- Must visit
Harlow Museum and Walled Gardens
Local museum in a former coach house covering Harlow’s archaeology, industries and New Town development, with artefacts and changing displays.
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Harlow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, and a flight costs an average of £85.
Distance: 247 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£83 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest | £150 Average Price |
3h 39m Average total duration 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 5h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 1h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare coach, 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.
Trains from Manchester to Harlow run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £39 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 22:28. The fastest train covers the 247 km distance in 3h 15m.
Distance 247 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 5:05 |
Last train 22:28 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Harlow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harlow trip today.
Local museum in a former coach house covering Harlow’s archaeology, industries and New Town development, with artefacts and changing displays.
Gallery and museum dedicated to Harlow’s post-war sculpture collection, with exhibitions that explain the town’s distinctive public art heritage.
Community gallery in Parndon Mill presenting contemporary art and craft exhibitions in a historic mill setting beside the River Stort.
Large central park with formal gardens, play areas, sculpture and wide paths. A top place for walking and understanding Harlow’s green New Town layout.
Historic village-style area with independent shops, pubs, old buildings and a calmer atmosphere that contrasts with the planned New Town centre.
Scenic waterside path and nature area along the River Stort, popular for gentle walks, wildlife spotting and access towards neighbouring countryside.
A suet pastry pudding filled with seasoned minced beef and onion. A long-standing East End and Essex comfort food still loved across the region.
Freshwater eel stewed with herbs and stock, served cold in a savoury jelly. A classic Thames Estuary dish tied to Essex and East London food culture.
Smoked herring, traditionally grilled and served with bread or eggs. Popular across Essex and the east coast for its strong maritime heritage.
Smart casual restaurant known for Turkish and Mediterranean grills, mezze and warm service. Good for generous shared plates.
Popular local Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and house specials in a relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere.
Reliable pub and grill serving steaks, burgers and British mains in a modern, family-friendly setting near Harlow town centre.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and meals are usually cheaper than central London, but commuting, chain cafés and taxis can still add up for visitors.
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, rounding up or 10% is polite. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Harlow 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 Harlow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Harlow trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Harlow Town station pair, with some services arriving at Harlow Mill. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Harlow train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Harlow Town is 1 km from Harlow city centre. Public transport options include:
Harlow Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Harlow Town.
Wi-Fi is available at Harlow Town.
Ticket office support is available at Harlow Town. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harlow Town: Parking, WC.
Available at Harlow Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Harlow Town: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Harlow Mill is 2 km from Harlow city centre. Public transport options include:
Harlow Mill has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Harlow Mill.
Wi-Fi is available at Harlow Mill.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harlow Mill: Parking.
Available at Harlow Mill: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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