The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
Cheapest price
£6
Average price
£18
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
38 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.
Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester for Stoke-on-Trent every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 40 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.
Y03352
C23747
C23742
C23555
W09145
W09155
W09145
C23555
C23747
C23742Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent 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 train which can get you there in 56m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a train costs an average of £3.
Distance: 53 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£11 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 6m Average total duration 1h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent trains for today, Monday 24 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W09155 | On time 08:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h34 | 09:09 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y03352 | On time 08:46 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h54 | 09:40 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C23747 | On time 09:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h40 | 09:43 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 25 November | |||||
C23742 | On time 08:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h40 | 08:43 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W09145 | On time 08:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h37 | 08:52 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C23555 | On time 08:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h38 | 09:03 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent by coach or train
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
Trains from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent run on average 9 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 34m.
Distance 53 km |
Average train duration 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 34m |
First train 00:05 |
Last train 23:50 |
Train companies: Northern Rail (3), Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent trainsNorthern Rail (3), Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail (3)
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
Trains from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
There are plenty of regular and direct trains available between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent daily. Three operators service the route with up to five trains running an hour, making it quick and easy to travel between these two bustling commuter cities in less than an hour.
Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent Train Time: Daily Departures
With as many as five direct trains operating every hour, passengers will find plenty of available services from around 6:00 a.m. in the morning, through to 10:00 p.m. at night on weekdays, plus regular services at weekends too.
How long is the journey by train from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent?
The train journey between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent can take as little as 35 minutes. Services are direct and depart from Manchester Piccadilly. This journey is well-served, fast and efficient, with trains available around every 15 minutes, particularly during peak travel times and on weekends.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent?
Manchester Piccadilly: located in the heart of Manchester City Centre, Manchester Piccadilly train station houses the Metro stop and links with local buses and taxis for an easy transfer. It offers plenty of shops, accessible toilets, lifts, trolleys, food outlets and ATMs. There are large central digital information screens and comprehensive ticketing facilities inside the station. With fourteen platforms, it pays to allow a little time to traverse the station, which is particularly large and busy.
Stoke-on-Trent: This 24-hour station links with other public transport services and is located in the city centre. You'll find full facilities, including accessible toilets, coffee kiosks, newsagents, phones, ATMs and trolleys. There are also digital information desks, self-service ticket machines and an indoor waiting area.
Which train companies travel from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent?
Trains between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent are run by Cross Country, Virgin and Northern Rail, all of which typically run at least one service every hour, with similarly rapid and direct services. Northern Rail runs both the earliest and latest services of the day, beginning from around 6:00 a.m. and finishing after 10:00 p.m.
Cross Country: Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
Typically running two services per hour, Cross Country trains are fast and direct between the two cities. Services usually offer onboard refreshments, WiFi, digital charging points and a First-Class carriage.
Virgin Trains: Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
Virgin Trains runs two services an hour throughout the day on this route, and again, the services are direct. Virgin runs the fastest service at just 34 minutes and the trains themselves tend to be modern and with excellent onboard facilities.
Northern Rail: Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent
Northern Rail operates around one service per hour on this route. Its trains are fast and direct and can offer the lowest fares, particularly for advance bookings. Look out for WiFi onboard, refreshments, luggage racks and charging points.
Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent Trains: Services on Board
For each of the services between Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent, passengers will find both first and second-class carriages, as well as luggage racks. Well-behaved pets are welcome if kept off seats. Bikes can be taken on board, but it is wise to book a bike rack place in advance when you book your seat, as these are limited. Disabled travellers will find ramps, accessible carriages, wheelchair-friendly seating areas and extra support from train staff.
How to find cheap train tickets from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent?
To get the cheapest tickets for trains from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent, it pays to book in advance and to be flexible with travel dates. Looking at slower journeys or those with changeovers and travel at off-peak times usually offers cheaper tickets. Use mobile ticketing for ease and as an environmentally-friendly option, too.
FAQs: Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Through a gate on Blind Lane, along a path (68 paces, 1:10 slope), up 23 steps and along the path (61 paces), up 32 steps across the footbridge (17 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform.
- Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Station Entrance
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Junction of Devonshire Street North and Blind Lane
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- Cabral's Restaurant Brazilian Street Food and Grocery Store
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station , To Manchester : up 47 steps onto the platform. To Glossop/Sheffield : up 47 steps onto the Manchester platform, turn right and up 31 steps, across the footbridge (15 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform
- Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Pottery Lane (A6010) under railway bridge.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Wilmslow Road.
- The Didsbury
- The Gateway
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- £0.30
- Travelodge Manchester Didsbury
- Premier Inn Manchester Didsbury
- Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel
- Located near the ticket office
- Free
- Hall 1: entrance and ticket office
- Hall 2: access to platforms
- Tram: Metrolink East Didsbury Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 42, 142, 50
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 13:30 Saturday 07:00 - 14:10 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B Station, Scooter Friendly Station - This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Along a ramp (55 paces, 1:14 slope) leading to the ticket office, then to Manchester straight ahead along a further ramp (67 paces, 1:8 slope) onto the platform. Then to Glossop from ticket office, turn right and across a footbridge (30 paces), and either follow down the ramp 100 paces, 1:15 slope for most of its length) straight onto the platform. Or, turn left and down 28 steps onto the platform.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Station Entrance
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses Pick Up / Drop Off at the lay by located on the overbridge approx 50 yrds from the station entrance.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:20 - 19:35 Sunday 09:00 - 16:30
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, From Albert Road up 20 steps to reach the ticket office, then for services to Manchester up a further 26 steps onto the platform. For Services towards Stockport from ticket office go through the underpass (29 paces) and up 26 steps onto the platform.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: On both sides of Albert Road for buses to Manchester, Reddish, Stockport or Droylsden. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: the bus stop for Manchester Pic is located on the station side of Stockport Road. The bus stop for Stockport is located on the opposite side of Stockport Road.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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)
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- 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.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:10 - 13:50 Saturday - Sunday Closed
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Sanskruti
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Scooter Friendly Station - Services towards Manchester : From Mauldeth Road, up a ramp (87 paces, 1:20 slope) onto the platform. Services towards Manchester Airport: From Mauldeth Road, along the road leading to the DIY centre, via a slope (46 paces) or up 7steps onto 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
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: On both sides of Mauldeth Road for buses to Stockport, East Didsbury or Manchester. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses from Manchester Airport will call at the stop on Mauldeth Road in front of the primary school playing fields Buses from Manchester Piccadilly will stop on Mauldeth Road opposite the station.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Services Towards Manchester : From Hollinwood Avenue, along a path (75 paces, 1:14 variable slope) onto the platform. Services towards Rochdale : From Hollinwood Avenue, through a 4ft gate and down a ramp (65 paces, 1:12 variable slope) onto the platform.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: On both sides of Hollinwood Avenue for buses to Cheetham Hill, Rochdale, Oldham or Manchester. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Hollinwood Ave on bridge above station platform 1 entrance.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, Services towards Manchester :Level access through a 100cm wide gate and down a stepped ramp (36 paces, 1:14 slope) through a 90cm wide gate onto the platform. Services towards New Mills and Sheffield : Level access through a separate 100cm wide gate and down a stepped ramp (36 paces, 1:14 slope) through a 94cm wide gate onto the platform.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: Located on Levenshulme Road for buses to Chorlton and Cheetham Hill. Maximum distance 30 yards/27m, Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stop on Ryder Brow Road, east of the station, before Highgate Crescent.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. This station has a degree of step free access to the platform which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check for details. Wheelchair users may need assistance on Platform 1 as there are no lowered kerbs on the pavements and the gradient of the ramp to the platform is steep. The gradient of the ramp to Platform 2 is moderate. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform.
- Accessible taxis: Euro 01782 314444
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the station entrance.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 20:00 Saturday 06:25 - 19:30 Sunday 08:55 - 20:30
- Car Park: Stoke on Trent Car Park 3 (Adjacent to Platform 2/3)
- 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 taxis: By the North end of platform 1
- 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
- Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on Platform 1 and 2. The National key toilet is located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1 & 2
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: all platforms
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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