The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Glasgow
Cheapest price
£85
Average price
£85
Fastest journey
7 h 5 m
Average duration
7 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
295 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Glasgow will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £85.
To travel from Manchester to Glasgow you need to make at least 4 changes.
L36558+
C41053+
S69384+
VT970800
L36558+
C41053+
S69384+
VT970800Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester to Glasgow
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 7m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a train costs an average of £14.
Distance: 295 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £39 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 37m Average total duration Fastest 4h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Glasgow train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Glasgow trains for today, Wednesday 31 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L08393+ W02933 | On time 08:56 Deansgate (DGT) | 3h23 | 12:19 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 change | |
C74079 | On time 09:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h16 | 12:40 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 0 changesdirect | |
L10897+ C74087 | On time 09:56 Deansgate (DGT) | 4h43 | 14:39 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 change | |
L10897+ L02369 | On time 09:56 Deansgate (DGT) | 3h20 | 13:16 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 change | |
L08221 · G92087+ TP118900+ C41115 | On time 10:06 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 7h30 | 17:36 Glasgow Queen Street (GLQ) | 4 changes | |
L08221+ W01952 | On time 10:06 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h16 | 14:22 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 change | |
| Thursday 1 January | |||||
![]() | 07:15 Manchester | 4h24 | 11:39 Glasgow | 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 Glasgow 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.
31 Dec
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Glasgow?
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Glasgow
Trains from Manchester to Glasgow run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:14, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 295 km distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 295 km |
Average train duration 4h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 01:14 |
Last train 23:32 |
Train companies: TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, ScotRail, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express, Northern Rail (3) from Manchester to Glasgow trainsTransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, LNER, ScotRail, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Manchester and Glasgow from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
TransPennine Express
Avanti West Coast
LNER
ScotRail
CrossCountry
Northern Rail (3)
first_transpennine_express
Trains from Manchester to Glasgow
Trains from Manchester to Glasgow run fairly frequently. Usually, there's one train on this route every couple of hours at weekends and once per hour on weekdays. The journey takes over four hours in some cases, although the fastest journeys can be completed in just under three hours. Often, a change is required.
Manchester to Glasgow train times: Daily departures
Usually, there are trains from Manchester to Glasgow every day. On weekdays, it's common to find trains on this route once every few hours. On weekends, trains may run every couple of hours. Passengers leaving Manchester early in the morning can board the first train of the day at around 6:30 a.m., arriving in Glasgow at about 10:40 a.m. In the evening, the last train departs at around 8:30 p.m. and arrives in Glasgow at just after midnight.
How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Glasgow?
The precise journey time for trains from Manchester to Glasgow can vary depending on all sorts of factors. Some trains can complete the journey in just under three hours, while most take around 3.5 hours. Some take well over four hours, usually because they require a changeover in places like Warrington or Wigan.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Glasgow?
Departure train station: Most trains on this route depart from Manchester Victoria, just 7 minutes' or so walk from the city centre. It has a range of facilities, such as ticket machines and a taxi rank.
Arrival train station: When arriving at Glasgow Central, passengers can use its range of amenities, such as baby-changing facilities and WiFi. It's situated in the middle of the city, 5 minutes' walk from the St Enoch subway station.
Which train companies travel from Manchester to Glasgow?
The main provider on this route is Avanti West Coast, formerly known as Virgin Trains. Avanti services have a range of journey lengths - not all trains from Manchester to Glasgow run by Avanti can complete the journey in the quick time of three hours. Changes are usually required on all of the services.
Avanti West Coast Manchester to Glasgow
Trains from Manchester to Glasgow operated by Avanti West Coast are frequent, going either every hour or two. Normally, trains on this route aren't direct, and a changeover in Wigan or Warrington may be required. Journey durations range from three hours to well over four hours.
Manchester to Glasgow trains: Services on board
First-class seating on Avanti West Coast trains on this route offers benefits such free food and drink, WiFi, and extra legroom. In addition, luggage allowances are quite generous with Avanti, although passengers are asked to ensure that their luggage is not larger than 30 cm × 70 cm × 90 cm overall.
Travellers who are disabled can use the operator's passenger assist service, and passengers in wheelchairs are requested to give Avanti at least 24 hours notice for the best service. Two domestic pets can be brought on trains from Manchester to Glasgow at no additional charge, while cyclists can reserve a space for their bike for free.
How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Glasgow
Tickets for trains from Manchester to Glasgow don't have to be expensive. Passengers who are flexible with their travel dates often save because they can opt for cheaper train tickets. The same goes for times, too: passengers who take trains from Manchester to Glasgow early in the morning or late at night are likely to save cash.
FAQs: Manchester to Glasgow train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Glasgow
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co.
- Type of shops available: Wide range of shops
- Car Park: Oswald Street NCP Car Park
- Burger King
- Krispy Kreme
- Gordon St Coffee
- Starbucks
- Upper Crust
- The Beer House
- Patisserie Valerie
- Alston Bar & Beef
- Taxi: Taxis are available outside opposite the Gordon Street exit
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be located on Gordon Street.
- There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
- Toilets Location: Accessible toilets can be located inside the Gordon Street entrance, use the intercom for access. There is also an accessible toilet on platform 9 opposite the water hydration point. Both toilets are operated with a radar Key Accessible shower is available within the changing places facility.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Hotel Indigo Glasgow
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
- voco Grand Central Glasgow
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- There is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
- Bus lines: 6, 7, 18, 21, 75, 263, 267, 500 Airport Express
- Train lines: West Coast Main Line, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus pick up / drop off on Gordon St.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:55 Saturday 05:10 - 23:55 Sunday 07:10 - 23:55
- 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 Information Desk on Concourse.
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilet is located on the concourse. Toilet facilities are only available during station opening hours. On Sundays the toilets close at 23:00. Radar - National Key Scheme
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Inside the station next to the ticket office
- 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, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on the bridge at Cathedral Street
- Metro: Interchange station for SPT Subway
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 23:20 Saturday 06:00 - 23:20 Sunday 08:20 - 23:30
- Type of shops available: WHSmith newsagent
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: As part of our COVID-19 response, the toilets are opened upon request. The toilets are located on the Concourse. Radar - National Key Scheme
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Elmbank Gardens to the left of the station entrance
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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