The Manchester to London train route is one of the busiest intercity rail corridors in the UK, linking the North West of England with the capital. Fast, frequent services operate throughout the day, making train travel the preferred option.
1. Journey Overview
- Fastest journey: ~2 hours
- Typical journey time: 2h – 2h 20m
- Distance: ~209 miles (336 km)
- Direct trains: Yes
- Frequency: 3 trains per hour
- Main operator: Avanti West Coast
2. Departure and Arrival Stations
Manchester Piccadilly
Most Manchester to London trains depart from Manchester Piccadilly. For station facilities and connections, see the Manchester Piccadilly Station Guide.
London Euston
Trains arrive at London Euston. For station information, see the London Euston Station Guide.
3. Route Highlights
Direct services commonly call at:
- Stockport
- Crewe
- Milton Keynes Central
The route runs on the West Coast Main Line.
4. Onboard Experience
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power sockets at seats
- Air-conditioned carriages
- Onboard shop or catering service
- First Class seating available
5. Best Time to Travel
- Peak: Weekday mornings and evenings
- Off-peak: Late morning, midday and evening
- Weekends: Busy for leisure travel
6. Ticket Tips
- Book Advance tickets early for cheaper fares
- Railcards save up to 33%
- Seat reservations recommended
7. Useful Connections
- For reverse travel, see the London to Manchester Train Guide.
- For northern travel, see the Manchester to Leeds Train Guide.
- For Scotland routes, see the London to Glasgow Train Guide.
8. Why Choose the Train?
- Fast intercity travel
- City-centre to city-centre
- Comfortable modern trains
- Frequent departures
Part of our Train Routes in the UK series.