The cheapest and fastest trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£18
Fastest journey
35 m
Average duration
38 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
53 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Of the 6 trains that leave Stoke-on-Trent for Manchester every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest trains will take 40 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.
L8920812:550h55Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£71One-way0 changes
W3421012:270h38Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£141One-way0 changes
W3419812:440h35Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£141One-way0 changes
G6673513:210h38Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£241One-way0 changes
G6673012:210h38Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)12:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£241One-way0 changes
W3419812:440h35Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£141One-way0 changes
G6673513:210h38Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£241One-way0 changes
G6673012:210h38Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)12:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£241One-way0 changes
W3421012:270h38Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£141One-way0 changes
G0085812:490h40Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT)13:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£241One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Stoke-on-Trent 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 train which can get you there in 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £6, and a train costs an average of £3.
Distance: 53 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£10 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 2m Average total duration 1h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester trains for today, Sunday 19 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:54 Stoke-on-Trent | 0h43 | 9:37 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:22 Stoke-on-Trent | 1h07 | 11:29 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:52 Stoke-on-Trent | 0h38 | 11:30 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:52 Stoke-on-Trent | 0h38 | 12:30 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 12:24 Stoke-on-Trent | 0h38 | 13:02 Manchester | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
20 Jul
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23 Jul
24 Jul
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26 Jul
Why should you book Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Cross Country or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Stoke-on-Trent 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Cross Country or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 35m.
Distance 53 km |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 35m |
First train 0:10 |
Last train 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Northern Trains Limited from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Northern Trains Limited
Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
Three companies operate the train route from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester, providing approximately 79 trains a day. The journey takes between 38 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the train company, and the day of the week (with slower trips over weekends and on holidays). All trains travelling from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester arrive at Manchester Piccadilly.
Which train companies travel from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
Three train companies operate on the Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester route. Travellers can choose from services by Virgin Rail, Northern and Cross Country. Virgin Rail and Cross Country are usually the fastest, offering shorter journey times. Northern rail takes a slower route.
How long is the train journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
The average journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Piccadilly takes 52 minutes, and covers 32 miles. The fastest time for a journey is 38 minutes. The journey time can be longer on weekends and holidays - up to approximately 1.5 or 2 hours. Journeys are direct, and require no changes.
How many trains are there from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
Three to four trains depart from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester each hour with times spread throughout the day, well into the late evening. An average weekday sees 79 trains per day travelling from Stoke-on-Trent to the Manchester Piccadilly station. A regular service continues through the weekend.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?
Departure train station: The Stoke-on-Trent station is situated in an historic Victorian building. Opposite the station entrance is a statue of Josiah Wedgwood, the 18th century potter. The station is approximately one mile from the town centre, and is accessible via public transport. A full range of facilities are available, including wifi, shops and refreshment facilities.
Arrival train station: All trains from Stoke-on-Trent run to Manchester's main train station, Manchester Piccadilly. This station is the major northern transport hub, and processes approximately 23 million passengers a year. A free Metroshuttle service is available from the station to various Manchester landmarks, such as the Salford Quays. A full range of facilities are available at the station, including access to public transport.
FAQs: Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester
Most Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester trains use the Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Stoke-on-Trent station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Getting to Stoke-on-Trent from Stoke-on-Trent city centre
Stoke-on-Trent train station facilities and services
Stoke-on-Trent has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Stoke-on-Trent. ATMs are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Stoke-on-Trent. 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 Stoke-on-Trent: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Stoke-on-Trent: 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 taxis: By the North end of platform 1, 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.
Getting to Longport from Stoke-on-Trent city centre
Longport is 4 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Longport train station facilities and services
Longport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Longport.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Longport: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Longport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Longport: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. This station has a degree of step free access to the platform which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check for details. Wheelchair users may need assistance on Platform 1 as there are no lowered kerbs on the pavements and the gradient of the ramp to the platform is steep. The gradient of the ramp to Platform 2 is moderate. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible taxis: Euro 01782 314444, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Manchester station do trains from Stoke-on-Trent arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are 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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: 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.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: 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.
Most popular train connections from Stoke-on-Trent
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