Runcorn to Manchester train with Transpennine Express

Sun 20 Sept
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Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
East Midlands Railway
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Runcorn to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept

Cheapest price on 20 Sept

£13

Average ticket price on 20 Sept

£22

Fastest journey on 20 Sept

53 m

Average journey duration on 20 Sept

1 h 7 m

Trains on 20 Sept

5

Distance

36 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Runcorn to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Runcorn to Manchester will cost around £22 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.

Fast trains

To travel from Runcorn to Manchester you need to make at least one change.

  • Transport for WalesY62956 · W43748
    10:081h27
    Runcorn station (RUN)
    11:35Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    £131One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesY63019 · W43635
    11:161h17
    Runcorn station (RUN)
    12:33Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    £151One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesY62995+Transpennine ExpressW84681
    11:130h58
    Runcorn station (RUN)
    12:11Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    £271One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesY63021+Transpennine ExpressW84669
    9:140h53
    Runcorn station (RUN)
    10:07Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    £271One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressW84675+Transport for WalesY62934
    10:110h58
    Runcorn station (RUN)
    11:09Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    £271One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train for Runcorn to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Runcorn to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £13 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 24m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £13, while a train costs an average of £13.

Distance: 36 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£13

Average Price

Cheapest

£7

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

53m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Transpennine Express

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Runcorn to Manchester is a train with an average price of £19.
The fastest way to travel from Runcorn to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 52m.
Yes, you can take a train between Runcorn and Manchester.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 1m sooner (52m by train vs 53m by car). Tickets start at around £19 compared to roughly £7 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Runcorn to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Runcorn to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday 20 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transpennine ExpressW84669+Transport for WalesY630219:14 Runcorn station (RUN)
0h53
10:07 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)1 change
Transport for WalesY62956 · W4374810:08 Runcorn station (RUN)
1h27
11:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Runcorn to Manchester by train

Compare 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.

Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept

Why should you book Runcorn to Manchester trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Runcorn to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Runcorn to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Runcorn to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trip or Rome2rio?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Runcorn to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Runcorn to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Runcorn to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 1h 44m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
36 km
Average train duration
54m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
1h 44m
First train
0:10
Last train
23:51
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
2 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales from Runcorn to Manchester trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Runcorn and Manchester from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
44m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£15
Transpennine Express frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
1h 1m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£23
Northern Rail frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

East Midlands Railway

About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
43m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£16
East Midlands Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
52m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£27
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
53m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£12
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.

FAQs: Runcorn to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Runcorn to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Runcorn to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £12, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Runcorn to Manchester covers a distance of 36 km and takes approximately 43m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Runcorn to Manchester is 36 km.
The first train from Runcorn to Manchester leaves at 0:10.
The last train from Runcorn to Manchester departs at 23:51.
Trains from Runcorn to Manchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Runcorn to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Runcorn to Manchester.
To travel from Runcorn to Manchester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Runcorn to Manchester.
The train station in Runcorn that goes to Manchester is Runcorn East (RUE), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Runcorn to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Runcorn to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Runcorn to Manchester offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the Cheshire countryside and glimpses of the River Mersey, making it moderately scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Runcorn to Manchester is feasible with a journey duration of 43m and a distance of 36 km. Trains operate 3 times per day.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Runcorn to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Runcorn and Manchester

Most Runcorn to Manchester trains use the Runcorn East to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Oxford Road. Use this guide to compare Runcorn and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Runcorn
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Runcorn station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Runcorn to Manchester leave from Runcorn East. The station is 5 km from Runcorn city centre at Runcorn East station, Barnfield Avenue, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 6EP.
Runcorn EastRuncorn East station, Barnfield Avenue, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 6EP+44 3333211202ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Runcorn East from Runcorn city centre

Runcorn East is 4 km from Runcorn city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus20A · 14m · £2
62A, 62 · 18m · every ~2 min
110, X4 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min
200 · 54m · every ~3 min

Runcorn East train station facilities and services

Runcorn East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Information Desk.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Runcorn East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Runcorn East: Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Chester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Manchester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between both platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Located outside the ticket office on the wall, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

RuncornRuncorn station, Station Road, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 5UBShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Runcorn from Runcorn city centre

Bus61, 79C, 82A · 1m · £2 · every ~22 min

Runcorn train station facilities and services

Runcorn has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Runcorn.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Runcorn. 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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Runcorn: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Runcorn: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn: 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 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.

More options for your journey from Runcorn to Manchester

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