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Trains from Manchester Piccadilly to
Stansted Airport

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Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport by train

Planning a train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport? The trip usually takes about 3hrs 59 mins, covering approximately 151 miles (243 kilometres). With roughly 47 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 £19.60, offering an economical choice for savvy travelers.

Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport Key Stats

Arrival Station

Stansted Airport

Departure Station

Manchester Piccadilly

Frequency

47trains
per day

Journey Time

from3hrs 27 mins

Changes

2-2no direct
trains

First Train / Last Train

02:42 / 01:36

Distance

151miles
(243 km)

3 Routes

5 Train Operators

Prices

from£19.60

Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport by Train

Jump on a Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport – It's Quicker Than You Expect!

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

Typically, the trip takes about 3hrs 59 mins. If you're rushing or eager to reach Manchester Piccadilly, the quickest trains can get you there in just 3hrs 27 mins. With approximately 47 trains operating daily, you have plenty of options. This picturesque 151-mile (243 km) route usually requires just one change, with CrossCountry, First TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Abellio Greater Anglia 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 £19.60, 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 Stansted Airport!

Journey Details

Frequently asked questions about journeys between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport

Curious about your trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport? 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 Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport by train?

The travel time between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 3hrs 59 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 27 mins.

What's the fastest journey time between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport is 3hrs 27 mins.

How much does the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport cost?

Train ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport can start from as little as £19.60 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 Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport?

The departure and arrival times for trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 47 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 02:42, and the last train of the day leaves at 01:36.

What is the difference between first class and standard class on trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport?

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

What amenities are available on trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport?

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

What is the cheapest way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport by train?

By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Stansted Airport, 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport?

No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Manchester Piccadilly & Stansted Airport. However, there are 47 possible journeys which require a change.

What train companies run services from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport?

CrossCountry, First TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway and Abellio Greater Anglia are the main train operating companies running services between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport.

Can I bring luggage on board trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Stansted Airport?

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

When are Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport Train Times?

Check out the upcoming trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport on Thursday 24th April 2025, with our handy timetable below.

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

Thursday 24th April
DepartsArrivesChangesVia StationsDurationOperator
06:15 Manchester Piccadilly09:55 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
Tottenham Hale
3 hrs 40 mins Get Tickets
06:30 Manchester Piccadilly10:11 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
Tottenham Hale
3 hrs 41 mins Get Tickets
07:00 Manchester Piccadilly10:27 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
Tottenham Hale
3 hrs 27 mins Get Tickets
07:15 Manchester Piccadilly10:57 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
Tottenham Hale
3 hrs 42 mins Get Tickets
07:35 Manchester Piccadilly11:11 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 36 mins Get Tickets
07:55 Manchester Piccadilly11:44 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
08:15 Manchester Piccadilly11:57 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 42 mins Get Tickets
08:35 Manchester Piccadilly12:11 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 36 mins Get Tickets
08:55 Manchester Piccadilly12:44 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
09:15 Manchester Piccadilly12:57 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 42 mins Get Tickets
09:35 Manchester Piccadilly13:11 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 36 mins Get Tickets
09:55 Manchester Piccadilly13:44 Stansted Airport2 changesLondon Euston
London Liverpool Street
3 hrs 49 mins Get Tickets
Search all times & prices for today

What are my cheap ticket options for Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport start from as little as £19.60

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 Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport start from £90.70 one way, or £115.20 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport are available for £101.90 one way, or £147.30 return

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

The biggest saving our customers have made travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Stansted Airport is £26.20 & the average saving on this route is £26.20!

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 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.

Everything you need to know about Stansted Airport Station

Explore Stansted Airport Train Station: Gateway to Your Adventures

Stansted Airport train station is not just a transit point; it's an integral part of the travel experience for those flying into or out of one of London's bustling airports. With its seamless blend of convenience and connectivity, this station serves as a crucial link, bringing together rail services with air travel.

Facilities and Innovations at Stansted Airport Station

Open every day from 06:30 to 00:00, the ticket office at Stansted Airport train station ensures that you're all set for your journey, whether it's purchasing tickets or collecting pre-booked ones. Ticket machines are available for quick access, and you can also enjoy the option of smartcard issuance – though, mentionable, there are no smartcard validators on-site.

In terms of accessibility, the station prides itself on being a category A access point, offering step-free access throughout. Lifts are available, and there are accessible toilets and seating areas for passengers with reduced mobility. Unfortunately, while wheelchairs are available, the lack of accessible taxis and vehicle set-down points might require some advance planning for those needing additional assistance.

Onward Travel from Stansted Airport

Stansted Airport station offers various onward travel options seamlessly designed to cater to different passenger needs. Whether you're connecting to local buses and national coach routes, all services are conveniently located within the airport's bus station. For those preferring the direct rail services, the station itself is nestled within the Stansted Airport terminal, simplifying connections. Should you wish to explore further by car, car hire facilities can be found within the airport terminal.

Bus and National Express coach services further extend your travel options, providing connections to destinations all over the UK. Rail replacement services, when needed, are managed efficiently from the main coach station.

Popular Railway Routes from Stansted Airport

Journeying from Stansted Airport offers you more than just a path to London's heart; it's your ticket to a plethora of destinations waiting to be explored. Head directly to bustling hubs with frequent trains such as London Liverpool Street, or delve into academia and history with a ride to Cambridge. For those with business or leisure in their sights, traversing to places like Birmingham New Street or Nottingham becomes straightforward and hassle-free.

If plans call for local discoveries or short commutes, trips to Bishops Stortford and many more await at the platforms of Stansted Airport station.

Concluding Your Experience at Stansted Airport Station

Every traveller’s needs can find solace at Stansted Airport train station. Be it tickets ready at the click of a button, refreshments at the stations’ coffee shops, or connecting seamlessly from planes to trains. This station excels at weaving an easygoing travel journey. Make it your starting point for explorations and, with accessible offerings and numerous destinations, your hub for adventures yet not planned.

For efficient ticket booking, be it advance or spontaneous, countless online platforms are available. Get your train travel mapped out with ease, ensure your journey is smooth, and let Stansted Airport train station be the gateway to your next memorable journey.

Looking for more inspiration?

Popular places to travel by train from Manchester Piccadilly