Stafford to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Tue 25 Aug
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Cross Country
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Northern Rail
Cross Country
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stafford to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 25 Aug

Cheapest price

£17

Average price

£24

Fastest journey

54 m

Average duration

1 h 3 m

Trains per day

6

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 £24 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £17.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Stafford for Manchester every day 4 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 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 54 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.

  • West Midlands TrainsC17777+Northern RailL89079
    8:111h29
    Stafford station (STA)
    9:40Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £171One-way
    1 change
  • West Midlands TrainsC17856+Northern RailG90079 · G89577
    8:401h55
    Stafford station (STA)
    10:35Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
    £171One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG66716
    9:030h56
    Stafford station (STA)
    9:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00781
    8:000h59
    Stafford station (STA)
    8:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £181One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West CoastW34147
    8:500h54
    Stafford station (STA)
    9:44Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £381One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Stafford to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Stafford to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG007818:00 Stafford station (STA)
0h59
8:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
West Midlands TrainsC17777+Northern RailL890798:11 Stafford station (STA)
1h29
9:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG008478:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
West Midlands TrainsC17856+Northern RailG90079 · G895778:40 Stafford station (STA)
1h55
10:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)2 changes
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

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.

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

Why should you book Stafford to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains 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, 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, 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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Stafford to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 if you book in advance.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 76 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
76 km
Average train duration
1h 1m
Cheapest ticket price
£8
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
56m
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
21 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: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains from Stafford to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Stafford and Manchester from £8. 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 Duration
56m
Cheapest Price
£10
CrossCountry frequency
5 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 Duration
54m
Cheapest Price
£72
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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 Duration
1h 29m
Cheapest 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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
£63
Cross Country frequency
30 a day

West Midlands Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 2m
West Midlands Trains frequency
4 a day

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.

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 £8, while the average price tends to be around £14.
The train journey from Stafford to Manchester covers a distance of 76 km and takes approximately 56m. Trains run 8 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 8 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 7 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country.
To travel from Stafford to Manchester, you can take a train.
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).
The cheapest way to get from Stafford to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £8.
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, a day trip from Stafford to Manchester is feasible, with a travel time of 56m, a distance of 76 km, and a train frequency of 7 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 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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Stafford to Manchester train

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