Manchester to Glasgow by train
It takes an average of 3h 22m to travel from Manchester to Glasgow by train, over a distance of around 183 miles (295 km). There are normally 20 trains per day travelling from Manchester to Glasgow and tickets for this journey start from $20.22 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:57 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 17:26 | |
| Departure station | Manchester | |
| Arrival station | Glasgow | |
| Journey time | From 3h 10m | |
| Distance | 183 miles (295 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $20.22 | |
| Train operators |
Taking the train from Manchester to Glasgow
Take the train from Manchester to Glasgow, and you'll be soaking up the Scottish Lowlands less than three and a half hours later on the fastest services. Sit back, relax, and take in the view as you fly up through the beautiful countryside in Cumbria and Lancashire to Glasgow Central Station, situated right in the heart of the city centre.
Train travel is significantly better for the environment than other modes of transport, such as car and plane. In fact, you save 67% on CO2 emissions when you choose train over car*.
If you’re travelling direct, it’s likely to be a TransPennine Express train, where you’ll find a range of services on board, including free WiFi, plenty of space to store luggage, and power sockets to charge your devices. First Class passengers can even enjoy a complementary in-seat refreshment service, as well as extra space to stretch your legs. If your journey requires a change along the way, you’ll likely to be swapping to an Avanti West Coast service for the second leg. Another advantage of the train over the car us that there's no need to find car parking either - simply hop off the train at Glasgow Central Station and start sight-seeing right away. Glasgow Modern Art Gallery is just four minutes' walk from the station; many other attractions and shopping streets are nearby too.
Ready to book? Start browsing ticket prices and train times from Manchester to Glasgow now using our Journey Planner at the top of this page. Looking for more information on the route? Just scroll down for answers to your frequently asked questions, as well as our top tips for finding cheap tickets.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Glasgow? 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 Manchester to Glasgow take?
The average journey time by train between Manchester and Glasgow is 3 hours and 22 minutes, with around 20 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 Manchester and Glasgow by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Glasgow is 3 hours and 10 minutes.
How much does the train from Manchester to Glasgow cost?
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Glasgow can start from as little as $20.22 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Glasgow?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Glasgow without having to change trains. There are 20 direct trains from Manchester to Glasgow each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Manchester to Glasgow leave?
The first train from Manchester to Glasgow leaves at 03:57. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Manchester to Glasgow leave?
The last train from Manchester to Glasgow leaves at 17:26. 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 Manchester and Glasgow by train?
Trains travelling from Manchester to Glasgow cover a distance of around 183 miles (295 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Glasgow to Manchester.
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Glasgow
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 Manchester to Glasgow 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.
Why should I travel by train from Manchester to Glasgow?
If you want to travel from Manchester to Glasgow, choose the more sustainable option - choose train!
Go green
Taking the train instead of driving lowers your CO2 impact by a whopping 67%.* Keep it simple, keep it low-carbon.
Save time & money
What's faster or cheaper than driving from Manchester to Glasgow? Ah yes, that'd be the train. Cheaper even without a Railcard, too. Win for you. Win for the planet.
Bikes on board
In the UK, you can take your bike on the train, for free! Cool, huh? And, thanks to our bike reservation feature, travelling with your bike has never been easier.
Travel in style
Unlike flying or driving, going by train means no extra luggage charges or parking costs. Plus, you step off the train, right into the city-centre. Aaaand relax.
* Calculations are based on CO2 / passenger km, comparing an average petrol car, using statistics and conversion factors published in the government’s greenhouse gas reporting conversion factors published 7 June 2023 and revised 28 June 2023. See here for more.
Between Manchester and Glasgow, 77% of journeys sold on Trainline from May 2022 to May 2023 were cheaper and faster by rail vs car.