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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Manchester, United Kingdom
to
Birmingham, United Kingdom

How to Get from Manchester to Birmingham: 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
71 milesDistance
1h 31m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester to Birmingham 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  31m
Estimated price
$35-140
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
1h  55m
Estimated price
$6-18
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 71 miles
Duration: 1h 31m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
2h  20m
Estimated price
$14-20
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
2h  10m
Estimated price
$14-20
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  34m
Estimated price
$28-45
Company
Avanti West Coast
Train
Average Duration
1h  32m
Estimated price
$35-130

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $7 $8 $7 $7 $8 $8 $8
Train $18 $16 $19 $20 $12 $20 $24

Traveling From Manchester to Birmingham

The route from Manchester to Birmingham offers a striking contrast between Manchester's vibrant cultural scene and Birmingham's industrial heritage, presenting travelers with rich experiences that reflect the diversity of the UK.

Best Neighbourhoods in Birmingham

Birmingham's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences for every visitor.

Jewellery Quarter
• Home to over 100 retailers and workshops.
• Rich history in jewelry-making since the 18th century.
Birmingham City Centre
• Bustling hub with shops, restaurants, and attractions.
• Features iconic architecture like the Bullring and Grand Central.
Digbeth
• Vibrant street art scene and creative spaces.
• Hosts the famous Custard Factory and street food markets.

Best Times To Visit Birmingham's Attractions

Timing your visit can enhance your Birmingham experience significantly.

Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery
Visit early on weekdays to enjoy quieter galleries and less crowding.
Cadbury World
Morning sessions during weekdays offer better access to tours and activities.
The Bullring Shopping Centre
Early afternoons on weekdays provide a more relaxed shopping atmosphere.

Birmingham Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Birmingham experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild winters and warm summers, making it a destination that can be enjoyed year-round. While late spring and early autumn are often the best times to visit for pleasant weather and fewer crowds, planning around rain can help enhance your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Birmingham

For a taste of Birmingham's distinct culinary identity, try the iconic Balti, a flavorful curry served in a unique dish that originated here; head to the famous Chandlers for an authentic experience. Unlike Manchester’s robust industrial fare, Birmingham's dining scene blends rich spices and local ingredients, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrates the city's diverse food heritage.

Manchester - Birmingham operators

Explore transport companies operating between Manchester and Birmingham, 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 31m
Estimated price
$55-140
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
$35-130
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Birmingham Brunel Street

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

Bus from Manchester to Birmingham Summer Row- Great Charles Street

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$14-20
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.co.uk

Other from Manchester to Birmingham

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$6-18

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

Traveling between Manchester and Birmingham 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 road trip from Manchester to Birmingham, covering a distance of 88 miles in just about 1 hour and 34 minutes. Enjoy the picturesque countryside views along the way as you cruise towards your destination. 💰 Explore cost-effective travel options with prices ranging from £22 to £36 for a convenient car journey from Manchester to Birmingham. Take advantage of the flexibility and affordability of driving yourself or sharing a ride through services like Blablacar's carpooling platform.
Average price
£22 - £35
Useful tips for car travellers
• Plan your fuel stops ahead; there are several gas stations along the M6 motorway between Manchester and Birmingham, with prices averaging around £1.50 per liter.
• Stay alert for potential congestion around the M6 toll lane near Birmingham; consider using Google Maps or Waze to navigate and avoid delays caused by traffic or roadworks.
• Upon reaching Birmingham, be aware of the Clean Air Zone (CAZ) which charges non-compliant vehicles; parking rates in the city can range from £10 to £25 per day, depending on location, so looking for parking apps like JustPark can be useful.
📍 Enjoy a comfortable ride on the CrossCountry train, with a journey time of approximately 1 hour and 31 minutes from Manchester to Birmingham. Experience the picturesque views as you travel between these bustling UK cities. 💰 Ticket prices for the Manchester to Birmingham train range from £28 to £111, offering flexibility for different budget preferences. Whether it's for business or leisure, this train trip provides a hassle-free way to explore the vibrant city of Birmingham from Manchester.
Departure Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Arrival Point
Birmingham New Street station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On trains operated by Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway, you can enjoy onboard catering services. Avanti offers a range of snacks, hot and cold meals, and drinks, while West Midlands Railway typically has a trolley service with light snacks and beverages. Be sure to check the timetable for service availability.
• Seating options vary between operators. Avanti West Coast provides Standard Class and First Class seating, with larger, more comfortable seats and complimentary refreshments in First Class. West Midlands Railway offers Standard Class, with standard seating arrangements. It's recommended to book First Class on Avanti for a more comfortable journey.
• The main operators for this route are Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway. You can find more information and book tickets on their websites: Avanti West Coast and West Midlands Railway. Additionally, check local transport schedules on Transport for West Midlands.
🚌 Operated by Megabus UK, the bus ride takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, making it a quick and efficient way to travel between these two vibrant cities in the United Kingdom. 🚌 Tickets for the bus service between Birmingham and Manchester typically range from £11 to £16, offering an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore both cities.
Departure Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Arrival Point
Birmingham Brunel Street station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket in advance through Megabus or National Express to secure the best prices and ensure you get the seat you want; tickets typically range from £11 to £15.
• While on your journey from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Birmingham Brunel Street, make sure to bring snacks or a light meal, as the bus does not provide food service, and the trip lasts about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
• Upon arriving at Birmingham Brunel Street, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area, as it is close to the city center; you can easily access local transport options like buses or trams to continue your journey; check bus schedules at networkwestmidlands.com

Trips from Manchester

Trips to Birmingham