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Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train
It takes an average of 3h 44m to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 175 miles (281 km). There are normally 35 trains per day traveling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from $18.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:12 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:14 pm | |
| Departure station | Edinburgh (Waverley) | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 3h 4m | |
| Distance | 175 miles (281 km) | |
| Frequency | 35 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $18.20 | |
| Train operators |
Travel from Edinburgh to Manchester by train
Planning a trip over the border and need more information on how to get the train from Edinburgh to Manchester? Look no further!
Usually, the journey time from Edinburgh to Manchester by train is 3 hours and 20 minutes. Although, on the fastest services, the journey can take just 3 hours and 3 minutes. As there are around 32 direct trains running on this route every day, you can sit back and relax as you don’t need to make any changes during your journey.
If you’re traveling on this route, you’ll board a TransPennine Express train at Edinburgh Waverley station. Once you’ve found your seat, you can begin to enjoy the onboard amenities including comfortable seating and free WiFi. If you prefer to travel in style, why not upgrade to First Class? You’ll enjoy all the benefits of Standard Class, as well as reclining seats, more legroom and complimentary food and drink. In just over 3 hours, your train will arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.
As soon as you’ve exited the station, you can begin to explore the city’s most famous sights. Unsure where to visit first? For inspiration, head over to our guide on the best things to do in Manchester, including a trip to Manchester Art Gallery and the National Football Museum.
If you need to travel to Manchester Airport, you can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly station. To learn more, check out our guide on trains to and from Manchester Airport.
If you’d like to book cheaper train tickets, try to travel at Off-Peak times – tickets tend to be cheaper outside of morning/evening rush hours between Monday and Friday. Also, keep your eyes peeled for Advance tickets – they are normally released 12 weeks before the travel date and are usually a lot cheaper.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets from Edinburgh to Manchester with us today. For more information, keep reading for our train timetables where you can view first and last train times, as well as FAQS and tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
FAQs for Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester
Want to know more about your journey from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester take?
The average journey time by train between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Manchester is 3 hours and 44 minutes, with around 35 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Manchester by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester is 3 hours and 4 minutes.
How much does the train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester cost?
Train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester can start from as little as $18.20 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester without having to change trains. There are 35 direct trains from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester leave?
The first train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester leaves at 05:12. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester leave?
The last train from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester leaves at 20:14. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Edinburgh (Waverley) and Manchester by train?
Trains travelling from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester cover a distance of around 175 miles (281 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Manchester to Edinburgh (Waverley).
Cheap train tickets from Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Edinburgh (Waverley) to Manchester is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.