A train trip from Gretna Green to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 3hrs 6 mins on average, covering roughly 110 miles (178 kilometres). With around 16 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £11.50, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Manchester Piccadilly |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Gretna Green |
Frequency | 16trains per day |
Journey Time | from2hrs 47 mins |
Changes | 1-2no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 05:21 / 23:45 |
Distance | 110miles (178 km) |
2 Routes | Via Carlisle Via Carlisle & Preston (Lancs) |
4 Train Operators | Avanti West Coast, First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail, ScotRail |
Prices | from£11.50 |
Hop on a Train from Gretna Green to Manchester Piccadilly – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Gretna Green to Manchester Piccadilly by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!
On average, the journey takes around 3hrs 6 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Manchester Piccadilly), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 2hrs 47 mins. With roughly 16 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 110-mile (178 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Avanti West Coast, First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail, ScotRail, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!
The best part? Tickets start from just £11.50 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.
So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Manchester Piccadilly!
The travel time between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs 6 mins & the fastest journey takes 2hrs 47 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Gretna Green to Manchester Piccadilly is 2hrs 47 mins.
Train ticket prices from Gretna Green to Manchester Piccadilly can start from as little as £11.50 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.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 16 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:21, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:45.
First class tickets on trains between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Manchester Piccadilly, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Gretna Green & Manchester Piccadilly. However, there are 16 possible journeys which require a change.
Avanti West Coast, First TransPennine Express, Northern Rail and ScotRail are the main train operating companies running services between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Gretna Green and Manchester Piccadilly, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Friday 25th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 08:22 Gretna Green | 10:58 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 36 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:23 Gretna Green | 12:26 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Carlisle | 3 hrs 3 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 10:26 Gretna Green | 12:58 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 32 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 11:29 Gretna Green | 14:26 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Carlisle | 2 hrs 57 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:23 Gretna Green | 14:58 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:24 Gretna Green | 15:58 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 34 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:22 Gretna Green | 16:53 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 31 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 15:27 Gretna Green | 18:26 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Carlisle | 2 hrs 59 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 16:26 Gretna Green | 18:58 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 32 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 17:31 Gretna Green | 20:15 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 44 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 18:25 Gretna Green | 20:58 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 33 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 19:27 Gretna Green | 22:15 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Carlisle Preston (Lancs) | 2 hrs 48 mins | Get Tickets | |
Nestled in the village renowned for its romantic elopements, Gretna Green train station is a quaint and storied stop on the UK rail network. While the village itself boasts a rich history that dates back centuries—a beacon for lovers crossing the border—modern-day travelers will find an unassuming yet charming railway station that serves as a gateway to both local adventures and destinations further afield.
Gretna Green station is all about simplicity and maintaining a connection to its charming surroundings without the hustle of large urban stations. While this compact station does not have onsite ticket purchasing facilities or machines, it makes up for it with ease of use. There is no dedicated ticket office, but travelers can pre-purchase tickets online, ensuring a smooth travel experience. The presence of smartcard validators adds a touch of modern convenience for regular rail users. Additionally, despite being small, the station is partially accessible with step-free access available to both platforms, making it welcoming for passengers with reduced mobility.
Other amenities focus on the essentials. There are no refreshment facilities, shops, or ATMs, so plan accordingly before you arrive. For those needing transportation, the station provides clear options for taxis via Train Taxi services. Bus travel is supported through local services detailed at TravelLine Scotland’s website, offering flexibility for those exploring the surrounding areas.
Whether you're staying local or embarking on a longer journey, Gretna Green station serves as a springboard for all destinations. With the station's proximity to the Scottish border, exciting cities like Carlisle and Dumfries are a short ride away—a brief train journey from Gretna Green to Carlisle opens up a world of shops, museums, and the historic Carlisle Castle. Further afield, options are aplenty with direct trains reaching larger cities such as Glasgow and London. For an adventurous day trip, why not head from Gretna Green to Annan or enjoy the bustling streets of Glasgow Central?
For those thinking about proceeding to Edinburgh, train services are readily available, and you can find more details by visiting the dedicated page for Gretna Green to Edinburgh Waverley train times. When the journey calls for an English escape, services from Gretna Green can take you to iconic locations like Liverpool or Newcastle, making planning seamless with online booking options to help smooth out your travel itinerary.
While it may not be London's bustling King's Cross, Gretna Green station offers its own unique charm with historical significance and a peaceful setting. It stands as a fitting gateway for travelers keen to explore both historical intrigue and the diverse landscapes of England and Scotland. Its straightforward, no-frills approach is part of what makes traveling from here a pleasant experience. For those wishing to visit this historical nook, considering all travel options from Gretna Green to popular destinations like Manchester and Birmingham is as easy as a few clicks on an online ticket service.
In conclusion, Gretna Green station might be modest in structure, but it provides travelers with ample opportunities to delve into its romantic folklore while easily reaching some of the UK’s most vibrant cities. Whether you're lingering in the area or seeking broader horizons, there's a route from Gretna Green ready to whisk you away.
Manchester Piccadilly is an iconic travel hub, bustling with energy and packed with features to smooth your journey. Serving millions of passengers each year, it stands as a crucial entry and exit point for both the city of Manchester and its surrounding areas. Whether you're a daily commuter or a tourist navigating the UK rail system, understanding the facilities and services at Manchester Piccadilly can enhance your travel experience significantly.
Manchester Piccadilly expertly caters to passenger needs with a variety of facilities. The ticket office operates diligently from as early as 4:30 am to 10:30 pm through the week, ensuring you can grab a ticket for those early morning travels. For those tech-savvy commuters, ticket machines are readily available and accessible, allowing smooth online ticket collection. The station is well-equipped for accessibility; offering step-free access, ramps, and tactile warning strips for the visually impaired make it a user-friendly place for all travelers.
The station boasts free public Wi-Fi, ATM machines, and a plethora of shops and dining options. Coffee lovers will appreciate the numerous kiosks, while those in need of essentials can visit the mini supermarkets and pharmacies located within the station. The station even went the extra mile to ensure comfort by providing lounges, including a 1st Class Lounge and an Assisted Travel Lounge, making it an amenable waiting experience.
Getting to and from Manchester Piccadilly is a breeze with its robust transport links. Metrolink trams connect you to key destinations like Bury, Rochdale, and Manchester Airport, among others. For those preferring buses, a network of frequent local services are operated by 'First' and 'Stagecoach'. There's also a free bus service that runs every ten minutes around the city center—a convenient option for quick city hops.
The taxi rank located at the Fairfield Street exit offers service between 2 am to 5 am, giving you round-the-clock availability. If you're looking to explore the city on two wheels, Brompton bicycles are available for hire with two flexible tariffs. Additionally, if you're embarking on a flight, Manchester International Airport is just 9-10 miles away with several direct train services throughout the day. Car hire agents are also a short walk from the station, providing flexibility in travel.
If you have a penchant for exploring, Manchester Piccadilly serves as the starting point for many fascinating journeys. The station offers direct links to major destinations such as London Euston, Liverpool Lime Street, and Glasgow Central. Local routes include convenient trips to nearby spots like Stockport and Manchester Airport, ensuring you're never far from a new adventure.
Whether your travels stem from business, leisure, or curiosity, Manchester Piccadilly is more than just a train station—it's a gateway to new experiences and connections. Leveraging its exceptional facilities and detailed information will set you up for a successful journey, unlocking the vast and vibrant landscapes of the UK. Don't just arrive; embark on your journey with enthusiasm and ease from Manchester Piccadilly, where the rhythm of the railways meets the heartbeat of the city.