- Recommended
Lowestoft Maritime Museum
Compact museum on Lowestoft Ness covering local maritime history, shipwrecks and the town’s changing coastline. Ideal for understanding the area.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Lowestoft among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £194 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £194, while a train costs an average of £194.
Distance: 289 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£194 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 43m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Lowestoft take longer:
Coach takes on average 10h 36m.
Tickets start at around £194 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-136.20. The journey takes 5h 13m versus 5h 11m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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.
Trains from Manchester to Lowestoft run on average 5 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £170 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:21, the last at 18:48. The fastest train covers the 289 km distance in 5h 28m.
Distance 289 km |
Average train duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £170 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 28m |
First train 4:21 |
Last train 18:48 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Lowestoft — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lowestoft trip today.
Compact museum on Lowestoft Ness covering local maritime history, shipwrecks and the town’s changing coastline. Ideal for understanding the area.
Museum in Nicholas Everitt Park with exhibits on local life, industry and archaeology. A friendly stop for a broad introduction to Oulton Broad.
Museum and gallery in a grand Victorian house celebrating composer Benjamin Britten. Visit for music history, exhibitions and attractive gardens.
Sandy beach and broad promenade ideal for sea views, walks and classic seaside atmosphere. One of Lowestoft’s main visitor areas.
Northern promenade near the Ness and lighthouse, popular for coastal walks, benches and sunrise views over the North Sea.
Pleasant park by Oulton Broad with gardens, boating activity nearby and space for relaxed strolls. A favourite local green retreat.
A classic Suffolk fish meal of freshly landed cod or haddock in batter with chips. Lowestoft’s long fishing heritage makes it a must-try by the seafront.
Smoked herring, traditionally cured and smoked in East Anglia. It reflects the historic North Sea fishing trade and is a well-known regional breakfast or supper dish.
Small brown shrimp from the Norfolk and Suffolk coast, usually served simply in a sandwich or with lemon. A traditional local seafood snack.
Popular seafront seafood restaurant known for fish, shellfish and harbour views. Relaxed setting focused on fresh local catches.
Well-known traditional fish and chip shop and restaurant close to the seafront, valued for classic British portions and casual dining.
Stylish restaurant in a Victorian hotel serving modern British dishes. A good choice for a more refined meal near the coast.
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Hotels can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually cheaper than in larger UK tourist cities.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up in taxis. Cafes and pubs usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Lowestoft 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 Lowestoft, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Lowestoft trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Lowestoft station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Lowestoft 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.
Lowestoft has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Lowestoft.
Wi-Fi is available at Lowestoft. ATMs are available at Lowestoft.
Ticket office support is available at Lowestoft.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lowestoft: Parking, WC.
Available at Lowestoft: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lowestoft: 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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