Skelmersdale to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Mon 24 Aug
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Skelmersdale to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 24 Aug

Cheapest price

£4

Average price

£4

Fastest journey

56 m

Average duration

56 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

36 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Skelmersdale to Manchester will cost around £4 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Skelmersdale for Manchester every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 56 m .

The slowest trains will take 56 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.

  • Northern Rail
    10:050h56
    Skelmersdale
    11:01Manchester
    £41One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Skelmersdale to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Skelmersdale to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern Rail10:05 Skelmersdale
0h56
11:01 Manchester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Skelmersdale 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.

Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug

Why should you book Skelmersdale to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail operates all trains services from Skelmersdale to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Skelmersdale to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • 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.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Skelmersdale to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Skelmersdale to Manchester run on average 18 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.

There are 18 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 22:50. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 56m.

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
57m
Cheapest ticket price
£3
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
18
Fastest train
56m
First train
4:48
Last train
22:50
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
35 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: Northern Rail from Skelmersdale to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail trains will get you between Skelmersdale and Manchester from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Duration
56m
Cheapest Price
£3
Northern Rail frequency
17 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

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: Skelmersdale to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Skelmersdale 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 Skelmersdale to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £4.
The train journey from Skelmersdale to Manchester covers a distance of 36 km and takes approximately 56m. Trains run 18 per day.
The train distance from Skelmersdale to Manchester is 36 km.
The first train from Skelmersdale to Manchester leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Skelmersdale to Manchester departs at 22:50.
Trains from Skelmersdale to Manchester run approximately 18 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Skelmersdale to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Skelmersdale and Manchester. The service operates 18 times per day, provided by Northern Rail.
To travel from Skelmersdale to Manchester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Skelmersdale to Manchester.
The train station in Skelmersdale that goes to Manchester is Rainford station (RNF), and it arrives at Manchester Victoria (MCV).
The cheapest way to get from Skelmersdale to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Skelmersdale to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The journey from Skelmersdale to Manchester by train typically involves a combination of bus and train services, as Skelmersdale does not have its own train station. Travellers first take a bus to a nearby station such as Wigan or Kirkby, which are not particularly known for scenic views. Once on the train, the route to Manchester passes through urban and suburban areas, offering limited scenic landscapes.
Yes, a day trip from Skelmersdale to Manchester is feasible as the journey takes 56m and covers 36 km. Trains run 16 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 Skelmersdale to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Skelmersdale and Manchester

Most Skelmersdale to Manchester trains use the Rainford to Manchester Victoria station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Skelmersdale and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Skelmersdale
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Manchester station do trains from Skelmersdale arrive at?

Trains from Skelmersdale to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester Victoria. Some services arrive at Manchester Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.
Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WYParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre

TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min

Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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 AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £4 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

Manchester Airport train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.

Tickets and information

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.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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.

DeansgateDeansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LGParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Deansgate from Manchester city centre

Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainManchester Airport - Corkickle, Manchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Airport - Windermere, Wilmslow - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Preston, Stockport - Blackpool North · 5m · £0.90 · every ~7 min
Bus33, 255, 30 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
T1 · 1h 6m
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line · 6m · £2 · every ~38 min

Deansgate train station facilities and services

Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: 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.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Skelmersdale to Manchester train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone