- Must visit
Wardown House Museum and Gallery
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
Cheapest price
£75
Average price
£178
Fastest journey
3 h 10 m
Average duration
3 h 21 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
216 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Luton will cost around £178 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £75.
To travel from Manchester to Luton you need to make at least 2 changes.
W70781 · W70691 · C04235+
W84658
C21675 · W70680 · C04222+
W84648
W70781+
W45548+
W84658
W70775 · W70685 · C04229+
W84653
W33953+
W70680 · C04222+
G00805
W34218+
C41873+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International
W34104+
W70691 · C04235+
G00806
W34104+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+
W45553
W34018+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+
C41869
W33952+
C41881+
Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras InternationalOmio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £11. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 4m. 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 £11, and a flight costs an average of £64.
Distance: 216 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £158 Average Price |
3h 45m Average total duration 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration 3h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 4m Average total duration Fastest 1h 4m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.6 - 1.3kg 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 Luton trains for today, Wednesday 12 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34018+ C41869+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | Delayed 5:14 6:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 9:40 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W33953+ G00805+ C04222 · W70680 | Delayed 5:29 6:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 9:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W33952+ C41881+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | Delayed 7:14 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 11:40 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W34104+ G00806+ W70691 · C04235 | Delayed 7:34 8:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 10:57 10:57Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W34104+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ W45553 | Delayed 7:34 8:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 11:57 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W33925+ G00818+ C04258 · W70715 | Delayed 11:34 12:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 15:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W34031+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C41908 | Delayed 11:54 12:54Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h17 | 15:12 15:12Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W33886+ G00821+ W70720 · C04263 | Delayed 12:33 13:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 16:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
| Thursday 13 August | |||||
C21675 · W70680 · C04222+ W84648 | 6:10 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h45 | 9:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W34018+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C41869 | 6:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 9:40 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W33953+ G00805+ W70680 · C04222 | 6:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 9:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W34218+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C41873 | 7:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 10:10 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W70775 · W70685 · C04229+ W84653 | On time 7:12 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h43 | 10:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W70781 · W70691 · C04235+ W84658 | On time 8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h42 | 11:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W70781+ W84658+ W45548 | 8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h14 | 12:27 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W33952+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ C41881 | 8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 11:40 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
W34104+ G00806+ W70691 · C04235 | 8:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 11:55 Luton station (LUT) | 3 changes | |
W34104+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ W45553 | 8:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 11:57 Luton station (LUT) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £11 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 216 km distance in 3h 11m.
Distance 216 km |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 11m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Discover the best of Luton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Luton trip today.
Museum and gallery in a Victorian mansion, showcasing local history, decorative arts and changing exhibitions in Wardown Park.
Collection of historic hats and fashion displays in a former hat factory, highlighting the trade that shaped Luton's identity.
Gallery venue inside Stockwood Discovery Centre, featuring art displays alongside heritage exhibits in an accessible parkland setting.
Large landscaped park with formal gardens, lake, museum and open space, ideal for a relaxed walk close to central Luton.
Parkland site with gardens, heritage displays and family-friendly walking routes around the Discovery Centre and museum grounds.
Nature reserve and chalk downland area with trails and wide views, popular for walking and a quieter escape above the town.
A Bedfordshire classic: suet pastry pudding filled with chopped beef, onions and stock. Long linked to local home cooking across Bedfordshire, including Luton.
A traditional Bedfordshire dish of baked onions stuffed with seasoned sage and breadcrumbs. It reflects thrifty local cooking from the surrounding county.
A rich suet pastry pie with bacon, onions and potatoes. It is an old Bedfordshire comfort food once popular with labourers and farming families.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and flatbreads in a lively modern setting close to the town centre.
Well-known South Indian venue specialising in dosas, curries and vegetarian dishes in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.
Established steakhouse and grill known for steaks, burgers and hearty mains in a smart but approachable setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels near the airport can be pricey, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxis are often rounded up. Café tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Luton Airport Parkway, Luton -> Luton Town Centre, Luton
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Luton trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Luton station pair, with some services arriving at Luton Airport Parkway. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Luton 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 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.
Luton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton. ATMs are available at Luton.
Ticket office support is available at Luton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category B3 station: Step free access via lift to platform 5 only (some trains to Bedford/ the East Midlands) only. Steps to all other platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton Airport Parkway is 1 km from Luton city centre. Public transport options include:
Luton Airport Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Luton Airport Parkway. ATMs are available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Luton Airport Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Luton Airport Parkway: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton Airport Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to all platforms via lifts. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Luton DART Parkway has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Luton DART Parkway: The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need