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Trains from London Waterloo East to
Manchester Piccadilly

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London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly by train

Planning a train journey from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly? The trip usually takes about 4hrs 16 mins, covering approximately 163 miles (262 kilometres). With roughly 44 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options to suit your schedule. Booking your tickets ahead of time can snag you fares as low as £34.00, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly Key Stats

Arrival Station

Manchester Piccadilly

Departure Station

London Waterloo East

Frequency

44trains
per day

Journey Time

from3hrs 46 mins

Changes

3-4no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

00:30 / 23:13

Distance

163miles
(262 km)

3 Routes

5 Train Operators

Prices

from£34.00

Travelling from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly by Train

Jump on a Train from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

Considering a train trip from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly? You’re in the right place, and the journey is faster than you might think!

Typically, the trip takes about 4hrs 16 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach London Waterloo East, the quickest trains can get you there in just 3hrs 46 mins. With approximately 44 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 163-mile (262 km) route usually requires just one change, with First TransPennine Express, Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast, Southeastern providing comfortable seating and ample luggage space – because being cramped isn't anyone's idea of fun!

The best news? By booking early, you can find tickets starting at just £34.00, a significant saving compared to last-minute purchases. To save even more, consider traveling during Off-Peak hours or using a Railcard to keep your expenses down.

Ready to grab those low-cost tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest discounts and keep your budget happy. Explore more travel tips below or check our timetable for current train schedules. All aboard to Manchester Piccadilly!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly

Curious about your trip from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly? We've put together answers to the most commonly asked questions from our customers to make planning your journey easier.

How long does it take to travel between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly by train?

The travel time between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 16 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 46 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly by train?

The fastest journey time by train from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly is 3hrs 46 mins.

How much does the train from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly cost?

Train ticket prices from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly can start from as little as £34.00 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.

What are the departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly?

The departure and arrival times for trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 44 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:30, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:13.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly?

First class tickets on trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.

What amenities are available on trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly?

Amenities on trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.

What is the cheapest way to travel from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between London Waterloo East 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.

Is it possible to take a direct train from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between London Waterloo East & Manchester Piccadilly. However, there are 44 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly?

First TransPennine Express, Thameslink, London North Eastern Railway, Avanti West Coast and Southeastern are the main train operating companies running services between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly?

Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between London Waterloo East and Manchester Piccadilly, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.

When are London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, with our handy timetable below.

Alternatively, you can view the full day's schedule or search for a different date here!

Tuesday 3rd June
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
05:51 London Waterloo East09:44 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 53 mins Get Tickets
06:02 London Waterloo East10:05 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
06:32 London Waterloo East10:19 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 47 mins Get Tickets
06:51 London Waterloo East10:44 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 53 mins Get Tickets
07:02 London Waterloo East11:05 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Cannon Street
London Euston
4 hrs 3 mins Get Tickets
07:32 London Waterloo East11:19 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 47 mins Get Tickets
07:55 London Waterloo East11:44 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
08:16 London Waterloo East12:05 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
08:33 London Waterloo East12:19 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 46 mins Get Tickets
08:53 London Waterloo East12:44 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 51 mins Get Tickets
09:17 London Waterloo East13:06 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
09:21 London Waterloo East13:19 Manchester Piccadilly4 changesLondon Charing Cross
Lewisham
London Bridge
London Euston
3 hrs 58 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly journeys?

From booking in Advance, to our FairSplits, here are our tips for you to find the best price

Advance Tickets

A single ticket for one journey leaving at a specific date and time.

The rule is: the sooner you book the cheaper they are. Usually the cheapest, but least flexible.

Advance fares from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly start from as little as £34.00

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak Tickets

Offering greater flexibility than Advances, Off-Peak tickets offer travel during less busy times of day trading off more flexibility in the Off-Peak windows but for still discounted fares.

Off Peak fares from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly start from £76.30 one way, or £105.00 return

Anytime Tickets

Anytime tickets are fully flexible allowing travel at any time of the day. Brilliant if you don’t want the pressure of clock watching, returning when you want

Anytime fares from London Waterloo East to Manchester Piccadilly are available for £145.50 one way, or £278.00 return

With our FairSplit technology, you can save up to 90% on the cost of train travel.

Split ticketing means that instead of purchasing one rail ticket for your journey we automatically find and help you book two or more tickets instead, covering exactly the same journey. We call it our FairSplit.

Travelling in a group? We can save you even more!

Unlike other split ticketing sites, you can enter multiple railcards in a single search on traintickets.com. We will find you the best price using all possible combinations of your railcards in conjunction with our split ticketing technology & GroupSave.

When you do a search on traintickets.com we check all the cheapest prices automatically

Everything you need to know about London Waterloo East Station

Exploring London Waterloo East Train Station: A Convenient Gateway to Discover the City

Looking to explore the vibrant city of London and beyond? London Waterloo East train station is your perfect starting point. Conveniently situated, the station serves as a vital link, connecting you to numerous destinations within London and across the UK. Let’s dive into the details of what London Waterloo East has to offer and why it's an ideal choice for your travel plans.

Facilities and Amenities at London Waterloo East

Though London Waterloo East is a bustling hub, it provides essential amenities to ensure a smooth experience for travelers. While it lacks a traditional ticket office, fear not—ticket machines are readily available for both purchase and collection of pre-booked tickets. Accessibility is thoughtfully catered for, with accessible ticket machines and step-free access via lifts from Waterloo Main station. Need assistance? Help points are clearly marked, and staff are on hand to lend a helping hand when needed.

For those traveling with youngsters or seeking some comfort, the station hosts heated waiting rooms and accessible toilets with baby-changing facilities. CCTV surveillance is in place to ensure a secure environment throughout your journey. Hungry or in need of caffeine fix? Grab a snack or a hot drink from the coffee shops and vending machines on site—no worries about missing the news as newspapers are available too!

Onward Travel: Connecting You Further

Transportation links play a crucial role in making your journey seamless. London Waterloo East does not disappoint with its comprehensive connections to other parts of the city. The bus alighting point on Sandell Street ensures easy access to local transit and rail replacement services. If you're planning an onward journey by train, numerous exciting routes can spark your travel imagination.

Popular Routes: Embark on an Adventure

Dreaming of exploring iconic locations within and around London? London Waterloo East provides access to some fantastic destinations. Whether you're commuting or planning a day trip to explore new locales, this station links you to areas such as London Bridge, London Charing Cross, and Hither Green. With easy routes to places like East Croydon or Tonbridge, your adventures are just a train ride away.

Why Choose London Waterloo East?

As a commuter or an explorer, stepping through the doors of London Waterloo East gives you the flexibility and freedom to travel with ease. Whether it’s the convenience of arriving at London Bridge or the cultural allure of reaching London Charing Cross, this station offers it all. Its facilities cater to your needs, including accessibility and necessary travel support.

Embark on Your Journey Today!

Booking your ticket is the first step to countless experiences waiting at your fingertips. With easy access to online ticket collection, friendly staff to assist, and comprehensive travel links, London Waterloo East is not just a station—it's the beginning of your next adventure. Time to pack your bags, hop on board, and embrace the journey!

Everything you need to know about Manchester Piccadilly Station

Exploring Manchester Piccadilly Train Station

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.

Station Facilities and Amenities

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.

Transport Links and Connectivity

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.

Popular Destinations from Manchester Piccadilly

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.

Your Gateway to 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.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from London Waterloo East