The cheapest and fastest trains from St Albans to Manchester
Cheapest price
£81
Average price
£136
Fastest journey
3 h 28 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from St Albans to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from St Albans to Manchester will cost around £136 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £81.
Of the 2 trains that leave St Albans for Manchester every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 28 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 21 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.
8:444h21St Albans13:05Manchester£811One-way0 changes
7:373h28St Albans11:05Manchester£1911One-way0 changes
7:373h28St Albans11:05Manchester£1911One-way0 changes
8:444h21St Albans13:05Manchester£811One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, flight and coach for St Albans to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from St Albans to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 5m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £72, and a flight costs an average of £112.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£102 Average Price Cheapest | £162 Average Price |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
St Albans to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for St Albans to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Sunday 19 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:37 St Albans | 3h28 | 11:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:44 St Albans | 4h21 | 13:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets St Albans to Manchester by train, flight or coach
Compare train, flight and coach 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.
20 Apr
21 Apr
22 Apr
23 Apr
24 Apr
25 Apr
26 Apr
Why should you book St Albans to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from St Albans 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from St Albans to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink to find the best option for your trip from St Albans to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from St Albans to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from St Albans to Manchester
Trains from St Albans to Manchester run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £72 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 3h 22m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £72 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 22:15 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Thameslink from St Albans to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, Thameslink trains will get you between St Albans and Manchester from £72. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
Thameslink
FAQs: St Albans to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from St Albans 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in St Albans and Manchester
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 05:45 - 22:00 Saturday 06:45 - 21:15 Sunday 07:30 - 21:45
- Car Park: Victoria Street Multi Storey Car Park
- Taxi: YES
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to the platform. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on each platform
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Station Way & Ridgmont Road
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on Platform One.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: station platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill near to the station entrance car park. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill.
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Most popular train connections from St Albans
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