London to Manchester by Train
One of Britain's busiest intercity routes links the capital to the northwest in just over two hours, with fast trains running every 20 minutes down the West Coast Main Line.
The journey, stop by stop
From London Euston trains head north up the West Coast Main Line through the Midlands, some calling at Milton Keynes, Stoke-on-Trent or Crewe, before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly.
How long does it take?
The fastest direct trains cover the route in around 2h 07m, with departures roughly every 20 minutes at peak times. Check the live schedule for your date.
Who runs the route?
The route is run mainly by Avanti West Coast. Comparing the day's departures in one search is the easiest way to find the best time and fare.
London to Manchester train price (2026)
Advance singles start from around £30 when booked ahead; walk-up fares are considerably higher, so booking early pays off on this route.
| Operator | From | Journey time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avanti West Coast | ~£30 | 2h 07m | Every ~20 min |
| Avanti (via Crewe) | ~£35 | 2h 20m | Frequent |
Prices are indicative advance fares. Check live availability for your exact date.
How to get the best fare
- Book early. The cheapest saver fares sell out first — booking ahead can be dramatically cheaper than buying on the day.
- Travel off-peak. Mid-morning and mid-week departures tend to be quieter and cheaper.
- Consider first class — on many routes the upgrade is modest and very comfortable.
- Compare in one place to see every departure at a glance.
Ready to go? Check live London → Manchester times and fares and book your seat on Trainline — secure checkout, mobile tickets, every operator in one search.
Prefer to compare every rail operator? Check schedules & book →
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