- 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 23 Sept
£72
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£72
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
3 h 14 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
3 h 14 m
Trains on 23 Sept
1
Distance
297 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Strood to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Strood to Manchester will cost around £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £72.
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Strood to Manchester, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 297 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 14 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 14 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Strood to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £133 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £133, while a train costs an average of £133.
Distance: 297 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£133 Average Price Cheapest | £59 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 1h 43m sooner (2h 50m by train vs 4h 33m by car). Tickets start at around £133 compared to roughly £59 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Strood to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:05 Strood | 3h14 | 13:19 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Strood to Manchester run on average 2 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £99 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 20:35. The fastest train covers the 297 km distance in 2h 47m.
Distance 297 km |
Average train duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £99 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 2h 47m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 20:35 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Strood 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 Strood to Manchester trains use the Strood to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Strood and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Strood has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Strood.
ATMs are available at Strood.
Ticket office support is available at Strood. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Strood: Parking, WC.
Available at Strood: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Strood: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access direct to platform 1 from the side entrance for services away from London towards Rochester, Chatham, Gillingham and Rainham. Step free access via lift to platforms 2 and 3 for services to London and also onto the Medway Valley line stations. Stepped access to platforms 2 and 3 via the station subway. Step free interchange between platforms via the lift, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: station forecourt, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 02:00 Saturday 05:00 - 02:00 Sunday 05:45 - 02:00 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need