1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
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
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from St Albans to Manchester
Showing times and prices for 06 Dec
Cheapest price
£52
Average price
£87
Fastest journey
2 h 52 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
231 km
Cheap tickets
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 £87 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave St Albans for Manchester every day 5 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 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 52 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.
05:132h52
St Albans08:05Manchester
£521One-way
0 changes
06:083h32
St Albans09:40Manchester
£901One-way
0 changes
19:083h27
St Albans22:35Manchester
£921One-way
0 changes
03:234h21
St Albans07:44Manchester
£991One-way
0 changes
03:533h59
St Albans07:52Manchester
£1011One-way
0 changes
05:132h52
St Albans08:05Manchester
£521One-way
0 changes
19:083h27
St Albans22:35Manchester
£921One-way
0 changes
06:083h32
St Albans09:40Manchester
£901One-way
0 changes
03:533h59
St Albans07:52Manchester
£1011One-way
0 changes
03:234h21
St Albans07:44Manchester
£991One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight 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 coach with prices starting from £6. 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 coach costs an average of £6, and a flight costs an average of £55.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£88 Average Price | £13 Average Price Cheapest | £160 Average Price |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 29m Average total duration 4h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | 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 today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 05:41
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Y36673+ Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+W09634 | On time 08:11 St Albans City (SAC) | 3h08 | 11:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| Y37010+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+W09722 | On time 08:27 St Albans City (SAC) | 3h17 | 11:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
Y36204+ Y07601 · Y07133 · Y07230 | On time 08:44 St Albans City (SAC) | 4h21 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 changes | |
| Y36183+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+W09638 | On time 08:45 St Albans City (SAC) | 3h20 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| Y36468+Y07601 · Y07135 · Y07233 | On time 08:47 St Albans City (SAC) | 5h18 | 14:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4 changes | |
| Y36294+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Euston+W09640 | On time 08:52 St Albans City (SAC) | 3h27 | 12:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| Saturday 6 December | |||||
| 03:23 St Albans | 4h21 | 07:44 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 03:53 St Albans | 3h59 | 07:52 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 05:13 St Albans | 2h52 | 08:05 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, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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.
Sat
06 Dec
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
09 Dec
Wed
10 Dec
10 Dec
Thu
11 Dec
11 Dec
Fri
12 Dec
12 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from St Albans to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from St Albans to Manchester run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £49 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 2h 36m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £49 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 00:04 |
Last train 22:15 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, Thameslink from St Albans to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Trains, Thameslink trains will get you between St Albans and Manchester from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
£52
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
East Midlands Trains
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 Duration
3h 52m
Cheapest Price
£49
East Midlands Trains 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
Thameslink
About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
£99
Thameslink frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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.
No, a day trip from St Albans to Manchester is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 36m. There are 3 train services per day, covering a distance of 231 km.
Booking trains from St Albans to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
The train journey from St Albans to Manchester covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 2h 36m. Trains run 3 per day.
The cost of a train ticket from St Albans to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £49, while the average price tends to be around £88.
The train station in St Albans that goes to Manchester is St Albans City (SAC), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
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.
The first train from St Albans to Manchester leaves at 0:04.
Trains from St Albans to Manchester run approximately 3 times per day.
The train journey from St Albans to Manchester offers a pleasant mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the English countryside, historic towns, and some industrial landscapes as you travel north.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from St Albans to Manchester.
The cheapest way to get from St Albans to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £6.
Yes, you can take the train from St Albans to Manchester.
The train distance from St Albans to Manchester is 231 km.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from St Albans to Manchester.
To get from St Albans to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
The last train from St Albans to Manchester departs at 22:15.
There is no night train service from St Albans to Manchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in St Albans and Manchester
St Albans
Manchester
The major train station for departures in St Albans is St Albans City. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at St Albans City for your trip from St Albans to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 05:45 - 22:00 Saturday 06:45 - 21:15 Sunday 07:30 - 21:45
Parking
- Car Park: Victoria Street Multi Storey Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Station Way & Ridgmont Road
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityBike ParkingCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: station platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for St Albans Abbey
- 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.
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Deansgate. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Deansgate for your journey to Manchester from St Albans.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Deansgate
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
- 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
More options for your journey from St Albans to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and St Albans
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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.
