- 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.
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£3
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£15
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
35 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
36 m
Trains on 03 Sept
27
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 £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 27 trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester, including 27 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 53 km distance in an average of 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 35 m .
The slowest trains will take 38 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.
L89208
L89192
L89194
L89188
L89212
W34198
W34070
W34021
W34038
W34210Omio 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 an average ticket price of £7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 14m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, while a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 53 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£8 Average Price | £7 Average Price Cheapest | £11 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 14m Average total duration Fastest 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration 1h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester:
A coach is £0.72 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester costing on average £8.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 31m.
The journey is about 25m faster (44m by train vs 1h 9m by car) and roughly £3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£8 vs £11). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, Northern Trains Limited.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 3 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L89212 | 6:24 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h59 | 7:23 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00777 | 6:49 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h40 | 7:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89180 | 6:55 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h55 | 7:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66607 | 7:21 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 7:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89184 | 7:25 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h59 | 8:24 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34065 | 7:45 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h40 | 8:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00779 | 7:50 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h39 | 8:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89188 | 7:54 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h57 | 8:51 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34175 | 8:27 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 9:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34021 | 8:44 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h35 | 9:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00847 | 8:49 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h40 | 9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89192 | 8:55 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h55 | 9:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66716 | 9:21 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01312 | 9:27 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 10:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34070 | 9:44 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h35 | 10:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00849 | 9:50 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h39 | 10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89194 | 9:55 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h55 | 10:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66721 | 10:21 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W33961 | 10:27 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 11:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34038 | 10:44 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h35 | 11:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00851 | 10:49 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h40 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66730 | 12:21 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34210 | 12:27 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34198 | 12:44 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h35 | 13:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00858 | 12:49 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h40 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
L89208 | 12:55 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h55 | 13:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66735 | 13:21 Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT) | 0h38 | 13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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 38m.
Distance 53 km |
Average train duration 44m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 38m |
First train 0:10 |
Last train 23:50 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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 options are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
Wi-Fi is available at Stoke-on-Trent. ATMs are available at Stoke-on-Trent.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Parking, WC.
Available at Stoke-on-Trent: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Longport is 4 km from Stoke-on-Trent city centre. Public transport options include:
Longport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Longport.
Available at Longport: Parking.
Available at Longport: Bike Parking.
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.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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.
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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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