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London, Greater London to Manchester, Greater Manchester from $20: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
London, United Kingdom
to
Manchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from London 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.

$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.

Company
Avanti West Coast
Train
Average Duration
2h  12m
Estimated price
$85-220
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
4h  2m
Estimated price
$20-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 263.4 km
Duration: 2h 12m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$28-40
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  8m
Estimated price
$57-321
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
3h  31m
Estimated price
$65-95
Company
British Airways
Plane
Average Duration
2h  39m
Estimated price
$65-285
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
4h  24m
Estimated price
$81-131
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  7m
Estimated price
$137-503

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 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

Both London and Manchester offer distinct cultural vibes and experiences, with London showcasing its bustling metropolis and historic landmarks while Manchester offers a rich industrial heritage and vibrant music scene.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering something special for visitors.

Northern Quarter
• Known for its independent shops and cafes.
• Hub for street art and music venues.
Deansgate
• Features high-end restaurants and bars.
• Close to major attractions like the Opera House.
Castlefield
• Rich in history with stunning canals and bridges.
• Offers a relaxing atmosphere perfect for walks.

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Planning your visits can maximize your experience at Manchester's top sites.

Manchester Art Gallery
Visit early mornings on weekdays to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.
Museum of Science and Industry
Afternoons during weekdays are less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
The John Rylands Library
Late afternoons offer a serene ambiance, ideal for enjoying the architecture.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester has a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool, wet winters. For the best experience, spring and early autumn offer pleasant weather, though be prepared for rain any time of year, as it can affect outdoor plans.

Dining in Manchester: A Culinary Gem

When in Manchester, try the celebrated dish of Lancashire hotpot at a local pub like The Wharf, where the hearty flavors and rustic atmosphere offer a cozy contrast to London’s upscale dining scene. The use of local ingredients and traditional recipes brings a unique authenticity to your meal, allowing you to savor the region's rich culinary heritage.

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.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$85-220
Contact phone
03457 125 678
Website
https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from London St Pancras Intl to Nottingham

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$50-80

Train from Nottingham to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$30-55
Contact phone
+44 3451 27 29 20
Website
https://www.southernrailway.com/

Train from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport

Average Duration
33m
Estimated price
$12-18
Contact phone
+44 345 850 1530
Website
https://www.gatwickexpress.com/

Train from London Victoria to Gatwick Airport

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$19-27
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Victoria Coach Station to Shudehill Interchange

Average Duration
5h 10m
Estimated price
$20-29
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from London Victoria to Manchester

Average Duration
5h 25m
Estimated price
$28-40
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.britishairways.com

Plane from London Heathrow to Manchester

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$55-330
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Other from London to Manchester

Average Duration
4h 2m
Estimated price
$20-35

London 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 scenic journey from London to Manchester, covering a driving distance of 201 miles. Enjoy the picturesque English countryside along the way. 💰 Explore cost-effective travel options ranging from £51 to £75 for a car ride from London to Manchester. Choose a budget-friendly mode of transport while experiencing the beauty of the route.
Average price
£50 - £74
🚄 Traveling by train from London to Manchester is a convenient and efficient option, with direct services departing from London Euston and arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 12 minutes, with trains operating every 30 minutes every day. 🌆 The distance between London and Manchester by train is approximately 295 km, offering a scenic route through the English countryside. Avanti West Coast is the agency operating the direct train services between the two cities, providing a comfortable and reliable travel experience for passengers. 🎫 Ticket prices for the train journey from London to Manchester can vary between £67 to £173, allowing travelers to choose from different fare options based on their preferences. Whether for business or leisure, taking the train is a popular choice for those looking to explore both London and Manchester while enjoying a stress-free and enjoyable travel experience.
Departure Point
London Euston station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services on direct trains from London to Manchester, such as Avanti West Coast, include a variety of catering options. You can purchase meals and snacks from the onboard cafe bar, which offers everything from sandwiches and pastries to full meals. First Class passengers enjoy complimentary refreshments and may have the option of an all-day menu with premium choices.
• The Avanti West Coast trains provide multiple seating options including Standard Class and First Class. Standard Class (Economy) features comfortable seats with the option to reserve, while First Class seats offer more space, power sockets, and complimentary food and drinks. If you're looking for a quieter atmosphere, consider upgrading to First Class for a more relaxing journey.
• Multiple operators run the London to Manchester route, including Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk) and TransPennine Express (tpexpress.co.uk). Be sure to check their websites for schedules, ticket prices, and any potential service disruptions.
🛫 Enjoy a quick and convenient flight from London Heathrow Airport to Manchester Airport with a direct flight lasting just 1 hour. British Airways provides flights for this route, ensuring a comfortable journey. 🌆 The total travel time from London to Manchester by plane is approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes, allowing for a smooth transition between the two vibrant cities. Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views during your flight. 💸 Flight prices between Manchester and London can range from £51 to £225, offering a variety of options to suit your budget and travel preferences. Choose the best fare for your trip and get ready to explore the bustling city of Manchester upon arrival.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight during off-peak hours, as early morning or late evening flights tend to be more affordable and less crowded, enhancing your travel experience from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport.
• Upon arrival at Manchester Airport, follow the clear signs for baggage claim, and be aware that the airport often has busy traffic, especially on weekdays, so give yourself extra time if you plan to take a taxi into the city center.
• Expect taxi fares from Manchester Airport to the city center to be around £25 to £35; for budget-friendly options, consider the train service operated by TransPennine Express, which takes about 20 minutes and costs around £5 to £6. You can check schedules and book tickets at TransPennine Express.
🚌 The journey from London to Manchester by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes. Departing from Victoria Coach Station, the direct service operated by Megabus UK offers a convenient option for travelers. 🌆 Covering a distance of 272 km, the bus route passes through Birmingham on its way to Manchester. Services run every four hours, providing flexibility for passengers making the trip between these two vibrant cities. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus journey between Manchester and London range from £22 to £32, offering an affordable and comfortable travel option for those looking to explore different parts of the UK. Whether you're heading to Manchester for business or leisure, the bus service provides a convenient and hassle-free transportation choice.
Departure Point
Victoria Coach Station
Arrival Point
Shudehill Interchange station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Make sure to check Megabus UK and FlixBus schedules in advance, as buses depart from Victoria Coach Station to Shudehill Interchange every four hours; their current schedules can be found at Megabus UK and FlixBus.
• Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle, as the journey takes over 5 hours, and the bus may not have food services or extensive stops.
• Upon arriving at Shudehill Interchange, make sure to familiarize yourself with the layout of the station; there are several local transport options available, including trams and buses, and you can find helpful maps and information on transport links at Transport for Greater Manchester.

Trips to Manchester