London to Manchester from $20: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from London to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$20 RideshareBest price
263.4 kmDistance
2h 12m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from London to Manchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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| Type | Mo 06/01 | Tu 07/01 | We 08/01 | Th 09/01 | Fr 10/01 | Sa 11/01 | Su 12/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $8 | $8 | $8 | $9 | $11 | $11 | $12 |
| Train | $48 | $66 | $57 | $68 | $44 | $61 | $54 |
| Fly | $70 | $91 | $141 | $118 | $113 | $82 | $96 |
Traveling From London to Manchester
The journey from London to Manchester offers you a chance to shift from the bustling streets of the capital, known for its historic landmarks and vibrant nightlife, to Manchester's rich industrial heritage and thriving arts scene.
Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester
Manchester’s neighborhoods boast diverse cultures and unique vibes for visitors.
Northern Quarter
• Renowned for its eclectic indie shops and street art.
• Home to trendy bars and live music venues.
Deansgate
• Features high-end restaurants and shopping options.
• Close to iconic landmarks like the Beetham Tower.
Castlefield
• Offers picturesque canals and historic architecture.
• Ideal for peaceful walks and outdoor dining.
Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions
Timing your visits can enhance your experience at Manchester’s top spots.
The Manchester Museum
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for a quieter experience.
John Rylands Library
Afternoons are typically less crowded, allowing for a leisurely exploration.
Albert Square
Try visiting during weekdays to enjoy a more peaceful atmosphere.
Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Manchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild summers and cool winters, making layering essential for your visits. Late spring and early autumn often present the best weather conditions, enhancing outdoor activities and sightseeing.
Dining Recommendation in Manchester
Try the Lancashire hotpot at The Northern Quarter's renowned Bistro 1847, which showcases hearty, traditional flavors that stand in stark contrast to London’s diverse international cuisine. The cozy, welcoming atmosphere and focus on local ingredients emphasize Manchester's culinary heritage, making for a distinctly enjoyable dining experience.
London - Manchester operators
Explore transport companies operating between London and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
2h 12mEstimated price
$85-220Contact phone
03457 125 678Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/
Train from London St Pancras Intl to Nottingham
Average Duration
1h 45mEstimated price
$50-80Train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly
Average Duration
1h 50mEstimated price
$30-55Contact phone
+44 3451 27 29 20Website
https://www.southernrailway.com/
Train from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport
Average Duration
33mEstimated price
$12-18Contact phone
+44 345 850 1530Website
https://www.gatwickexpress.com/
Train from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport
Average Duration
30mEstimated price
$19-27Website
https://uk.megabus.com
Bus from Victoria Coach Station to Shudehill Interchange
Average Duration
5h 10mEstimated price
$20-29Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk
Bus from London Victoria to Manchester
Average Duration
5h 25mEstimated price
$28-40Website
https://www.britishairways.com
Plane from London Heathrow to Manchester
Average Duration
1h 1mEstimated price
$55-330Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk
Other from London to Manchester
Average Duration
4h 2mEstimated price
$20-35London to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between London and Manchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from London to Manchester, covering a driving distance of 323.5 km in approximately 3 hours and 31 minutes.
💷 Explore flexible pricing options ranging from £51 to £75 for a comfortable journey by car from London to Manchester.
Average price
£50 - £74
Useful tips for car travellers
• Fill up your tank at a service station like those on the M6; current petrol prices average around £1.50 per liter along this route, so plan a stop in towns like Stafford for better rates if possible.
• Be aware that upon entering Manchester, you may encounter the Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone, which has daily charges for certain vehicles; check your vehicle’s compliance to avoid unexpected fees.
• Parking in central Manchester can range from £15 to £30 per day, with options such as NCP or Q-Park; consider using public transport after parking, as the city is well-connected with trams and buses.
🚆 Embark on a convenient train journey from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly with Avanti West Coast. Services operate daily, departing every 30 minutes, and the trip takes approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes.
🌆 Enjoy a smooth ride through the picturesque English countryside on your way to Manchester, covering a distance of 295 km. Sit back and relax as you travel directly from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly with Avanti West Coast.
🎟️ Ticket prices for the London to Manchester train range from £67 to £174.
Departure Point
London Euston station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from London to Manchester, operators like Avanti West Coast and Northern Rail offer catering services on board, including a range of refreshments from light snacks to hot meals. Avanti West Coast, for instance, has complimentary food and drink options in First Class and a dining service for Standard Class passengers, which you can order through their mobile app.
• The train options for this route typically include First Class, Standard Class, and sometimes Standard Premium. Avanti West Coast features First Class seating with extra legroom and complimentary refreshments, while Standard Class seats are comfortable and more budget-friendly. Ensure to check the seating map on their website when booking your tickets to choose the option that suits you best.
• For this route, you'll find multiple operators, including Avanti West Coast (avantitickets.com), Northern Rail (northernrailway.co.uk), and TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk). Each operator has its own schedules, prices, and onboard services, so it's wise to compare them depending on your preferred time and budget.
🛫 Experience a swift journey from London to Manchester with the quickest direct flight taking just 1 hour, providing a convenient and time-efficient travel option. British Airways operates flights from London Heathrow Airport to Manchester Airport, ensuring reliability and comfort throughout the journey.
💼 Pack your bags and enjoy a seamless 2 hours and 39 minutes flight from London to Manchester, allowing you to relax and prepare for your destination.
