Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester train with Northern Rail (3)

Mon 01 Dec
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Northern Rail (3)
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
east_midlands_trains
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 02 Dec

Cheapest price

£7

Average price

£8

Fastest journey

38 m

Average duration

48 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

53 km

Cheap tickets

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 £8 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Stoke-on-Trent for Manchester every day 5 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 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 38 m .

The slowest trains will take 55 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.

Northern Rail (3)
16:550h55
Stoke-on-Trent
17:50Manchester
£71One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
08:550h55
Stoke-on-Trent
09:50Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
05:550h54
Stoke-on-Trent
06:49Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)
07:550h55
Stoke-on-Trent
08:50Manchester
£81One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
17:210h38
Stoke-on-Trent
17:59Manchester
£111One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train 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 £2.

Distance: 53 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£10

Average Price

£8

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 56m

Average total duration

1h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 02:40
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
northern_rail05:55 Stoke-on-Trent
0h54
06:49 Manchester0 changesdirect
northern_rail07:55 Stoke-on-Trent
0h55
08:50 Manchester0 changesdirect
northern_rail11:55 Stoke-on-Trent
0h55
12:50 Manchester0 changesdirect
northern_rail13:55 Stoke-on-Trent
0h55
14:50 Manchester0 changesdirect
northern_rail15:55 Stoke-on-Trent
0h55
16:50 Manchester0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester by coach or train

Compare coach and 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
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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 £2 if you book in advance.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 53 km distance in 35m.

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
53 km
Average train duration
44m
Cheapest ticket price
£2
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
35m
First train
00:05
Last train
23:50
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 (3), CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail (3), CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, east_midlands_trains, Cross Country, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester from £2. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

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
54m
Cheapest Price
£3
Northern Rail (3) 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

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
38m
Cheapest Price
£9
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 Duration
35m
Cheapest Price
£7
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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

east_midlands_trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 7m
Cheapest Price
£74
east_midlands_trains frequency
7 a day

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
38m
Cheapest Price
£41
Cross Country frequency
13 a day

West Midlands Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 10m
West Midlands Trains frequency
8 a day

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.

FAQs
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, a day trip from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is feasible. The journey takes 35m, covering a distance of 53 km. There are 9 trains per day for this route.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £10.
The cheapest way to get from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £2.
The train distance from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester is 53 km.
The last train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester departs at 23:50.
Yes, there is a direct train between Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester. The service operates 9 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country.
There is no night train service from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
The train journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester offers a pleasant view of the English countryside, featuring rolling hills and quaint villages, making it a relatively scenic route.
Booking trains from Stoke-on-Trent 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 Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester covers a distance of 53 km and takes approximately 35m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train station in Stoke-on-Trent that goes to Manchester is Stoke-on-Trent station (SOT), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The first train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester leaves at 0:05.
Trains from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
To get from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Stoke-on-Trent and Manchester

Stoke-on-Trent
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Stoke-on-Trent is Longport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Longport for your trip from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Longport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the station entrance.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 20:00 Saturday 06:25 - 19:30 Sunday 08:55 - 20:30
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Stoke on Trent Car Park 3 (Adjacent to Platform 2/3)
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The accessible toilets are located on Platform 1 and 2. The National key toilet is located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1 & 2
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: all platforms
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Stoke-on-Trent
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station.

More options for your journey from Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester train

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