- Recommended
Darwen Heritage Centre
Volunteer-run local museum with displays on Darwen’s industry, transport and community life. A useful introduction to the town’s past.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Darwen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£5
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£9
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
40 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
41 m
Trains on 18 Sept
8
Distance
28 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Darwen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Darwen will cost around £9 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 8 trains from Manchester to Darwen, including 7 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 28 km distance in an average of 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 40 m .
The slowest trains will take 43 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.
P2402915:430h43Manchester Victoria (MCV)16:26Darwen station (DWN)£51One-way0 changes- G853266:140h40Manchester Victoria (MCV)6:54Darwen station (DWN)£51One-way0 changes
- G903627:150h40Manchester Victoria (MCV)7:55Darwen station (DWN)£51One-way0 changes
- P2403616:430h43Manchester Victoria (MCV)17:26Darwen station (DWN)£61One-way0 changes
- P240387:430h43Manchester Victoria (MCV)8:26Darwen station (DWN)£61One-way0 changes
- G8532516:150h40Manchester Victoria (MCV)16:55Darwen station (DWN)£101One-way0 changes
- G853266:140h40Manchester Victoria (MCV)6:54Darwen station (DWN)£51One-way0 changes
- G903627:150h40Manchester Victoria (MCV)7:55Darwen station (DWN)£51One-way0 changes
- G9036317:150h42Manchester Victoria (MCV)17:57Darwen station (DWN)£101One-way0 changes
- P2402915:430h43Manchester Victoria (MCV)16:26Darwen station (DWN)£51One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester to Darwen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Darwen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £3 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £3, while a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 28 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£4 Average Price | £3 Average Price Cheapest | £6 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 12m Average total duration Fastest 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Darwen is a coach with an average price of £3.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Darwen:
A coach is £0.85 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Darwen costing on average £4.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Darwen is by train with an average journey time of 42m.
Other travel options to Darwen take longer:
Coach takes on average 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Darwen including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.
The journey is about 8m faster (42m by train vs 50m by car) and roughly £2 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£4 vs £6). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Manchester to Darwen train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Darwen trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:43 Manchester | 0h43 | 11:26 Darwen | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 18 September | |||||
| G85326 | 6:14 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h40 | 6:54 Darwen station (DWN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G90362 | 7:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h40 | 7:55 Darwen station (DWN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P24038 | 7:43 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h43 | 8:26 Darwen station (DWN) | 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 Darwen by coach or train
Compare coach 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
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24 Sept
Why should you book Manchester to Darwen trains with Omio?
Northern Rail as well as Northern Trains Limited offer trains services from Manchester to Darwen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Darwen.
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 Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Darwen.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Darwen.
Why book with Omio over Trip or Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Darwen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Darwen
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Darwen run on average 6 times per day, taking around 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 but you can travel from only £3 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 28 km distance in 40m.
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 £3
Distance 28 km |
Average train duration 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 40m |
First train 0:24 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 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 £3
Train companies: Northern Rail, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Darwen trainsNorthern Rail, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Darwen from £3. 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 Northern Rail Duration
40m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£3
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
Northern Trains Limited
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
39m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£6
Northern Trains Limited frequency
17 a day
Complete guide to Darwen
Things to do in Darwen
Discover the best of Darwen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darwen trip today.
- Recommended
Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery
Main museum for Blackburn with Darwen, showing art, archaeology and local history collections. A strong nearby choice for visitors based in Darwen.
- Recommended
Haworth Art Gallery
Heritage venue with museum displays, period interiors and cultural events in nearby Great Harwood. Offers a broader local history visit from Darwen.
- Must visit
Sunnyhurst Woods and Reservoir
Reservoir and moorland area with scenic paths and frequent routes to Darwen Tower. A classic local spot for views, fresh air and longer walks.
- Recommended
Bold Venture Park
Large country park with reservoirs, woodland and marked trails. Popular for family walks, birdwatching and easy access to open countryside.
- Recommended
Jubilee Tower Valley
Wooded valley on Darwen Moor with waterfalls, streamside paths and dramatic gritstone scenery. Especially rewarding for walkers heading uphill to the tower.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and potatoes, slowly baked. It is a staple across Lancashire and deeply tied to the area’s mill-town cooking.
Blackburn Beefy Smack
Thinly sliced roast beef on a soft muffin or barm, often with mustard or gravy. A classic Lancashire comfort food found in markets and old-fashioned cafés.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Cheese
A strong regional crumbly cheese traditionally made in Lancashire. It is one of the county’s best-known foods and often served with pies, oatcakes or pickles.
No.39 Market Street
Well-known local café and brunch spot with coffee, breakfasts and light lunches. Friendly atmosphere and a reliable stop in the town centre.
The Sunbird Kitchen & Bar
Popular grill and steak venue serving burgers, steaks and hearty mains in a modern casual setting suited to groups and families.
Akbar's Darwen
Traditional Indian restaurant in Darwen known for classic curries and a relaxed local atmosphere. Good choice for an established casual meal out.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Darwen is usually cheaper than London, with lower meal and stay costs; local bus and rail fares are manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Manchester to Darwen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Darwen 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 Darwen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Darwen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £4.
The train journey from Manchester to Darwen covers a distance of 28 km and takes approximately 40m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Darwen is 28 km.
The first train from Manchester to Darwen leaves at 0:24.
The last train from Manchester to Darwen departs at 23:55.
Trains from Manchester to Darwen run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Darwen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Darwen. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Manchester to Darwen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Darwen.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Darwen is Manchester Victoria (MCV), and it arrives at Darwen station (DWN).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Darwen is by coach, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Manchester to Darwen 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 Darwen offers pleasant views of the Lancashire countryside, with green fields and rolling hills, providing a moderately scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester to Darwen is feasible with a travel duration of 40m and a distance of 28 km. Trains run 4 times per day.
To fully explore Darwen, spending 2 to 3 days will allow you to visit its key attractions, such as Darwen Tower, and enjoy local experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Darwen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Darwen
Most Manchester to Darwen trains use the Manchester Victoria to Darwen station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Darwen 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 Darwen
Which Manchester station do trains to Darwen leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Darwen 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 · £0.90 · 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 · £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 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 Darwen station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Darwen arrive at Darwen. Darwen is from Darwen city centre.
DarwenDarwen Railway Station, Railway Road, Darwen, Lancashire, BB3 2RJ, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Darwen from Darwen city centre
BusSeveral local bus services available
Darwen train station facilities and services
Darwen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Bryan St Chippy, The Old Chapel Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darwen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darwen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darwen: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darwen: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Astley Bank Hotel, Whitehall Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Darwen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darwen and Manchester
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