- Recommended
The Smith Art Gallery and Museum
Local history museum in the Old Town Jail, exploring Stirling’s people, trades and changing town life through displays.
Cheapest price
£62
Average price
£137
Fastest journey
3 h 54 m
Average duration
4 h 34 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
313 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Stirling is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stirling will cost around £137 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £62.
To travel from Manchester to Stirling you need to make at least one change.
W33373+
G80229+
C04441
W29776+
W83226+
W84681
G80235+
W84688+
C15397
W33297+
G89048+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+
C14643
W85184+
W83224
W85184+
W83224
W85189+
W82895+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street
W33297+
G89048+
Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+
C14643
W33373+
G80229+
C04441
G80235+
W84688+
C15397Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stirling among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a flight costs an average of £125.
Distance: 313 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest | £149 Average Price |
4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stirling trains for tomorrow, Sunday 23 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W29776+ W84681+ W83226 | 12:17 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 6h04 | 18:21 Stirling station (STG) | 2 changes | |
W85184+ W83224 | 12:30 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h54 | 16:24 Stirling station (STG) | 1 change | |
W33373+ G80229+ C04441 | 12:41 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h36 | 17:17 Stirling station (STG) | 2 changes | |
G80235+ C15397+ W84688 | 13:17 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 5h44 | 19:01 Stirling station (STG) | 2 changes | |
W85189+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street+ W82895 | 13:31 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h18 | 17:49 Stirling station (STG) | 2 changes | |
W33297+ C14643+ G89048+ Bus from Glasgow Central to Glasgow Queen Street | 13:52 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 4h20 | 18:12 Stirling station (STG) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach, 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.
Trains from Manchester to Stirling run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 20:04. The fastest train covers the 313 km distance in 3h 58m.
Distance 313 km |
Average train duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 58m |
First train 4:57 |
Last train 20:04 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Stirling — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stirling trip today.
Local history museum in the Old Town Jail, exploring Stirling’s people, trades and changing town life through displays.
Interactive former prison with costumed interpretation and rooftop views, giving a vivid look at Victorian justice.
Compact museum in Argyll’s Lodging showing domestic life, decorative interiors and objects from a grand townhouse.
Historic central route lined with old buildings, independent shops and easy access to key Old Town sights.
Popular public park below the castle with walks, monuments, play areas and excellent views of the historic skyline.
Large estate park with loch views, woodland trails and a family-friendly walking setting beside the university.
A rich Scottish soup of smoked haddock, potatoes and onions. Strongly linked to eastern Scotland and widely eaten locally as a warming starter.
Scotland’s best-known savoury dish of sheep’s offal, oats, suet and spices in a casing. A traditional Burns supper favourite across Stirling and beyond.
Sliced sausage in a soft morning roll, a staple Scottish breakfast order. Its peppery, herby flavour makes it a classic quick bite in local cafés.
Elegant restaurant in a Victorian hotel, known for refined Scottish cooking and a polished but relaxed dining room.
Well-known casual spot for Scottish breakfasts, baking and light lunches. Friendly atmosphere and central location popular with locals and visitors.
Traditional pub near Stirling Castle serving Scottish classics, local ales and whiskies in a cosy historic setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Edinburgh, while visitor attractions and rail fares can still add up in peak season.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis, and cafés usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Stirling Railway Station -> Stirling Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stirling 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 Stirling, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Stirling trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Stirling station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stirling 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.
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Stirling has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stirling.
Wi-Fi is available at Stirling. ATMs are available at Stirling.
Ticket office support is available at Stirling. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stirling: Parking, WC.
Available at Stirling: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stirling: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platform. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Automatic ticket gates Blue Badge parking bays: 10, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Most taxis accessible, at front of station, 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.
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