Manchester to Stafford train with CrossCountry

Thu 29 Jan
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail (3)
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail (3)
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Stafford

Showing times and prices for 29 Jan

Cheapest price

£18

Average price

£20

Fastest journey

51 m

Average duration

55 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

76 km

Cheap tickets

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 £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £18.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester for Stafford 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 76 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 56 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.

CrossCountry
06:030h51
Manchester
06:54Stafford
£181One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
08:030h57
Manchester
09:00Stafford
£181One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
11:030h56
Manchester
11:59Stafford
£181One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
10:030h56
Manchester
10:59Stafford
£221One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
14:250h56
Manchester
15:21Stafford
£261One-way
0 changes

Live departures

Manchester to Stafford train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stafford trains for today, Wednesday 28 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:21
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_country13:25 Manchester
0h52
14:17 Stafford0 changesdirect
Thursday 29 January
cross_country06:03 Manchester
0h51
06:54 Stafford0 changesdirect
cross_country07:25 Manchester
0h55
08:20 Stafford0 changesdirect
cross_country08:03 Manchester
0h57
09:00 Stafford0 changesdirect
cross_country10:03 Manchester
0h56
10:59 Stafford0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Stafford by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Thu
29 Jan
Fri
30 Jan
Sat
31 Jan
Sun
01 Feb
Mon
02 Feb
Tue
03 Feb
Wed
04 Feb

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Stafford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Stafford run on average 9 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:43. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 51m.

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
76 km
Average train duration
56m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
51m
First train
00:02
Last train
23:43
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

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country from Manchester to Stafford trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country trains will get you between Manchester and Stafford from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
£8
CrossCountry frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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
55m
Cheapest Price
£34
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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

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 Duration
1h 7m
Cheapest Price
£34
Transport for Wales frequency
2 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

Northern Rail (3)

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 Duration
1h 16m
Cheapest Price
£67
Northern Rail (3) 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
£62
Cross Country frequency
8 a day

FAQs: Manchester to Stafford train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Stafford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £20.
The train journey from Manchester to Stafford covers a distance of 76 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Stafford is 76 km.
The first train from Manchester to Stafford leaves at 0:02.
The last train from Manchester to Stafford departs at 23:43.
Trains from Manchester to Stafford run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Stafford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Stafford. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country.
To get from Manchester to Stafford, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Stafford.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Stafford is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Stafford station (STA).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Stafford is by train, costing approximately £8.
Booking trains from Manchester to Stafford 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 Stafford offers views of the English countryside, passing through areas with green fields, small towns, and occasional woodlands, providing a pleasant but not particularly dramatic scenic experience.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester to Stafford is feasible, with a journey time of 51m and a distance of 76 km. Trains run 9 times per day.
In Stafford, you can enjoy performances at the Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, explore scenic walking trails along the River Sow, and visit the vibrant Stafford Farmers' Market. For a bit of history, visit Stafford Castle for panoramic views, or the Ancient High House for its period rooms. Shugborough Estate offers a glimpse into Georgian life with its mansion and gardens. Art enthusiasts can discover local works at the Shire Hall Gallery, while Victoria Park provides a relaxing space with floral displays and a café. Golfers can enjoy a round at Stafford Castle Golf Club, and the Staffordshire County Museum offers insights into local history.
To fully explore Stafford's main attractions such as the Ancient High House, Stafford Castle, and the surrounding countryside, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Stafford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Stafford

Manchester
Stafford
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 Stafford.
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
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
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.​​​​​​​

More options for your journey from Manchester to Stafford

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Stafford Manchester to Stafford train

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