4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Stafford to Manchester
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£10
Fastest journey
55 m
Average duration
1 h 7 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stafford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stafford to Manchester will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Of the 3 trains that leave Stafford for Manchester every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 1 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 29 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.
Live departures
Stafford to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Stafford to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 25 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:11 Stafford | 1h29 | 09:40 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:34 Stafford | 0h55 | 10:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:33 Stafford | 0h56 | 11:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Stafford 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.
25 Feb
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28 Feb
01 Mar
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03 Mar
Why should you book Stafford to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Stafford 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, Raileurope or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Stafford to Manchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Stafford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Stafford to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 55m.
Distance 76 km |
Average train duration 1h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £6 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 55m |
First train 03:40 |
Last train 23:32 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country, West Midlands Trains from Stafford to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail (3), Cross Country, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Stafford and Manchester from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail (3)
Cross Country
West Midlands Trains
Trains from Stafford to Manchester
Journeying from Stafford to Manchester by train is a comfortable and fun-filled experience. The average train trip from Stafford to Manchester takes 1 hour 13 minutes. As many trains cover the Stafford-Manchester route, passengers can get a train every hour. Over 30 trains travel from Stafford to Manchester every day.
Stafford to Manchester train times: Daily departures
Travellers can expect between 25 and 31 trains from Stafford to Manchester daily, although train services may be less frequent on weekends and holidays. The earliest train leaves before 7:00 a.m., and the last train departs around 10:00 p.m. Operators covering the Stafford-to-Manchester route don't have sleeper services.
How long is the journey by train from Stafford to Manchester?
The distance by train from Stafford to Manchester is approximately 47 miles. With the fastest train, travellers can reach Manchester in 56 minutes, but the average trip is 1 hour 13 minutes. There are direct trains available if passengers don't want a transfer during their journey.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Stafford to Manchester?
Departure train station: Trains from Stafford to Manchester depart from the Stafford train station. Passengers can reach the city centre from the station by train or bus. Nearby attractions such as the Shire Hall Gallery and Stafford Gatehouse Theatre make Stafford a top attraction for travellers and locals alike. Station facilities include ATMs, post boxes, car parking, toilets, payphones, station buffets, and shops.
Arrival train station: Trains from Stafford to Manchester arrive at Manchester Piccadilly Station, the city's main railway terminal. Travellers can reach the city centre from the station in 5 to 10 minutes. The station is accessible by bus, tram, and taxi. Facilities available for passengers include bicycle racks, ATMs, free WiFi, cafés, retail outlets, toilets, baby-changing rooms, payphones, post boxes, and car parking.
Which train companies travel from Stafford to Manchester?
CrossCountry and Arriva Trains Wales (ATW) run the trains from Stafford and Manchester. Passengers can choose from 31 trains going from Stafford to Manchester daily. CrossCountry operates the fastest and cheapest trains on this route. Its large fleet runs up to 16 times daily. By comparison, ATW operates slower trains and a smaller fleet on the Stafford-Manchester route.
CrossCountry Stafford to Manchester
CrossCountry operates long-distance, high-speed trains across the UK. Travellers can choose from up to 16 direct CrossCountry trains on the Stafford-Manchester route daily. The average journey duration is 1 hour 2 minutes, although its fastest trains complete the trip under an hour. CrossCountry has a train leaving Stafford for Manchester every hour.
Arriva Trains Wales Stafford to Manchester
ATW is owned by Deutsche Bahn, the German railway company. ATW services the Midlands and various cities across Wales. It offers both short- and long-distance trips on many routes, including the Stafford-Manchester line. The company's trains run up to 15 times daily, but none are direct.
Stafford to Manchester trains: Services on board
CrossCountry has both first- and standard-class tickets. Facilities available to passengers travelling in first class include larger seats, tables, power outlets, WiFi, and onboard refreshments. There are spaces for wheelchair users in both the standard- and first-class coaches. Mobility scooters are allowed on the train but must be folded and placed in the luggage rack. Passengers can travel with pets, provided they keep them on a lead or in a carrier. Only one item of luggage and some smaller items are permitted.
ATW offers both first-class and regular tickets on trains from Stafford to Manchester. Most of the trains in the ATW fleet can accommodate people with disabilities travelling with wheelchairs and scooters. Travellers can board the trains with their bikes but must book space in advance. Small domestic animals are permitted on the trains but must be kept on a lead or in a carrier.
How to find cheap train tickets from Perth to Aberdeen
Buying train tickets in advance can help travellers lower train travel costs. Boarding a slower train and being flexible on travel dates and times can also save money. Omio has a plethora of user-friendly tools to help travellers find the lowest-priced tickets on trains from Stafford to Manchester.
FAQs: Stafford to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stafford 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 Stafford and Manchester
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 06:00 - 20:00 Sunday 08:30 - 20:00
- Car Park: Stafford Multi Story (Car Park 2)
- 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
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: 84 cycle spaces in two bays on platform 1 with 42 cycle spaces in Car Park 2 (Multi-Story)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car RentalInformation Desk
- 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
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- 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.
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
- 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.
More options for your journey from Stafford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Stafford
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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