- Must visit
Verulamium Museum
Museum beside the Roman ruins with mosaics, wall plaster and everyday objects. It gives an excellent introduction to Roman Verulamium.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to St Albans
Showing times and prices for 23 Aug
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£45
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Trains per day
1
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 £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester for St Albans every day 1 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 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 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.
15:153h20Manchester18:35St Albans£451One-way0 changes
- 15:153h20Manchester18:35St Albans£451One-way0 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 £30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. 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 £30, and a flight costs an average of £189.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£52 Average Price Cheapest | £189 Average Price |
3h 25m Average total duration 2h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33397+ C02637+ W70284 · W88049 | Delayed 7:13 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h13 | 12:27 St Albans City (SAC) | 3 changes | |
W33397+C02596+ Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International | Delayed 7:13 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 11:24 St Albans City (SAC) | 2 changes | |
W33397+ G58854+C02616+L22382 | Delayed 7:13 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h57 | 12:11 St Albans City (SAC) | 4 changes | |
| W33648+Tube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+C02668 | Delayed 7:33 8:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h07 | 10:44 10:44St Albans City (SAC) | 2 changes | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
| 15:15 Manchester | 3h20 | 18:35 St Albans | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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23 Aug
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Why should you book Manchester to St Albans trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Manchester to St Albans.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to St Albans.
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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to St Albans run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 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 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
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 2h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 0:15 |
Last train 22:27 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 35 days |
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
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 £30. 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
£30
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 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 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 Duration
4h 14m
Cheapest Price
£74
East Midlands Railway 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
Complete guide to St Albans
Things to do in St Albans
Discover the best of St Albans — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St Albans trip today.
- Recommended
St Albans Museum + Gallery
City museum in the old Town Hall covering local history, art and changing exhibitions. A strong starting point for understanding St Albans.
- Recommended
de Havilland Aircraft Museum
Collections of aircraft, vehicles and military objects at London Colney. A specialist museum that appeals to visitors interested in transport and aviation.
- Must visit
Verulamium Park
Large green park around Roman remains, lakes and open lawns. Ideal for walking, picnics and combining with the museum and theatre.
- Recommended
George Street
Historic shopping street lined with timber-framed buildings and independent shops. It captures much of the city’s medieval character.
- Recommended
Market Place
Lively central market area with historic surroundings and regular stalls. A practical and atmospheric place to experience the city’s daily rhythm.
- Vegetarian
St Albans Bun
A soft, yeasted spiced bun with currants or sultanas, linked to St Albans since medieval pilgrimage days and traditionally sold to visitors to the abbey.
Side Pocket For A Toad
A local bitter from the long-established Tring Brewery, widely poured in St Albans pubs and part of the area’s strong real ale culture.
Hertfordshire Real Ale
Traditional ale brewed in nearby Hertfordshire and commonly found in St Albans. It reflects the region’s historic pub and brewing heritage.
Lussmanns Sustainable Kitchen
Refined modern British dining in an elegant setting, known for carefully prepared seasonal dishes and attentive service.
The Lower Red Lion
A lively traditional pub with local ales and classic British food, popular for a relaxed atmosphere near the city centre.
Hatch
A long-running local favourite for fish and chips, offering reliable portions in a casual takeaway and restaurant setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for southern England: lodging and dining cost more than smaller towns, but local buses and many casual eateries keep day-to-day visitor costs manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
Thameslink Railway
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
St Albans City -> St Peter's Street, St Albans
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Uno states that cash and contactless payment are accepted on all its buses.
- For central St Albans, St Peter's Street is the main bus corridor and St Albans City is the principal rail station.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to St Albans can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from Manchester to St Albans covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 2h 47m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to St Albans is 231 km.
The first train from Manchester to St Albans leaves at 0:15.
The last train from Manchester to St Albans departs at 22:27.
Trains from Manchester to St Albans run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service 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 and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to St Albans.
The train station in Manchester that goes to St Albans is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at St Albans City (SAC).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to St Albans is by train, costing approximately £30.
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 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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to St Albans.
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.
Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in St Albans
Which Manchester station do trains to St Albans leave from?
Trains from Manchester to St Albans 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 3457114141
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 VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min
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.
Manchester Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU
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.
Which St Albans station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to St Albans most often arrive at St Albans City. Some services arrive at St Albans Abbey, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your St Albans arrival station.
St Albans CitySt Albans station, Station Way, St. Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 5HE+44 345 026 4700
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.
St Albans AbbeySt Albans Abbey station, Holywell Hill, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 2DN+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to St Albans Abbey from St Albans city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesTowards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill near to the station entrance car park. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill.
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from St Albans and Manchester
Most popular train connections to St Albans
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