Manchester to St Albans train with Avanti West Coast

Fri 09 Jan
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
Great Western Rail
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
East Midlands Trains
Great Western Rail
West Midlands Trains
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to St Albans

Showing times and prices for 09 Jan

Cheapest price

£40

Average price

£53

Fastest journey

2 h 47 m

Average duration

2 h 55 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

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 £53 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester for St Albans every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 2 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 47 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 24 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.

Avanti West Coast
04:053h57
Manchester
08:02St Albans
£401One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
05:153h47
Manchester
09:02St Albans
£421One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
16:152h47
Manchester
19:02St Albans
£581One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
18:152h47
Manchester
21:02St Albans
£611One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
07:383h24
Manchester
11:02St Albans
£631One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach 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 coach with prices starting from £6. 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 coach costs an average of £6, and a flight costs an average of £77.

Distance: 231 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£88

Average Price

£14

Average Price

Cheapest

£154

Average Price

3h 27m

Average total duration

2h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 25m

Average total duration

4h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to St Albans train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to St Albans trains for tomorrow, Friday 9 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 17:30
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
avanti_west_coast04:05 Manchester
3h57
08:02 St Albans0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coast05:15 Manchester
3h47
09:02 St Albans0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coast07:15 Manchester
2h47
10:02 St Albans0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coast07:30 Manchester
3h57
11:27 St Albans0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coast07:38 Manchester
3h24
11:02 St Albans0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to St Albans by train, coach or flight

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.

Fri
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to St Albans

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to St Albans run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 21:43. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 2h 47m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance
231 km
Average train duration
2h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£46
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 47m
First train
00:15
Last train
21:43
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains from Manchester to St Albans trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains trains will get you between Manchester and St Albans from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 47m
Cheapest Price
£40
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

East Midlands Trains

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 Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
£82
East Midlands Trains frequency
2 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

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to St Albans can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £46, while the average price tends to be around £88.
A day trip from Manchester to St Albans is not feasible due to a travel duration of 2h 47m, despite a train frequency of 6 per day over a distance of 231 km.
Two to three days in St Albans is generally sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as the St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, and the Roman Theatre, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
The train journey from Manchester to St Albans offers a mix of urban and rural views, with scenic landscapes becoming more prominent as the route passes through the English countryside. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of rolling hills and picturesque villages, especially when travelling through the Peak District and the Chiltern Hills.
Booking trains from Manchester to St Albans in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to St Albans is by coach, costing approximately £6.
The train journey from Manchester to St Albans covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 2h 47m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to St Albans is 231 km.
The train station in Manchester that goes to St Albans is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at St Albans City (SAC).
The last train from Manchester to St Albans departs at 21:43.
The first train from Manchester to St Albans leaves at 0:15.
There is no night train service from Manchester to St Albans.
Trains from Manchester to St Albans run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to St Albans.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to St Albans.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to St Albans.
To get from Manchester to St Albans, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and St Albans

Manchester
St Albans
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to St Albans.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: on Platform 4/5
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)

More options for your journey from Manchester to St Albans

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to St Albans Manchester to St Albans train

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