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Outbound fromManchester to Birmingham by train
It takes an average of 1h 36m to travel from Manchester to Birmingham by train, over a distance of around 70 miles (113 km). There are normally 38 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Birmingham and tickets for this journey start from £7.80 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 | 38 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £7.80 | |
| 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.
FAQs about the train journey from Manchester to Birmingham
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.
Can you take a train directly from Manchester to Birmingham?
How close is Manchester to Birmingham by train?
Is it possible to get from Manchester to Birmingham without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Birmingham?
What time does the first train from Manchester to Birmingham leave?
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How often are trains from Manchester to Birmingham?
Do you need to book the train from Manchester to Birmingham in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets 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.