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Birmingham, West Midlands to Manchester, Greater Manchester from $6: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Birmingham, United Kingdom
to
Manchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from Birmingham to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$6 RideshareBest price
115.9 kmDistance
1h 28m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Birmingham 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.

Company
CrossCountry
Train
Average Duration
1h  28m
Estimated price
$35-140
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
1h  56m
Estimated price
$6-21
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 115.9 km
Duration: 1h 28m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
2h  20m
Estimated price
$14-21
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
2h  10m
Estimated price
$14-21
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  35m
Estimated price
$28-45
Company
Transport for Wales
Train
Average Duration
2h  58m
Estimated price
$35-55

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $7 $7 $7 $7 $8 $8 $7
Train $17 $17 $20 $20 $17 $29 $19

Traveling From Birmingham to Manchester

Embarking on a journey from Birmingham to Manchester reveals a fascinating shift from Birmingham's industrial charm to Manchester's vibrant cultural scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester offers diverse neighborhoods that showcase the city's rich culture.

Northern Quarter
• Known for its indie shops and cafes.
• Features vibrant street art in every corner.
Deansgate
• Home to trendy restaurants and bars.
• Close proximity to cultural landmarks.
Ancoats
• Renowned for its food scene and eateries.
• Mix of historic mills and modern apartments.

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Timing your visits can significantly enhance your Manchester experience.

Manchester Museum
Visit during weekday mornings for a quieter, more personal exploration.
The Lowry
Evenings on weekdays typically see fewer visitors, allowing for an immersive experience.
Whitworth Art Gallery
Aim for late afternoons to enjoy art with less crowd interference.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, with cool summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, when the weather is generally pleasant, which can enhance your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Manchester

Try the famous Manchester tart at a local café, which showcases the region's rich history with its custard base and fruit toppings. This distinctive dessert contrasts with Birmingham's comfort food, offering a delightful blend of flavors and a lively café atmosphere that captures the essence of Manchester.

Birmingham - Manchester operators

Explore transport companies operating between Birmingham and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$55-140
Contact phone
03333 211 202
Website
https://tfw.wales/

Train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
2h 58m
Estimated price
$35-55
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Birmingham Brunel Street to Manchester Shudehill Interchange

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$14-20
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Birmingham Summer Row- Great Charles Street to Manchester

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$14-21
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Other from Birmingham to Manchester

Average Duration
1h 56m
Estimated price
$6-21

Birmingham to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Birmingham 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 scenic journey from Birmingham to Manchester, covering a distance of 88 miles in about 1 hour and 35 minutes by car. 💰 Explore cost-effective travel options with prices ranging from £22 to £36 for a car trip between Birmingham and Manchester. Take advantage of budget-friendly rideshare services like Blablacar for a shared and eco-friendly road trip experience.
Average price
£22 - £35
🚄 Catch a direct train from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly, with services departing hourly and operating every day. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 28 minutes. 💸 Ticket prices for the Birmingham to Manchester train range from £28 to £111, offering a cost-effective and efficient mode of transportation between these two bustling cities in the United Kingdom. Sit back, relax, and let the train take you to your destination in no time.
Departure Point
Birmingham New Street station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary depending on the operator. For example, Avanti West Coast offers a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages in First Class, including hot meals for longer journeys. In Standard Class, you can purchase snacks and drinks from the onboard café bar. Check their website for the latest catering options.
• When traveling from Birmingham to Manchester, you can choose from different operators such as Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk), West Midlands Railway (westmidlandsrailway.co.uk), and Northern (northernrailway.co.uk). Avanti provides First Class with reclining seats and complimentary refreshments, while Standard Class provides a comfortable option with both standard and reserved seating available.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Piccadilly station, you'll find luggage storage facilities available on-site, allowing you to explore the city hands-free. The station has clean and accessible restrooms, but public showers are not available. For the fastest way to reach the city center, take the tram from the station's Metrolink stop; the Altrincham line will get you to the city center in about 5-10 minutes. Trams run frequently, making it a convenient option.
🚌 The journey by bus from Birmingham to Manchester takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, offering a convenient and affordable travel option. 🚌 Travelers can enjoy a comfortable ride and scenic views between the two cities for prices ranging from £11 to £17 for a bus ticket.
Departure Point
Birmingham Brunel Street station
Arrival Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at Birmingham Brunel Street station at least 15 minutes before your departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process, as the station can get busy, especially during peak travel hours.
• Consider booking your ticket in advance through Megabus UK or National Express websites to secure the best prices, as fares can range from £11 to £16 depending on how close to the departure date you book; visit Megabus and National Express for schedules and ticket options.
• Once you arrive at Manchester Shudehill Interchange, look for the clearly marked signs towards the Metrolink tram service which can easily connect you to popular destinations like the city center or regional attractions; you can view station maps and upcoming tram schedules at Transport for Greater Manchester.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Birmingham to Manchester.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Birmingham and Manchester is approximately 71 miles, with a road distance of 88.2 miles. The typical travel time by train from Birmingham to Manchester is 1 hour and 28 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes around 1 hour and 35 minutes to reach Birmingham from Manchester. Alternatively, if you prefer to take a bus, the estimated travel time from Birmingham to Manchester is 2 hours and 5 minutes.
The most cost-effective transportation option to travel from Birmingham to Manchester is to rideshare, which typically costs between £5-£16 and takes around 1 hour and 56 minutes. This option allows for sharing the cost of the journey with other passengers, making it an affordable choice. However, the fastest way to reach Manchester from Birmingham is by train, which takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes. Although it can be more expensive, ranging from £24-£110, it provides a quicker and more convenient travel experience.
The prices of a train ticket between Birmingham and Manchester range from £24 to £110, depending on factors such as availability, class, and booking in advance. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between Manchester and Birmingham range from £13 to £27. It is advisable to check the prices and availability in advance and compare different modes of transportation to find the most suitable and cost-effective option for your journey.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, a good option to travel from Birmingham to Manchester is by using BlaBlaCar's carpooling service. This allows you to share a ride with someone who is already driving to Manchester. The distance between the two cities by car is approximately 88 miles, which takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes. The prices for carpooling services between Birmingham and Manchester typically range from £22 to £35.
The best way to travel from Birmingham to Manchester without a car is by train. The train journey takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes and fares range from £24 to £110. Train transportation offers a convenient and efficient way to get from one city to another, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenic views.
Yes, there is a direct link between Birmingham and Manchester. You can take a train from Birmingham New Street station to Manchester Piccadilly station, which operates hourly and takes approximately 1 hour and 28 minutes. There is also a direct bus service from Navigation Street in Birmingham to Shudehill Interchange in Manchester. The bus service, operated by Megabus UK, departs every four hours and takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes.
There are various options for accommodation near Manchester. With over 1539 hotels available, you will have a wide range of choices to suit your budget and preferences. Hotel prices start at £23, providing affordable options for travelers. It is recommended to research and book in advance to secure the best rates and availability for your stay in Manchester.

Trips from Birmingham

Trips to Manchester