💸 Discover affordable flight options between Manchester and London, with prices ranging from £51 to £225, catering to varied budgets and preferences.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with British Airways for direct access from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport; they’re known for their efficiency on this route, which minimizes the chance of delays.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Airport, follow the clearly marked signs for the train station located just a short walk from the terminals; it's a convenient way to reach the city center quickly.
• Expect to pay around £20 to £30 for a taxi ride from Manchester Airport to the city center; alternatively, look into the airport’s tram service for a more economical option starting at about £3.
🚌 The bus journey from London to Manchester is a convenient option for travelers, with services departing every four hours from Victoria Coach Station. The trip takes approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic route.
🛣️ Covering a distance of 272 km, the bus route from London to Manchester offers a comfortable and affordable travel experience. Passengers can expect a direct journey from Victoria Coach Station to Shudehill Interchange, operated by Megabus UK. The prices for this route typically range from £22 to £32.
Departure Point
Victoria Coach Station
Arrival Point
Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Check the Megabus UK and FlixBus websites (megabus.com) and (flixbus.com) for any last-minute schedule changes or promotions, as bus services operate every four hours and prices can vary between £21 and £30.
• Bring snacks and entertainment for the approximately 5-hour journey; consider downloading shows or audiobooks in advance, as the bus may not have reliable Wi-Fi.
• Upon arrival at Shudehill Interchange in Manchester, familiarize yourself with the local public transport options; the tram and bus stops are right outside, and consider using the transport app 'TfGM' for planning your onward journey efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from London to Manchester.
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The distance between London and Manchester is approximately 263.9 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes to reach Manchester from London. Flying is the fastest option, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes. Driving by car takes about 3 hours and 26 minutes, while taking a bus can take around 4 hours and 50 minutes.
The most cost-effective way to travel from London to Manchester is by rideshare, which can cost around £15-£27 and takes approximately 4 hours and 2 minutes. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, taking the train is the most time-efficient choice. It typically takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes and can cost between £63-£165, depending on the ticket class and time of booking.
The prices for a train journey between London and Manchester can range from £63 to £165, depending on factors such as the class of travel and how early the ticket is booked. On the other hand, bus tickets for the Manchester to London route can cost anywhere between £21 and £31.
A convenient option for traveling from London to Manchester without using public transportation is to use BlaBlaCar's carpooling service. This allows you to find rideshare options with other travelers going in the same direction. The driving distance between London and Manchester is approximately 318.7 km, and it usually takes around 3 hours and 26 minutes to drive between the two cities. The prices for carpooling services vary, but generally range from £51 to £75.
To travel from London to Manchester without a car, the best option is to take a train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes and can cost between £63 and £165. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes and costs between £21 and £31. If you prefer to fly, there are flights available that take 2 hours and 39 minutes with prices ranging from £51 to £220.
Yes, there is a direct train link between London and Manchester. The train service, operated by Avanti West Coast, departs from London Euston and arrives at Manchester Piccadilly. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes. Additionally, there is a direct bus service between the two cities, operated by National Express, which departs from Victoria Coach Station in London and arrives at Manchester Central Coach Station. The bus journey takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight between London and Manchester typically takes 1 hour. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices ranging from £51 to £214.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Manchester. With over 1539 hotels to choose from, there is something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Manchester start at £23 per night, offering affordable options for travelers.
Trips from London
- London to Paris
- London to Edinburgh
- London to Cardiff
- London to Glasgow
- London to Dublin
- London to Liverpool
- London to Oxford
- London to Norwich
- London to Newcastle upon Tyne
- London to Bristol
- London to Leicester
- London to Sheffield
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- London to Birmingham
- London to Berlin
- London to Reading
- London to Amsterdam
- London to Rome
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- London to Portsmouth
- London to Coventry
- London to Northampton
- London to Brighton
- London to Brussels
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- London to Istanbul
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- London to Blackpool
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- London to Milton Keynes
- London to Plymouth
- London to York
- London to Margate
- London to Cambridge (Cambridgeshire)
- London to Leeds (West Yorkshire)
- London to Luton (Bedfordshire)
Trips to Manchester
- Birmingham to Manchester
- Dublin to Manchester
- Paris to Manchester
- Amsterdam to Manchester
- Cardiff to Manchester
- Oxford to Manchester
- Southampton to Manchester
- Leicester to Manchester
- Glasgow to Manchester
- Belfast to Manchester
- Liverpool to Manchester
- Bristol to Manchester
- Huddersfield to Manchester
- Sheffield to Manchester
- Nottingham to Manchester
- York to Manchester
- Wolverhampton to Manchester
- Burnley to Manchester
- Newcastle upon Tyne to Manchester
- Leeds (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Crewe to Manchester
- Milton Keynes to Manchester
- Blackburn (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Glossop to Manchester
- Wigan to Manchester
- Warrington to Manchester
- Rochdale to Manchester
- Carlisle (Cumbria) to Manchester
- Bolton to Manchester
- Chester to Manchester
- Edinburgh to Manchester
- Aberdeen to Manchester
- Preston (Lancashire) to Manchester
- Luton (Bedfordshire) to Manchester
- Bradford (West Yorkshire) to Manchester
- Macclesfield to Manchester
- Lancaster to Manchester
- Stoke-on-Trent to Manchester
- Lincoln to Manchester
- Inverness to Manchester