- Must visit
Preston Park Museum & Grounds
Local history museum in Preston Park with recreated Victorian streets, period interiors and family-friendly displays on Teesside life.
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£45
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£45
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
2 h 51 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
2 h 51 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Thornaby is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Thornaby will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
On Sun 20 Sept, we found 1 trains from Manchester to Thornaby, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 51 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 51 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.


Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Thornaby among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £17 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, while a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 132 km
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£40 Average Price | £17 Average Price Cheapest | £28 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration Fastest 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 12m Average total duration 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Thornaby:
A coach is £22 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Thornaby costing on average £40.
Other travel options to Thornaby take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 42m.
Tickets start at around £40 compared to roughly £28 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-11.56. The journey takes 2h 23m versus 2h 5m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Thornaby trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C24907+ C32318 | On time 12:45 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h38 | 15:23 Thornaby station (TBY) | 1 change | |
C01248 | On time 12:59 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h30 | 15:29 Thornaby station (TBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15828+ C32326 | On time 13:45 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h38 | 16:23 Thornaby station (TBY) | 1 change | |
G16023 | On time 13:59 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h30 | 16:29 Thornaby station (TBY) | 0 changesdirect | |
C00869+ C32332 | On time 14:45 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h38 | 17:23 Thornaby station (TBY) | 1 change | |
C01250 | On time 14:59 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h30 | 17:29 Thornaby station (TBY) | 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 Thornaby run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:35, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 132 km distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 132 km |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 0:35 |
Last train 23:56 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Thornaby — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Thornaby trip today.
Local history museum in Preston Park with recreated Victorian streets, period interiors and family-friendly displays on Teesside life.
Museum on the River Tees exploring Captain Cook, maritime history and local heritage through interactive galleries in central Middlesbrough.
Contemporary art gallery in Middlesbrough showing changing exhibitions, installations and public events in a bold modern building.
Large riverside park with woodland walks, formal gardens, a museum and family facilities, making it a top green escape near Thornaby.
Waterside leisure area with a lake, walking routes and adventure facilities, popular for relaxed outdoor time close to the town centre.
Historic high street in nearby Yarm with Georgian frontages, independent shops and a distinctive riverside market-town character.
A Teesside staple of seasoned beef and pork mince baked in pastry. Long tied to local bakers and everyday North East lunches.
Spiced fruit bun from nearby Yorkshire, commonly eaten toasted with butter. A familiar regional tea-time treat across North East England.
Rich tart made with curd cheese, eggs and nutmeg. Traditional in the wider Yorkshire area and well known around Thornaby.
Popular steakhouse and grill known for generous portions and a lively casual setting suitable for families and groups.
Established country house hotel restaurant for afternoon tea, British classics and a calmer, more refined atmosphere.
Well-known pub restaurant serving grills, roasts and classic British dishes in a relaxed waterside setting.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and everyday costs are reasonable, while hotel choice is limited locally, so visitors may pay more if staying in nearby larger towns.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis and small café bills if service is good.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Thornaby 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 Thornaby, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Thornaby trains use the Manchester Airport to Thornaby station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Thornaby train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 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.
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.
Thornaby is 2 km from Thornaby city centre. Public transport options include:
Thornaby has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Thornaby.
Wi-Fi is available at Thornaby.
Ticket office support is available at Thornaby.
Available at Thornaby: Parking, WC.
Available at Thornaby: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Thornaby: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free access is provided from the station entrance to the platform. This station is partially staffed. The station staffing hours are: Monday to Saturday: 05:45 - 19:45 Sunday: 08:45 - 17:30 This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance throughout the 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. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Outside of staffed station hours, assistance to board and alight the train can be provided by the Conductor. The conductor is usually positioned at the rear of the train. Customers requiring assistance to navigate through the station when the station is unstaffed are requested to contact the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay) to arrange alternative transport to the closest station where assistance can be provided, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: During Staff Help times as shown above, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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