Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent train with Northern Rail (3)

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.