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Harwich to Manchester by train
| First train | 05:24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:32 | |
| Departure station | Harwich | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 5h 3m | |
| Distance | 181 miles (292 km) | |
| Frequency | 1 train per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train operators | CrossCountry, TransPennine Express, Greater Anglia, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway |
Taking the train from Harwich to Manchester in 5 hours 3 minutes
Thinking about taking the train from Harwich to Manchester? We've got you covered.
It usually takes around 7 hours 46 minutes to travel the 181 miles (292 km) from Harwich to Manchester by train, although you can get there in as little as 5 hours 3 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 1 train per day running on this route. You'll need to make 2 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast or Greater Anglia to Manchester. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.
Book train tickets from Harwich to Manchester in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.
If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Manchester by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Harwich to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Harwich to Manchester take?
The average journey time by train between Harwich and Manchester is 7 hours and 46 minutes, with around 1 train per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Harwich and Manchester by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Harwich to Manchester is 5 hours and 3 minutes.
Is there a direct train from Harwich to Manchester?
No, there are no direct train services from Harwich to Manchester. Travelling from Harwich to Manchester by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.
What time does the first train from Harwich to Manchester leave?
The first train from Harwich to Manchester leaves at 05:24. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Harwich to Manchester leave?
The last train from Harwich to Manchester leaves at 20:32. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Harwich and Manchester by train?
Trains travelling from Harwich to Manchester cover a distance of around 181 miles (292 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester to Harwich.
Cheap train tickets from Harwich to Manchester
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Harwich to Manchester is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.