- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £39
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £43
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 1 h 48 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 2 h
- Trains on 02 Nov
- 6
- Distance
- 124 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darlington will cost around £43 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Fast trains
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 6 trains from Manchester to Darlington, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 124 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 17 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.
G1598819:00 1h49 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 20:49 Darlington station (DAR) £39 1 One-way 0 changes- G16016+
G8027219:15 2h16 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 21:31 Darlington station (DAR) £39 1 One-way 1 change - C24924
18:00 1h48 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 19:48 Darlington station (DAR) £43 1 One-way 0 changes - C24631+G80259
17:15 2h17 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 19:32 Darlington station (DAR) £45 1 One-way 1 change - C24637+G80266
18:15 2h17 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 20:32 Darlington station (DAR) £45 1 One-way 1 change
- C24924
18:00 1h48 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 19:48 Darlington station (DAR) £43 1 One-way 0 changes - G15948
17:00 1h49 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 18:49 Darlington station (DAR) £46 1 One-way 0 changes - G15988
19:00 1h49 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 20:49 Darlington station (DAR) £39 1 One-way 0 changes - G16016+G80272
19:15 2h16 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 21:31 Darlington station (DAR) £39 1 One-way 1 change - C24631+G80259
17:15 2h17 Manchester Victoria (MCV) 19:32 Darlington station (DAR) £45 1 One-way 1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Darlington run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £19 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 124 km distance in 1h 32m.
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 £5
Distance 124 km |
Average train duration 2h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £19 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 32m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 23:49 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £5
Frequently asked questions about your Manchester to Darlington trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Darlington.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Darlington can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £19, while the average price tends to be around £41.
The train journey from Manchester to Darlington covers a distance of 124 km and takes approximately 1h 32m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Darlington is 124 km.
The first train from Manchester to Darlington leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Manchester to Darlington departs at 23:49.
Trains from Manchester to Darlington run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Darlington. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Transpennine Express.
Live departures
Manchester to Darlington train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darlington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 XC164000+G15998 | 13:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h05 | 16:20 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| W84812 · TP036800 | 13:30 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h00 | 16:30 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| XC163800+G16009 | 14:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h05 | 17:20 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| W84819 · TP036700 | 14:30 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h00 | 17:30 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| XC163700+G16012 | 15:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h05 | 18:20 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| W84824 · TP036600 | 15:30 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h00 | 18:30 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Manchester to Darlington trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail or CrossCountry offer trains services from Manchester to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Darlington.
- 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Darlington.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Darlington.
Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, CrossCountry from Manchester to Darlington trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester and Darlington from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Transpennine Express Duration
1h 37m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£19
Transpennine Express frequency
8 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
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
2h 9m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£20
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
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
Average CrossCountry Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£36
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Manchester and Darlington
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to Darlington.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Darlington.
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Darlington Railway Station -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50 in the North East; if you will make several trips, the £7.50 all-day ticket can be better value.
- Under-22 fares shown on official sites are cheaper, but the standard adult fare is the correct reference for visitors. Contactless payment may vary by operator, so check before boarding.
Plan your visit to Darlington
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 Darlington.
The train journey from Manchester to Darlington offers pleasant views of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills and stretches of greenery, though it is not typically considered among the most scenic routes in the UK.
FAQs: Manchester to Darlington train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Manchester to Darlington 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 Darlington.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Darlington
Most Manchester to Darlington trains use the Manchester Victoria to Darlington station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darlington 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 Darlington
Which Manchester station do trains to Darlington leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Darlington leave from Manchester Victoria. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY.
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.
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 Darlington station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Darlington arrive at Darlington. Darlington is from Darlington city centre.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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.
Train stations for Manchester to Darlington
Check train stations information for Manchester and Darlington, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Darlington is Manchester Victoria, and it arrives at Darlington.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darlington and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Darlington
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