- Must visit
West Highland Museum
Town museum covering local archaeology, Jacobite history, the West Highland railway and mountain life in Lochaber.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Fort William
Showing times and prices for 14 Aug
Cheapest price
£138
Average price
£138
Fastest journey
8 h 13 m
Average duration
8 h 29 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
413 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Fort William is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Fort William will cost around £138 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £138.
Fast trains
To travel from Manchester to Fort William you need to make at least 2 changes.
G89051+
C01372+
W69838 · C14853_C1488513:568h13Deansgate (DGT)22:09Fort William station (FTW)£1381One-way3 changes- W68474 · C14853_C14885+
W8518813:248h45Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)22:09Fort William station (FTW)£1381One-way2 changes
- G89051+C01372+W69838 · C14853_C1488513:568h13Deansgate (DGT)22:09Fort William station (FTW)£1381One-way3 changes
- W68474 · C14853_C14885+W8518813:248h45Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)22:09Fort William station (FTW)£1381One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Manchester to Fort William
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Fort William among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £127. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £127, and a flight costs an average of £83.
Distance: 413 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight |
|---|---|
£130 Average Price Cheapest | £131 Average Price |
7h 47m Average total duration 7h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 1h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Fort William train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Fort William 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W68474 · C14853_C14885+W85188 | 13:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 8h45 | 22:09 Fort William station (FTW) | 2 changes | |
| G89051+W69838 · C14853_C14885+C01372 | 13:56 Deansgate (DGT) | 8h13 | 22:09 Fort William station (FTW) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Fort William by train or flight
Compare train 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.
Fri
14 Aug
14 Aug
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15 Aug
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16 Aug
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17 Aug
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20 Aug
20 Aug
Why should you book Manchester to Fort William trains with Omio?
Scotrail operates all trains services from Manchester to Fort William.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Fort William.
Why book with Omio vs Scotrail?
- 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 Scotrail with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Fort William.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Rome2rio?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Fort William.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Fort William
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Fort William run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £127 but you can travel from only £83 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:21, the last at 13:56. The fastest train covers the 413 km distance in 8h 6m.
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
Flight from £83
Distance 413 km |
Average train duration 7h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £127 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 8h 6m |
First train 7:21 |
Last train 13:56 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 28 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
Flight from £83
Train companies: Scotrail from Manchester to Fort William trainsScotrail trains will get you between Manchester and Fort William from £83. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Scotrail
About
Scotrail is a train operating company in Scotland, providing rail services throughout the country. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to long-distance intercity services. The company operates a variety of train types, including the Class 380, Class 385, Class 156, Class 158 and Class 170. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and comfortable seating. Scotrail also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. The most popular routes for Scotrail include Glasgow to Edinburgh, Glasgow to Inverness, and Edinburgh to Aberdeen.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 6m
Cheapest Price
£127
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, designated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions mentioned above
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks, some stations have catering facilities
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free but optional, recommended during peak times
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, dogs allowed with ticket (£1-£3), maximum 2 dogs per passenger, assistance dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Fort William
Things to do in Fort William
Discover the best of Fort William — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Fort William trip today.
- Recommended
The Ice Factor National Centre for Mountain Rescue
Small museum on Scotland's mountain rescue history, with equipment, stories and displays connected to Ben Nevis and Lochaber.
- Recommended
Glenfinnan Station Museum
Seasonal heritage centre at Glenfinnan Station with exhibits on the West Highland Line, local history and famous film locations.
- Must visit
Glen Nevis
Scenic glen south of town with walking and cycling routes, river views and the main access area for Ben Nevis footpaths.
- Recommended
Cow Hill Circuit
Popular long-distance walking and cycling route along a former railway, linking Fort William with countryside and lochside scenery.
- Recommended
Fort William Seafront
Promenade area beside Loch Linnhe for short walks, sunsets and views across the water towards the Ardgour hills.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A warming Highland soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Popular across the west coast and well suited to the local fishing tradition.
