- Must visit
Ipswich Museum
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
Cheapest price
£29
Average price
£79
Fastest journey
4 h 1 m
Average duration
4 h 2 m
Trains per day
17
Distance
278 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Ipswich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Ipswich will cost around £79 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.
To travel from Manchester to Ipswich you need to make at least 2 changes.
W84649+
C04343+
P01772
W33646+
Tube from London Euston to Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth line)+
C38110+
P67208
W33668+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
P01231
W33646+
P01234+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street
W33622+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
P01237
W33788+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
P01289
W33648+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
P01246
W33622+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
P01237
W33597+
P01255+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street
W33457+
Tube from London Euston to London Liverpool Street+
P01281Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 13m. 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 £37, and a flight costs an average of £76.
Distance: 278 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest | £111 Average Price |
4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 29m Average total duration 7h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 13m Average total duration Fastest 2h 13m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Ipswich trains for today, Friday 28 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C04347+ P01774 | On time 8:43 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h45 | 13:28 Ipswich station (IPS) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 29 August | |||||
C04343+ P01772+ W84649 | 6:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h14 | 11:27 Ipswich station (IPS) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Ipswich run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 278 km distance in 4h 30m.
Distance 278 km |
Average train duration 4h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 30m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Ipswich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Ipswich trip today.
Ipswich’s main museum with natural history, archaeology and local collections, including Egyptian objects and displays on Suffolk’s past.
Gallery in Christchurch Mansion showing works by Constable and Gainsborough, plus changing exhibitions in a historic setting.
Museum on the redeveloped docks telling the story of Ipswich’s maritime trade, industry and local life through interactive displays.
Lively regenerated marina with quayside walks, historic warehouses and wide views; ideal for a relaxed stroll by the water.
Large public park with formal gardens, ponds and open lawns around Christchurch Mansion; a favourite green escape near the centre.
Historic square at the civic heart of Ipswich, framed by notable buildings and often used for markets, events and seasonal displays.
A hearty Suffolk pork sausage, traditionally seasoned with sage and pepper. It is a long-standing county speciality often served with mash or in a sandwich.
Cured ham from Suffolk, usually dry-cured and sliced thin. It reflects the county’s strong pork-curing tradition and is a popular local deli staple.
Smoked herring from the nearby Suffolk coast, especially linked with Lowestoft. Traditionally eaten for breakfast or in fish dishes with a deep smoky flavour.
Well-known Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service in a lively yet comfortable dining room.
Established Indian restaurant known for refined curries and attentive service in an elegant setting.
Stylish marina restaurant serving modern British food, steaks and seafood in a relaxed waterfront setting.
Moderate by UK standards. Hotels and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for visitors.
Service is sometimes included in restaurants; otherwise tip about 10% for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Ipswich Railway Station -> Ipswich Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Ipswich 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 Ipswich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Ipswich trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Ipswich station pair, with some services arriving at Derby Road. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Ipswich 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 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 options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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 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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Ipswich is 1 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Ipswich has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ipswich.
Wi-Fi is available at Ipswich. ATMs are available at Ipswich.
Ticket office support is available at Ipswich.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ipswich: Parking, WC.
Available at Ipswich: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ipswich: 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: Yes.
Derby Road is 2 km from Ipswich city centre. Public transport options include:
Derby Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Derby Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Derby Road: Parking.
Available at Derby Road: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Derby Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
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