- Recommended
Crawley Museum
Local history museum in Goffs Park with exhibits on Crawley's development, communities and everyday life.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£50
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£86
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
4 h 11 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
4 h 54 m
Trains on 20 Sept
4
Distance
298 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Crawley is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Crawley will cost around £86 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 4 trains from Manchester to Crawley, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 298 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 11 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 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.








Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Crawley among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 3m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a flight costs an average of £96.
Distance: 298 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£77 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £96 Average Price | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 50m Average total duration 3h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Crawley:
A coach is £71 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Crawley costing on average £112.
A coach is £251 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Crawley costing on average £292.
Other travel options to Crawley take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 4m.
Coach takes on average 6h 33m.
You'll arrive about 1h 16m sooner (3h 4m by train vs 4h 20m by car). Tickets start at around £112 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Crawley trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33397+ W45719+ Tube from London Euston to London Bridge+ W45649 | Delayed 7:13 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h43 | 11:57 Crawley station (CRW) | 3 changes | |
W33397+ Tube from London Euston to London Bridge+ W45719 | Delayed 7:13 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h30 | 11:44 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 2 changes | |
W33548+ C02621+ Tube from London Euston to London Bridge+ C21346 | Delayed 8:24 8:41Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h53 | 12:34 Gatwick Airport (GTW) | 3 changes | |
W33548+ C21346+ Tube from London Euston to London Bridge+ W45671 | Delayed 8:24 8:41Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h16 | 12:57 Crawley station (CRW) | 3 changes | |
| Sunday 20 September | |||||
![]() | 7:26 Manchester | 4h51 | 12:17 Crawley | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, flight and train 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.
Trains from Manchester to Crawley run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £69 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 298 km distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 298 km |
Average train duration 3h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price £69 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 0:15 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Crawley — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Crawley trip today.
Local history museum in Goffs Park with exhibits on Crawley's development, communities and everyday life.
Historic country house in Tilgate Park with period interiors and displays on local social and estate history.
Community gallery space hosting changing exhibitions by regional artists in a central and accessible setting.
Large public park with lakes, woodland walks, gardens and family attractions, popular for an easy day outdoors.
Restored historic park with formal gardens, lake, bridges and quiet paths in the Pound Hill area.
Green corridor and wetland reserve ideal for walking, birdwatching and seeing a calmer side of Crawley.
Sussex Pond Pudding is a suet pastry filled with butter and lemon, then steamed. It is a rich old Sussex dessert strongly tied to the county around Crawley.
Chichester Crab is sweet Sussex coast crab, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It reflects the county’s long connection to nearby coastal fishing.
Sussex Smokie is smoked haddock baked with cheese, mustard and cream. It is a comforting county dish found across Sussex pubs and restaurants.
Lively Turkish restaurant popular for grilled meats, mezze and generous portions. Contemporary interior with a sociable atmosphere.
Stylish steakhouse and grill serving steaks, burgers and cocktails near Crawley town centre. Good for casual dinners and groups.
Modern British restaurant in central Crawley with polished service and a smart setting. Known for seasonal dishes, steaks and seafood.
Moderate for southern England. Hotels near Gatwick can be pricey, but dining and local transport are generally in line with similar commuter towns.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is typical for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Crawley Railway Station -> Town Hall, Crawley
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Crawley 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 Crawley, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Crawley trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Gatwick Airport station pair, with some services arriving at Crawley. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Crawley train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Crawley has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Crawley.
Wi-Fi is available at Crawley. ATMs are available at Crawley.
Ticket office support is available at Crawley.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Crawley: Parking, WC.
Available at Crawley: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Crawley: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free 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 Southern 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.
Three Bridges is 1 km from Crawley city centre. Public transport options include:
Three Bridges has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Three Bridges.
Wi-Fi is available at Three Bridges. ATMs are available at Three Bridges.
Ticket office support is available at Three Bridges.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Three Bridges: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Three Bridges: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Three Bridges: 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 Southern 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.
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