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Outbound fromManchester to Birmingham by train
It takes an average of 1h 37m to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (113 km). There are normally 39 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Birmingham and tickets for this journey start from $10.10 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:04 | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Birmingham | |
| Journey time | From 1h 28m | |
| Distance | 70 miles (113 km) | |
| Frequency | 39 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $10.10 | |
| Train operators |
Taking the train from Manchester to Birmingham
Thinking about travelling from Manchester to Birmingham by train? We’ve got you covered.
The train from Manchester to Birmingham usually takes around 1h 36m but can take just 1h 28m on the fastest services, with around 27 trains running on this popular route every day. You won't need to worry about making any changes along the way either as direct trains are available on this route.
You can travel on this route with either CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast. CrossCountry offer direct services, however you'll probably need to make a change at Crewe if you travel with Avanti.
To snap up the cheapest fares, book an Off-Peak time – train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham are usually cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you want to save even more, get a Railcard – you’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
If you're ready to book, start a search for cheap train tickets to Birmingham with us today. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view live train times from Manchester to Birmingham.
*Calculations are based on CO2 / passenger km, comparing an average petrol car, using statistics and conversion factors published in the government’s greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published 7 June 2023 and revised 28 June 2023. See here for more.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Birmingham? 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 Manchester to Birmingham take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Birmingham is 1 hour and 37 minutes, with around 39 trains 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 Manchester and Birmingham by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Birmingham is 1 hour and 28 minutes.
How much does the train from Manchester to Birmingham cost?
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Birmingham can start from as little as $10.10 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Birmingham?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Birmingham without having to change trains. There are 39 direct trains from Manchester to Birmingham each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
The first train from Manchester to Birmingham leaves at 04:11. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
The last train from Manchester to Birmingham leaves at 22:04. 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 Manchester and Birmingham by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to Birmingham cover a distance of around 70 miles (113 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Birmingham to Manchester. If you’re looking for other options, you can also catch the bus from Manchester to Birmingham.
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Birmingham
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 Manchester to Birmingham 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.