Manchester to Runcorn train with Transpennine Express

Tue 20 Oct
+ Add return
East Midlands Railway
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Railway
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Runcorn

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Oct

Cheapest price on 20 Oct

£14

Average ticket price on 20 Oct

£14

Fastest journey on 20 Oct

50 m

Average journey duration on 20 Oct

1 h 9 m

Trains on 20 Oct

3

Distance

36 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Runcorn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Runcorn will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.

Fast trains

On Tue 20 Oct, we found 3 trains from Manchester to Runcorn, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 1 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 20 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • East Midlands Railway
    7:410h50
    Manchester
    8:31Runcorn
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    6:481h20
    Manchester
    8:08Runcorn
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    6:511h17
    Manchester
    8:08Runcorn
    £141One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Runcorn

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Runcorn run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 43m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
36 km
Average train duration
1h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
43m
First train
0:10
Last train
23:55
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Live departures

Manchester to Runcorn train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Runcorn trains for today, Monday 19 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for Wales6:48 Manchester
1h20
8:08 Runcorn0 changesdirect
Transport for Wales8:48 Manchester
1h20
10:08 Runcorn0 changesdirect
Transpennine Express21:23 Manchester
1h19
22:42 Runcorn0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Manchester to Runcorn trains with Omio?

East Midlands Railway as well as Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Manchester to Runcorn.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Runcorn.

Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Runcorn.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Rome2rio or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transpennine Express, Northern Rail or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Runcorn.

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales from Manchester to Runcorn trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Manchester and Runcorn from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
46m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£13
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
58m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£10
Northern Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
43m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£13
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
55m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£12
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Runcorn

Things to do in Runcorn

Discover the best of Runcorn — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Runcorn trip today.

  • Must visit

Norton Priory Museum and Gardens

Museum and excavated medieval priory with galleries, ruins and gardens. A key place to understand local history, archaeology and monastic life.

  • Recommended

Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum

Local museum in nearby Widnes with exhibits on industry, transport and everyday life in Halton. Useful for wider context around Runcorn and the Mersey.

  • Recommended

The Brindley

Community arts venue in a former church in nearby Widnes. It hosts exhibitions, performances and cultural events within easy reach of Runcorn.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Dining and cafés are fairly priced, local transport is manageable, and accommodation is usually cheaper than in major cities such as London or Manchester.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.50-4 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Tipping in cafés is optional, such as small change.

Best day trips from Runcorn by train

The most popular day trips by train from Runcorn are Liverpool, Manchester, Chester, Warrington and Crewe. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Runcorn on Omio.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Runcorn to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

How to get from Runcorn to Liverpool by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 18 km distance in 19m.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Runcorn to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

How to get from Runcorn to Manchester by train?

The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 43m.

A view of Chester

Day trip from Runcorn to Chester by train

Why visit Chester for the day?

Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.

How to get from Runcorn to Chester by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 20 km distance in 25m.

A view of Warrington

Day trip from Runcorn to Warrington by train

Why visit Warrington for the day?

Warrington is a large Cheshire town known for its industrial heritage, canals and modern shopping centre. Green spaces, local pubs and family attractions give it a friendly, practical feel.

A view of Crewe

Day trip from Runcorn to Crewe by train

Why visit Crewe for the day?

Crewe is a Cheshire railway town known for its strong links to Britain’s train industry. It has a practical feel, with local history at Crewe Heritage Centre and green space at nearby Queens Park.

How to get from Runcorn to Crewe by train?

The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 23:51.

FAQs: Manchester to Runcorn train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Runcorn 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 Runcorn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Runcorn can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £22.
The train journey from Manchester to Runcorn covers a distance of 36 km and takes approximately 43m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Runcorn is 36 km.
The first train from Manchester to Runcorn leaves at 0:10.
The last train from Manchester to Runcorn departs at 23:55.
Trains from Manchester to Runcorn run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to Runcorn.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Runcorn.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Runcorn.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Runcorn is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Runcorn station (RUN).
Booking trains from Manchester to Runcorn in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Runcorn is relatively short and primarily passes through urban and industrial areas, offering limited scenic views. However, there are occasional glimpses of the countryside and the River Mersey along the route.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Runcorn.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Runcorn

Most Manchester to Runcorn trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Runcorn station pair, with some services arriving at Runcorn East. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Runcorn train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Runcorn

Which Manchester station do trains to Runcorn leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Runcorn leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly 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 and drink

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

Wi-Fi and ATMs

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.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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 RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FUParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre

Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m

Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Manchester to Runcorn

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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