Stafford to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Sat 10 Oct
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stafford to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct

Cheapest price on 10 Oct

£12

Average ticket price on 10 Oct

£23

Fastest journey on 10 Oct

55 m

Average journey duration on 10 Oct

56 m

Trains on 10 Oct

36

Distance

76 km

Cheap tickets

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 £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.

Fast trains

On Sat 10 Oct, we found 36 trains from Stafford to Manchester, including 28 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 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.

  • West Midlands TrainsC17763+Northern RailL89062
    15:121h28
    Stafford station (STA)
    16:40Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £121One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsC17930+Northern RailL89068
    16:121h28
    Stafford station (STA)
    17:40Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £121One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00873
    15:330h56
    Stafford station (STA)
    16:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00877
    16:030h56
    Stafford station (STA)
    16:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £161One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00870
    15:030h56
    Stafford station (STA)
    15:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £161One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Stafford to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Stafford to Manchester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 if you book in advance.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 51m.

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
76 km
Average train duration
59m
Cheapest ticket price
£6
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
51m
First train
3:40
Last train
23:45
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Stafford to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Stafford to Manchester trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG007776:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
7:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG666077:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
7:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG007797:34 Stafford station (STA)
0h55
8:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW342047:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h55
8:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG007818:00 Stafford station (STA)
0h59
8:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00847
On time
8:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW341478:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
9:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG667169:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG008499:34 Stafford station (STA)
0h55
10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW342739:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
10:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG6672110:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89089+West Midlands TrainsC1788710:11 Stafford station (STA)
1h29
11:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG0085110:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG6673513:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0086113:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW3417913:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
14:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0086514:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
14:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0086614:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90070 · G89546+West Midlands TrainsC1777514:40 Stafford station (STA)
1h55
16:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Stafford to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Stafford to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stafford to Manchester.

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 or Transport for Wales 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 or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Stafford to Manchester.

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales from Stafford to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales 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

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
51m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£6
CrossCountry frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require 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
54m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£31
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

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 6m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£8
Northern Rail frequency
2 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

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
58m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£30
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.

Best day trips from Manchester by train

The most popular day trips by train from Manchester are Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Chester and York. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Manchester on Omio.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Manchester to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

How to get from Manchester to Liverpool by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 50 km distance in 31m.

A view of Leeds

Day trip from Manchester to Leeds by train

Why visit Leeds for the day?

Leeds is a major West Yorkshire city known for Victorian arcades, shopping and a lively music scene. Its industrial heritage, regenerated waterfront and large student population give it an energetic but down-to-earth character.

How to get from Manchester to Leeds by train?

There are 59 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 57 km distance in 43m.

A view of Sheffield

Day trip from Manchester to Sheffield by train

Why visit Sheffield for the day?

Sheffield is known for its steelmaking heritage, modern music culture and easy access to green space. It feels both urban and outdoorsy, with Victorian buildings, independent venues and the Peak District nearby.

How to get from Manchester to Sheffield by train?

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 52 km distance in 48m.

A view of Chester

Day trip from Manchester to Chester by train

Why visit Chester for the day?

Chester is known for its Roman walls, medieval streets and the distinctive black-and-white Rows. Compact and walkable, it blends deep history with a relaxed riverside setting and a lively city centre.

How to get from Manchester to Chester by train?

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 50m.

A view of York

Day trip from Manchester to York by train

Why visit York for the day?

York is known for its Roman and Viking heritage, medieval streets and the imposing York Minster. Its compact centre, old walls and busy mix of shops, pubs and museums make it easy to grasp the city's historic character.

How to get from Manchester to York by train?

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 93 km distance in 1h 10m.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Stafford to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £6, while the average price tends to be around £23.
The train journey from Stafford to Manchester covers a distance of 76 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Stafford to Manchester is 76 km.
The first train from Stafford to Manchester leaves at 3:40.
The last train from Stafford to Manchester departs at 23:45.
Trains from Stafford to Manchester run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stafford to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Stafford and Manchester. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast.
There is no night train service from Stafford to Manchester.
The train station in Stafford that goes to Manchester is Stafford station (STA), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Booking trains from Stafford 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 Stafford to Manchester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the English countryside, passing through areas such as Stoke-on-Trent and the Cheshire plains, providing a pleasant travel experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Stafford to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Stafford and Manchester

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

Departure train stations in Stafford
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Stafford station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Stafford to Manchester leave from Stafford. The station is from Stafford city centre at Stafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AA.
StaffordStafford station, Station Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 2AAShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Stafford from Stafford city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station on the left hand side.

Stafford train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Stafford.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Stafford.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Stafford. 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 Stafford: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Stafford: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Stafford: 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 Stafford to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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