Haggis
Scotland’s iconic savoury pudding made with sheep offal, oats and spices. A classic supper in Highland inns and restaurants.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Clapshot
A traditional side of mashed potatoes with butter and greens, often kale or cabbage. Common with Highland meat and game dishes.
The Wildcat
Well-known local café and bakery for breakfasts, soups, sandwiches and cakes. Casual, dependable stop in the town centre.
Ben Nevis Inn
Lively traditional pub serving hearty Scottish meals and local drinks. Good choice for haggis, fish dishes and an easy-going evening.
Crannog Seafood Restaurant
Relaxed modern bistro known for Highland produce, seafood and steaks. Popular central spot with a polished but informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the Highlands: lodging and tours can be pricey in peak season, but pub meals, buses and casual cafés are manageable versus busier UK tourist hubs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food, bakery items or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a pub or restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for a higher-end dinner.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional but appreciated. In restaurants, leave 10-12.5% for good service if not included. Round up in cafés and taxis.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Fort William Station -> Fort William Transport Centre
- Distance
- 0.3 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment cards are accepted on Highland Council buses, and mobile tickets are available in the Stagecoach Bus app.
- Fort William Station is close to the town centre, so walking is often quickest for central stops and the Transport Centre.
FAQs: Manchester to Fort William train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Fort William 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 Fort William, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Fort William can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £127, while the average price tends to be around £130.
The train journey from Manchester to Fort William covers a distance of 413 km and takes approximately 8h 6m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Fort William is 413 km.
The first train from Manchester to Fort William leaves at 7:21.
The last train from Manchester to Fort William departs at 13:56.
Trains from Manchester to Fort William run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Fort William.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Fort William.
To get from Manchester to Fort William, you can choose from several travel options including train and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Fort William.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Fort William is Manchester Oxford Road (MCO), and it arrives at Fort William station (FTW).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Fort William is by flight, costing approximately £83.
Booking trains from Manchester to Fort William 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 Fort William is considered scenic as it passes through the stunning landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, offering views of mountains, lochs, and picturesque countryside.
A day trip from Manchester to Fort William is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 6m and covers 413 km. There are 2 trains per day.
In Fort William, you can enjoy a scenic journey on the Jacobite Steam Train, explore the Nevis Range Mountain Resort for skiing and mountain biking, and take a hike to the dramatic Steall Waterfall. Attend the Fort William Mountain Festival to celebrate mountain culture, and take boat trips on Loch Linnhe for wildlife spotting. Visit Ben Nevis for challenging hikes, explore the picturesque Glen Nevis, and delve into local history at the West Highland Museum. Don't miss Neptune's Staircase for its engineering marvel and the historical ruins of Old Inverlochy Castle.
Spending 2 to 3 days in Fort William allows for exploring the town, hiking Ben Nevis, and visiting nearby attractions like Glen Nevis and the West Highland Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Fort William.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Fort William
Most Manchester to Fort William trains use the Manchester Oxford Road to Fort William station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Fort William 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 Fort William
Which Manchester station do trains to Fort William leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Fort William leave from Manchester Oxford Road. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU.
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.
DeansgateDeansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LG
City-centre transport
Getting to Deansgate from Manchester city centre
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainManchester Airport - Corkickle, Manchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Airport - Windermere, Wilmslow - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Preston, Stockport - Blackpool North · 5m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
Bus33, 255, 30 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
T1 · 1h 6m
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line · 6m · £2 · every ~38 min
Deansgate train station facilities and services
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, 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: 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 Fort William station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Fort William arrive at Fort William. Fort William is 1 km from Fort William city centre.
Fort WilliamFort William station, Tom-na-Faire, Station Square, Fort William, Highland, PH33 6TQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Fort William from Fort William city centre
Bus521, 147, 146, 46, 47, 522, X47 · 6m · £2 · every ~6 min
592 · 11m
Fort William train station facilities and services
Fort William has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Fort William.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Fort William.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Fort William. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Fort William: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Fort William: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Fort William: 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. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office Blue Badge parking bays: 2, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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: No.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Fort William
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Fort William and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Fort William
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