- Recommended
Dartford Borough Museum
Local museum covering Dartford's industry, people and archaeology. A useful introduction to the town through compact displays and community stories.
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Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Dartford
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Dartford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 8m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £110.
Distance: 281 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£110 Average Price | £9 Average Price Cheapest | £96 Average Price | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Dartford is a coach with an average price of £9.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Dartford:
A coach is £87 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Dartford costing on average £96.
A coach is £101 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Dartford costing on average £110.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Dartford is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 8m.
Other travel options to Dartford take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 50m.
Coach takes on average 5h 35m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Dartford including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 26m sooner (3h 50m by train vs 4h 16m by car). Tickets start at around £110 compared to roughly £55 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.
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Dartford by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
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Why should you book Manchester to Dartford trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway or West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Manchester to Dartford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Dartford.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Dartford.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Dartford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Dartford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Dartford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Dartford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Dartford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £64 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 21:53. The fastest train covers the 281 km distance in 3h 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 £8
Distance 281 km |
Average train duration 3h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £64 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 32m |
First train 4:48 |
Last train 21:53 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £8
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains from Manchester to Dartford trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Manchester and Dartford from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£64
Avanti West Coast frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
4h 46m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£92
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
West Midlands Trains
About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Dartford
Things to do in Dartford
Discover the best of Dartford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dartford trip today.
- Recommended
Hall Place
Historic house museum within the nearby Hall Place complex, open to visitors with period interiors, exhibitions and riverside grounds to explore.
Hall Place Visitor Centre
Heritage visitor centre telling the story of nearby Hall Place and its estate. Exhibits add context to one of the area's best-known historic sites.
- Recommended
Central Park
Large town-centre park with lakes, lawns, play areas and event spaces. Ideal for an easy walk and a break close to Dartford's main attractions.
- Recommended
Darenth Country Park
Waterside nature reserve and viewpoint on the Thames. Popular for estuary views, birdwatching and seeing the bridge and crossing from open ground.
- Recommended
Beacon Wood Country Park
Managed reserve with woodland, heath and ponds on Dartford Heath. A rewarding walking area known for wildlife and quieter green space.
Pie And Mash
Pie and mash is a classic working-class meal of minced beef pie with mashed potato, often served with parsley liquor, long associated with London and nearby Kent.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are chopped eels set in a spiced stock jelly, a traditional Thames-side speciality long eaten across east London and the lower Kent area.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Hopper Cake
Kentish hopper cake is a simple local bread roll from Kent, traditionally served soft and flour-dusted with butter or fillings.
Margiotta
Popular Turkish and Mediterranean spot serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively, contemporary setting.
The Raj
Modern Indian restaurant in Dartford known for polished curries, grills and a smart yet relaxed atmosphere suitable for dinner out.
The Bull
Established gastropub by Dartford Heath offering British pub dishes, Sunday roasts and drinks in a traditional inn setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate by South East England standards: accommodation and rail fares can add up, while pubs, cafés and casual dining are fairly typical for day trips from London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped 5-10%. Café tipping is optional.
FAQs: Manchester to Dartford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Dartford 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 Dartford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Dartford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £64, while the average price tends to be around £110.
The train journey from Manchester to Dartford covers a distance of 281 km and takes approximately 3h 32m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Dartford is 281 km.
The first train from Manchester to Dartford leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Manchester to Dartford departs at 21:53.
Trains from Manchester to Dartford run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to Dartford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Dartford.
To get from Manchester to Dartford, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Dartford.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Dartford is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Dartford station (DFD).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Dartford is by coach, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Manchester to Dartford 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 Dartford offers varied scenery, with urban landscapes transitioning into more rural views as you travel south, but it is not renowned for being particularly scenic compared to other UK routes.
A day trip from Manchester to Dartford is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 32m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 281 km route.
A visit to Dartford can typically be enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, allowing time to explore local attractions such as Central Park, Dartford Borough Museum, and nearby areas like Bluewater Shopping Centre.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Dartford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Dartford
Most Manchester to Dartford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Dartford station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Dartford 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 Dartford
Which Manchester station do trains to Dartford leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Dartford 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 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.
Which Dartford station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Dartford arrive at Dartford. Dartford is from Dartford city centre.
DartfordDartford station, Station Approach, Dartford, Kent, DA1 1BP+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Dartford from Dartford city centre
BusD30, 429, 414B, 477, 477S · 1m · every ~4 min
Dartford train station facilities and services
Dartford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dartford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Dartford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dartford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dartford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dartford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dartford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: 2 x in booking hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Dartford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dartford and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Dartford
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