail
Waterside path through reedbeds and saltmarsh, popular for birdwatching, gentle walks and peaceful estuary views.
- Recommended
Warton Crag
Large limestone hill and nature reserve with marked paths, open scenery and wide views over Morecambe Bay and the surrounding countryside.
- Recommended
Hyning Scout Wood
Wooded hill with easy trails, a limestone cave and rewarding views, making it a favourite short walk near Carnforth.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
Lancashire hotpot is a slow-cooked lamb and onion stew topped with sliced potatoes, long linked to Lancashire homes and pubs.
- Vegetarian
Butter Pie
Butter pie is a Lancashire pastry filled with potato, onion and butter, created as a meat-free Friday meal and still a regional favourite.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
Eccles cake is a small flaky pastry packed with currants, sugar and spice, a classic North West sweet often found in local bakeries.
Spice Touch
Friendly Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable, informal atmosphere in Carnforth town centre.
The Royal Hotel and Bar
Elegant hotel restaurant in nearby Arkholme offering modern British cooking and a calm countryside dining room.
Longlands Hotel
Traditional canal-side pub at Tewitfield Marina serving hearty British meals in a relaxed setting popular with locals and boaters.
Pound sterling (£)
Carnforth is moderate for UK travellers: dining and cafes are fairly priced, rail costs can add up, and nearby accommodation is usually cheaper than larger tourist cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £40+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares, and tipping in cafes is not expected but appreciated.
FAQs: Manchester to Carnforth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Carnforth 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 Carnforth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Carnforth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Manchester to Carnforth covers a distance of 79 km and takes approximately 1h 7m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Carnforth is 79 km.
The first train from Manchester to Carnforth leaves at 4:57.
The last train from Manchester to Carnforth departs at 22:38.
Trains from Manchester to Carnforth run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Carnforth.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Carnforth. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Manchester to Carnforth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Carnforth.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Carnforth is Manchester Airport (MIA), and it arrives at Carnforth station (CNF).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Carnforth is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Manchester to Carnforth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Carnforth is considered scenic, offering views of the rolling hills and countryside of Lancashire along the way.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester to Carnforth is feasible as the journey duration is 1h 7m, the distance is 79 km, and trains run 4 times per day.
Two to three days are typically sufficient to explore Carnforth, allowing time to visit attractions like the Carnforth Station Heritage Centre, nearby natural sites, and enjoy the local atmosphere.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Carnforth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Carnforth
Most Manchester to Carnforth trains use the Manchester Airport to Carnforth station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Carnforth 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 Carnforth
Which Manchester station do trains to Carnforth leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Carnforth leave from Manchester Airport. The station is 13 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR.
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 · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · 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.
Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road 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 Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Which Carnforth station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Carnforth arrive at Carnforth. Carnforth is 1 km from Carnforth city centre.
CarnforthCarnforth station, Market Street, Carnforth, Lancashire, LA5 9ET
City-centre transport
Getting to Carnforth from Carnforth city centre
Carnforth is 1 km from Carnforth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus49, 51 · 2m · £8 · every ~3 min
Carnforth train station facilities and services
Carnforth has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Carnforth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carnforth: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Carnforth: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carnforth: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Ramp access to both platforms using a subway, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Carnforth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carnforth and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Carnforth
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
