Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly Trains From £13.80*

Departing from Birmingham New Street, with a direct CrossCountry train, you can be in Manchester Piccadilly in just 1 hour and 28 minutes, making your journey from Birmingham to Manchester quick, reliable, and stress-free.

Travel north from Birmingham to Manchester and enjoy peaceful scenes of rolling Staffordshire hills and dramatic landscapes from the edge of the Peak District.

With Birmingham as its hub, CrossCountry provides long-distance train services covering the whole of Britain, connecting cities as far away as Penzance in Cornwall and Aberdeen in Scotland, as well as popular destinations such as Manchester, Leeds, Bristol, Newcastle, and Edinburgh.

Departing from Birmingham New Street

Situated in the heart of Birmingham city centre, Birmingham New Street is the largest and busiest railway station in the West Midlands. As a key national interchange, Birmingham New Street connects passengers to many major cities including London, Manchester, Glasgow, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, and is served by train operators Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, London Northwestern Railway, Transport for Wales, and West Midlands Railway. 

Managed by Network Rail, Birmingham New Street offers step-free access throughout, as well as modern ticketing facilities, extensive shops and eateries, and a First Class Lounge. It’s directly connected to local bus stops, taxi ranks, and Midland Metro services, making it an easy arrival into Birmingham New Street station.

Main stops

Aboard your Birmingham to Manchester train, depending on the route and operator, you’ll pass through key stops, including Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke-on-Trent, Macclesfield, and Stockport.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

As your CrossCountry service rolls into Manchester Piccadilly, you’ll find yourself right in the heart of one of the UK’s most dynamic cities. Situated on Station Approach, head down Piccadilly to reach Piccadilly Gardens, a transport hub from where you can board a bus all across the city to start exploring Manchester’s rich cultural scene.

With trains serving Liverpool, Blackpool, the Lake District and Llandudno, Manchester Piccadilly is a  major transport hub that offers quick connections across the region and beyond, making it an ideal starting point for day trips all along the northwest coast.

Close to the vibrant Northern Quarter with its independent boutiques, record stores, and eye-catching street art, as well as the Manchester Arena just a twenty-minute walk away, Manchester Piccadilly is the perfect starting point from which to explore Manchester’s music scene. For bars and restaurants, head to Canal Street – the centre of Manchester’s pulsing LGBTQ+ scene, or Deansgate Locks for a relaxing bite with canal-side views, perfect for unwinding after a day of city exploration.

CrossCountry train classes 

• Standard Class: CrossCountry trains offer luggage and bike storage, free Wi-Fi, accessible seating, and onboard catering on most routes. So, whether you’re travelling on a long-distance Voyager or a regional Turbostar, you’ll experience spacious carriages and  welcoming service on all routes.
• First Class: Travel Birmingham to Manchester first class with CrossCountry and enjoy a premium experience with wider reclining seats, extra legroom and convenient at-seat tables – ideal for both work and relaxation. There’s also free snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on many services, to make your first class experience even more comfortable.

CrossCountry train travel advice

Prepare for your Birmingham to Manchester train journey with the information here listing everything you need to know before you travel, including luggage allowance, travelling with bikes, children and pets, and assisted travel.

• Luggage: There is limited luggage storage on CrossCountry trains, and it is recommended to bring only one medium sized bag. Larger items can be stowed in a dedicated luggage area in Coaches D and J on Voyager trains. 
• Bicycles: You can travel with standard bikes and e-bikes with a free reservation. E-scooters are not permitted. Folding bikes do not require a reservation.
• Children: Kids under 5 can travel for free, while families with children aged 5-15 can take advantage of a Family and Friends Railcard, which offers a 33% discount on adult fares and a 60% discount on child fares. 
• Pets: You can travel with up to two pets at no extra charge. Dogs must be on a lead or in a secure carrier, and are not allowed on seats or in restaurant cars.
• Passenger Assist: You can book assistance with boarding, reserving wheelchair spaces, or navigating stations when you book your ticket. If you are unable to reserve assistance in advance, make station staff aware on the day of travel and they will do their best to assist you.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.