The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to St Albans
Cheapest price
£61
Average price
£85
Fastest journey
2 h 48 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to St Albans is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to St Albans will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
To travel from Manchester to St Albans you need to make at least 2 changes.
W34125+
Y80917 · W1118317:142h48Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)20:02St Albans Abbey (SAA)£611One-way2 changes
W33929+
C34119 · G59041+
C2264117:343h33Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:07St Albans City (SAC)£841One-way3 changes
W70826+
W45572+
W8471217:133h58Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:11St Albans City (SAC)£971One-way2 changes
C21806 · W70829+
W4538117:434h11Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:54St Albans City (SAC)£971One-way2 changes
W34125+
Y80917 · W1118317:142h48Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)20:02St Albans Abbey (SAA)£611One-way2 changes
W33929+
C34119 · G59041+
C2264117:343h33Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:07St Albans City (SAC)£841One-way3 changes
W70826+
W45572+
W8471217:133h58Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:11St Albans City (SAC)£971One-way2 changes
C21806 · W70829+
W4538117:434h11Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:54St Albans City (SAC)£971One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and flight for Manchester to St Albans
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to St Albans among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 train costs an average of £45, and a flight costs an average of £78.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£68 Average Price Cheapest | £141 Average Price |
3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to St Albans by train or flight
Compare 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.
09 Jul
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13 Jul
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15 Jul
Why should you book Manchester to St Albans trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to St Albans.
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to St Albans.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to St Albans.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to St Albans.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to St Albans
Trains from Manchester to St Albans run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 22:27. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 2h 48m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 0:15 |
Last train 22:27 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway from Manchester to St Albans trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Manchester and St Albans from £45. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Railway
FAQs: Manchester to St Albans train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to St Albans 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 St Albans, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and St Albans
Most Manchester to St Albans trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to St Albans City station pair, with some services arriving at St Albans Abbey. Use this guide to compare Manchester and St Albans train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Manchester station do trains to St Albans leave from?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
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.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
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.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which St Albans station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
St Albans City train station facilities and services
St Albans City 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
Food and drink options are available at St Albans City.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at St Albans City. ATMs are available at St Albans City.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at St Albans City.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Albans City: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at St Albans City: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Albans City: 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 the platform. 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.
Getting to St Albans Abbey from St Albans city centre
St Albans Abbey train station facilities and services
St Albans Abbey has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at St Albans Abbey.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at St Albans Abbey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at St Albans Abbey: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at St Albans Abbey: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on Platform One, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to St Albans
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