- Recommended
Ancient High House
Historic townhouse museum with changing exhibitions on Stafford’s past, period rooms and displays on local people and trade.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£8
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£18
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
55 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
1 h 11 m
Trains on 18 Sept
5
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Stafford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stafford will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 5 trains from Manchester to Stafford, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 1 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 33 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stafford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £12, while a coach costs an average of £22.
Distance: 76 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£12 Average Price Cheapest | £22 Average Price | £16 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Stafford:
A train is £10 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Manchester to Stafford costing on average £22.
Other travel options to Stafford take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 30m.
The journey is about 19m faster (1h 0m by train vs 1h 19m by car) and roughly £4 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£12 vs £16). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stafford trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33950 | 6:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h55 | 6:57 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89624+ C17880 | 6:07 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h24 | 7:31 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
W34018+ W70466 | 6:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h02 | 7:16 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
W34115 | 6:23 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h59 | 7:22 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38866+ C16915 | 6:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h12 | 7:39 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G90100+ C16917 | 6:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h33 | 8:09 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G01138 | 8:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 8:59 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33952+ W70492 | 8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h01 | 9:15 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G01005 | 8:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h55 | 9:20 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38870+ C16923 | 8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h09 | 9:39 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G90109+ C16925 | 8:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h33 | 10:09 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
L89710 · G90109+ C16925 | 8:38 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 10:09 Stafford station (STA) | 2 changes | |
W33888 | 8:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 9:50 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01144 | 9:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 9:59 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89647+ C17837 | 9:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h25 | 10:31 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
W34134+ W70503 | 9:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h02 | 10:16 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G01009 | 9:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h55 | 10:20 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38873+ C16927 | 9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h09 | 10:39 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G90115+ C16929 | 9:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h33 | 11:09 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
L89712 · G90115+ C16929 | 9:38 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 11:09 Stafford station (STA) | 2 changes | |
W34090 | 9:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 10:50 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29866 | 10:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h57 | 11:00 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89655+ C17874 | 10:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h25 | 11:31 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
W33896+ W70513 | 10:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h02 | 11:16 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G01013 | 10:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h55 | 11:20 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38874+ C16932 | 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h09 | 11:39 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G90118+ C16934 | 10:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h33 | 12:09 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
L89714 · G90118+ C16934 | 10:38 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h31 | 12:09 Stafford station (STA) | 2 changes | |
W34095 | 10:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 11:50 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29871 | 11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 11:59 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89663+ C17806 | 11:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h25 | 12:31 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
W33956+ W70526 | 11:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h03 | 12:17 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G01018 | 11:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h56 | 12:21 Stafford station (STA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38877+ C16936 | 11:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h09 | 12:39 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
G90120+ C16939 | 11:36 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h33 | 13:09 Stafford station (STA) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Stafford run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 55m.
Distance 76 km |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 55m |
First train 0:02 |
Last train 23:43 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Stafford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stafford trip today.
Historic townhouse museum with changing exhibitions on Stafford’s past, period rooms and displays on local people and trade.
Town-centre art space in the Shire Hall showing temporary exhibitions, contemporary work and community-focused displays.
Small heritage museum in a restored lock cottage, explaining the county’s waterways through artefacts, models and canal history.
Riverside park with open lawns, sports facilities, family space and a pleasant walk close to the centre.
Historic market square framed by civic buildings and shops, often used for events and an easy base for exploring Stafford.
Open green space beside the castle, good for short walks and views towards the ruins and surrounding countryside.
A savoury Staffordshire oatcake filled with melted cheese and bacon. It is a local staple from the Potteries and widely eaten across Staffordshire.
A plain Staffordshire oatcake served with butter or cheese. This soft oat pancake is one of the county’s most recognisable traditional foods.
A rich fruit loaf made with tea-soaked dried fruit and spices, then sliced and spread with butter. It is a long-standing tea-time favourite in Staffordshire.
Popular Turkish restaurant with grilled meats, meze and warm service. Lively yet comfortable for casual lunches and dinners.
Stylish restaurant in Stafford town centre serving modern British dishes, steaks and grills in a relaxed, polished setting.
Traditional pub and dining room known for British classics, cask ales and a historic atmosphere near Stafford town centre.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in London, while rail travel and central pub meals can still add up for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up in taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Stafford Railway Station -> Stafford Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stafford 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 Stafford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stafford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Stafford station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stafford 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 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Stafford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stafford.
ATMs are available at Stafford.
Ticket office support is available at Stafford. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stafford: Parking, WC.
Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
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