Stafford station (STA) to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Fri 18 Sept
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Northern Rail
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
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Northern Rail
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

Cheapest price on 18 Sept

£7

Average ticket price on 18 Sept

£7

Fastest journey on 18 Sept

56 m

Average journey duration on 18 Sept

56 m

Trains on 18 Sept

1

Distance

76 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stafford station (STA) 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 station (STA) to Manchester will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.

Fast trains

On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester, including 1 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 56 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.

  • CrossCountry
    15:330h56
    Stafford station (STA)
    16:29Manchester
    £71One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train for Stafford station (STA) to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £25 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £25, while a train costs an average of £25.

Distance: 76 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£25

Average Price

Cheapest

£16

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 20m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester is a train with an average price of £25.
The fastest way to travel from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 0m.
Yes, you can take a train between Stafford station (STA) and Manchester.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 20m sooner (1h 0m by train vs 1h 20m by car). Tickets start at around £25 compared to roughly £16 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Stafford station (STA) to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Stafford station (STA) to Manchester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG66607
On time
7:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
7:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00779
On time
7:34 Stafford station (STA)
0h55
8:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90076 · G89569+West Midlands TrainsC17849
Delayed
7:16 7:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
9:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34204
On time
7:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h55
8:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00781
On time
8:00 Stafford station (STA)
0h59
8:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89079+West Midlands TrainsC17777
Delayed
7:46 8:11Stafford station (STA)
1h29
9:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00847
On time
8:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90079 · G89577+West Midlands TrainsC17856
Delayed
8:16 8:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
10:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34147
On time
8:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
9:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG66716
On time
9:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00849
On time
9:34 Stafford station (STA)
0h55
10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90081 · G89585+West Midlands TrainsC17810
Delayed
9:16 9:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
11:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34273
On time
9:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
10:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG66721
On time
10:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89089+West Midlands TrainsC17887
Delayed
9:46 10:11Stafford station (STA)
1h29
11:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00851
On time
10:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90083 · G89593+West Midlands TrainsC17771
Delayed
10:16 10:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
12:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34185
On time
10:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
11:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00854
On time
11:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89093+West Midlands TrainsC17797
Delayed
10:46 11:11Stafford station (STA)
1h29
12:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00855
On time
11:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90085 · G89602+West Midlands TrainsC17774
Delayed
11:16 11:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
13:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34040
On time
11:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
12:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG66730
On time
12:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89098+West Midlands TrainsC17795
Delayed
11:46 12:11Stafford station (STA)
1h29
13:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00858
On time
12:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90086 · G89614+West Midlands TrainsC17780
Delayed
12:16 12:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
14:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33931
On time
12:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
13:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG66735
On time
13:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89104+West Midlands TrainsC17773
Delayed
12:46 13:11Stafford station (STA)
1h29
14:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG0086113:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG90087 · G89541+West Midlands TrainsC17778
Delayed
13:16 13:40Stafford station (STA)
1h55
15:35 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34179
On time
13:50 Stafford station (STA)
0h54
14:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0086514:03 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
14:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89107+West Midlands TrainsC18000
On time
14:11 Stafford station (STA)
1h29
15:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG0086614:33 Stafford station (STA)
0h56
15:29 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 station (STA) 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Stafford station (STA) to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast, Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Stafford station (STA) 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, Transport for Wales or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Stafford station (STA) 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, Transport for Wales or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 if you book in advance.

There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:11, the last at 17:33. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 54m.

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 0m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
5
Fastest train
54m
First train
6:11
Last train
17:33
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Fri
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: Northern Rail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Stafford station (STA) and Manchester from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 13m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£15
Northern Rail frequency
1 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

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
55m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£16
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
£32
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

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.

FAQs: Stafford station (STA) to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stafford station (STA) 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 station (STA) to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £25.
The train journey from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester covers a distance of 76 km and takes approximately 54m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester is 76 km.
The first train from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester leaves at 6:11.
The last train from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester departs at 17:33.
Trains from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Stafford station (STA) and Manchester. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast.
To travel from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester.
The cheapest way to get from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Stafford station (STA) 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, passing through the picturesque Cheshire countryside and some charming small towns, providing travellers with a pleasant visual experience.
Yes, a day trip from Stafford to Manchester is feasible. The journey takes 54m and covers a distance of 76 km. Trains run 9 times per day, making it convenient for a day trip.
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 station (STA) to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Stafford station (STA) and Manchester

Most Stafford station (STA) to Manchester trains use the Stafford to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Stafford station (STA) 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
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.

Most popular train connections from Stafford station (STA)

More options for your journey from Stafford station (STA) to Manchester

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

Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Stafford station (STA)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Manchester Stafford station (STA) to Manchester train

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