- Must visit
The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery
Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£14
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
37 m
Trains per day
9
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 £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Of the 9 trains that leave Manchester for Stoke-on-Trent every day 9 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 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 38 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.
G66589
G01011
W29907
W33110
W33112
W33335
C01293
W33355
W33110
W33112Omio 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 £3. 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 £3, and a train costs an average of £2.
Distance: 53 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£8 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 26m Average total duration Fastest 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 3m Average total duration 1h 33m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent trains for today, Saturday 22 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33397 | Delayed 7:13 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h38 | 8:52 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33648 | Delayed 7:33 8:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h35 | 8:11 8:11Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33678 | Delayed 17:33 18:34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h35 | 18:17 18:17Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Sunday 23 August | |||||
W33112 | 8:20 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h38 | 8:58 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33110 | 9:20 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h38 | 9:58 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01011 | 9:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h39 | 10:06 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29907 | 17:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h40 | 17:43 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01293 | 17:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h37 | 17:52 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01036 | 17:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h38 | 18:03 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33335 | 17:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h34 | 18:09 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66589 | 18:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h40 | 18:43 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33355 | 18:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0h37 | 18:52 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 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 Stoke-on-Trent run on average 10 times per day, taking around 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, 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 £2 |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 34m |
First train 0:10 |
Last train 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Stoke-on-Trent — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Stoke-on-Trent trip today.
Major pottery museum with the Staffordshire Hoard, ceramics collections and family-friendly galleries in Hanley.
Historic pottery factory museum with demonstrations, furnished workshops and hands-on insight into Stoke-on-Trent's ceramics trade.
Museum and visitor centre at Middleport Pottery, exploring working pottery traditions, local history and canal-side industry.
Restored Victorian park with formal gardens, lake, play areas and space for relaxed walks near the city centre.
Canal-side heritage area with paths, industrial buildings and green space, ideal for a short walk and waterside views.
Large country park with woodland, open meadows and accessible trails, popular for walking, wildlife and fresh air.
A hearty Staffordshire oat pancake made from oatmeal batter, often filled with cheese, bacon or sausage. It is the Potteries’ signature savoury snack and breakfast staple.
A simple local lunch of melted cheese, sliced onion and tomato layered on a Staffordshire oatcake. It is a classic Potteries café order.
Traditional meat and potato filling wrapped in suet pastry and steamed or baked. This old Staffordshire working dish is warming and very filling.
Well-known casual spot for authentic Staffordshire oatcakes with varied fillings. Simple, local and ideal for a quick regional bite.
Popular local restaurant known for well-made Staffordshire oatcakes, breakfast dishes and relaxed café atmosphere.
Traditional canalside pub serving ales and classic British food in a historic setting near the Trent and Mersey Canal.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and meals are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs stay manageable for most visitors.
Service is often included in restaurants; if not, tip around 10% for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up or tipped 10%. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station -> Hanley Bus Station, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.

Most Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Stoke-on-Trent station pair, with some services arriving at Longport. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Stoke-on-Trent 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 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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Stoke-on-Trent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Wi-Fi is available at Stoke-on-Trent. ATMs are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-on-Trent. 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 Stoke-on-Trent: Parking, WC.
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-on-Trent: 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.
Longport is 4 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Longport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Longport.
Available at Longport: Parking.
Available at Longport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Longport: 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.
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