Manchester is the perfect destination for a short escape from London. With its culturally diverse scene and unhurried pace, it’s an ideal contrast to the hectic buzz of London.
So, how does one travel from London to Manchester? Wonder no more. Throughout this write-up, you’ll discover what your options are, and thus, which way is the best and most efficient for you.
Without further ado, let’s get into it.
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How far is it from London to Manchester?
To get from London to Manchester, you must travel through roughly 160 miles (260 km) of English countryside. This trip can take between 2 and 5 hours, possibly longer, depending on which method of transportation you choose.
Option 1: Train (from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly Station)
Embark on a journey that gives you a proper chance to take in the views of the English countryside. Not only is the train the quickest option across the board, but it’s also the most comfortable. I suggest boarding a train operated by Avanti West Coast from London Euston — their fastest high-speed trains manage to make it from London to Manchester in no more than 2 hours and 8 minutes! Onboard, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to relax with complimentary refreshments and free WiFi as the landscape glides by. Remember to book a window seat for the best views!
You’ll arrive well-rested at Manchester Piccadilly Station in the heart of Manchester. From there, your destination most likely won’t be far. Transport links with taxis, buses, underground, and more are available for anyone needing to journey a little further.
Travelling by train will take approximately 2 hours from London Euston to Manchester Piccadilly. Trains are running all day. Keep in mind some trains may take longer than others.
One-way tickets are available from £33.50 as of December 2024.
Buy them directly from Avanti West Coast here.
Option 2: Plane (from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport)
Another option is via the skies. Since you only spend around 35-45 minutes airborne, this is technically the fastest option. However, if you were to fly British Airways from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport, you’d have to first get from central London to Heathrow, and then, upon arriving, from Manchester Airport to central Manchester. While this is doable, there wouldn’t be much time to relax or wind down. You’re also at the mercy of check-in times, airport security, and delays, all of which can slow down your journey substantially.
Consider this option carefully and make sure to factor in uncertainties. Remember, you can spend Avios (Tier Points) with British Airways as a member of their Executive Club. If you have any, this could make the trip significantly cheaper.
Travelling by plane will take around 3-4 hours depending on travel time to and from the airports, check-in times, airport security, and delays. Time in the air is only around 35-45 minutes.
Return tickets are available from £44.00 as of December 2024.
Check fares from British Airways here.
Option 3: Coach (from London Victoria Coach Station to Manchester Coach Station)
If you’re on a budget, travelling by coach is the way to go. This is by far the most cost-effective option and can be done with National Express. You’d be boarding the coach at London Victoria Coach Station and arrive at Manchester Coach Station. Underway, the coach will stop once — typically at Birmingham Coach Station.
While this journey takes a little longer than by train or plane, it’s arguably also the most stress-free, plus, you get to take in the views for a little longer! National Express offers onboard facilities such as complimentary WiFi, toilets, and storage for your luggage.
Travelling by coach will take around 5 hours or more depending on traffic. London and Manchester are both busy cities where traffic jams aren’t uncommon.
One-way tickets are available from £8.90 as of December 2024.
Buy them directly from National Express here.
Option 4: Car
To drive from London to Manchester, you first need a car. If you don’t own one, you could consider renting one with companies like Hertz or SIXT.
The most significant advantage of travelling by car is the flexibility that comes with it. You don’t have to show up anywhere specific at a certain time, neither are you required to book anything. On the other hand, you’d have to keep your eyes on the road the whole way.
Do remember to factor in petrol and electricity prices depending on your type of vehicle, plus parking once you arrive in Manchester.
Travelling by car will take around 5 hours or more depending on traffic. The same caveats as with coaches are applicable.
Depends on petrol prices for normal vehicles and electricity prices for electric vehicles. Plus parking.
Conclusion
Alas, these are your options. Were it myself, I’d choose to travel from London to Manchester by train any day of the week. The ability to settle down for most of the trip is a deal-breaker for me. Nevertheless, your circumstances may differ — and plane, coach, and car are all viable options.
Did I miss something? If so, please let me know. Otherwise, thank you so much for reading! I hope I’ve enriched your journey from London to Manchester.
