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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Runcorn
Showing times and prices for 15 Dec
Cheapest price
£7
Average price
£7
Fastest journey
1 h 16 m
Average duration
1 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
36 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Runcorn is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Runcorn will cost around £7 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £7.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester for Runcorn every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 16 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 16 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
04:461h16
Manchester06:02Runcorn
£71One-way
0 changes
04:461h16
Manchester06:02Runcorn
£71One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester to Runcorn
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Runcorn among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £7, and a train costs an average of £3.
Distance: 36 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£12 Average Price | £10 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 23m Average total duration 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester to Runcorn train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Runcorn trains for today, Sunday 14 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 08:30
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:48 Manchester | 1h24 | 10:12 Runcorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:51 Manchester | 1h21 | 10:12 Runcorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:00 Manchester | 1h12 | 13:12 Runcorn | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 15 December | |||||
| 04:46 Manchester | 1h16 | 06:02 Runcorn | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Runcorn by train or coach
Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Mon
15 Dec
15 Dec
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16 Dec
16 Dec
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18 Dec
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21 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Runcorn
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Runcorn run on average 5 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 42m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 36 km |
Average train duration 54m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 42m |
First train 00:10 |
Last train 23:51 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Transport for Wales, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express, east_midlands_trains from Manchester to Runcorn trainsTransport for Wales, East Midlands Trains, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), first_transpennine_express, east_midlands_trains trains will get you between Manchester and Runcorn from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
42m
Cheapest Price
£3
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
East Midlands Trains
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Cheapest Price
£28
East Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
TransPennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
£18
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Northern Rail (3)
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 20m
Cheapest Price
£28
Northern Rail (3) frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_transpennine_express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
£29
first_transpennine_express frequency
12 a day
east_midlands_trains
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 3m
Cheapest Price
£80
east_midlands_trains frequency
1 a day
FAQs: Manchester to Runcorn train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Runcorn by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Runcorn, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Spending one to two days in Runcorn is typically sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Runcorn Hill Park, Norton Priory Museum, and the Mersey Gateway Bridge.
Booking trains from Manchester to Runcorn in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Runcorn is relatively short and primarily passes through urban and industrial areas, offering limited scenic views. However, there are occasional glimpses of the countryside and the River Mersey along the route.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Runcorn can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £12.
To get from Manchester to Runcorn, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Runcorn is by train, costing approximately £3.
The train distance from Manchester to Runcorn is 36 km.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Runcorn is Manchester Oxford Road (MCO), and it arrives at Runcorn station (RUN).
The train journey from Manchester to Runcorn covers a distance of 36 km and takes approximately 42m. Trains run 5 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Runcorn.
The first train from Manchester to Runcorn leaves at 0:10.
The last train from Manchester to Runcorn departs at 23:51.
Trains from Manchester to Runcorn run approximately 5 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to Runcorn.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Runcorn.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Runcorn.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester to Runcorn is feasible as the journey takes 42m with a distance of 36 km. Trains run frequently, with a frequency of 5 per day.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Runcorn
Manchester
Runcorn
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Ardwick. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ardwick for your trip from Manchester to Runcorn.
Ardwick
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Through a gate on Blind Lane, along a path (68 paces, 1:10 slope), up 23 steps and along the path (61 paces), up 32 steps across the footbridge (17 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform.
- Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Station Entrance
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Ardwick
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Junction of Devonshire Street North and Blind Lane
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Dining
- Cabral's Restaurant Brazilian Street Food and Grocery Store
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station , To Manchester : up 47 steps onto the platform. To Glossop/Sheffield : up 47 steps onto the Manchester platform, turn right and up 31 steps, across the footbridge (15 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform
- Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Ashburys
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Pottery Lane (A6010) under railway bridge.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Amenities at train station
ParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Deansgate
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
The major train station for arrivals in Runcorn is Runcorn. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Runcorn for your journey to Runcorn from Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibility
WCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:45 - 19:30 Saturday 06:30 - 19:30 Sunday 08:45 - 19:30
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park 3 (Platform 2)
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent to Car Park 1 (Multi-Story)
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Runcorn
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off in the turning circle adjacent to the station entrance.
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:00 - 12:00 Saturday 08:00 - 13:15 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Chester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Manchester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between both platforms is via a footbridge.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible public telephones: Located outside the ticket office on the wall
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Runcorn East
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stops are From the ticket office walk up the steps apx 50m to main road. or Take footbridge by station entrance, walk apx 75m.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: The bus stops on Barnfield Avenue nearest to the station car park. Towards Manchester, wait at the bus stop on the same side of the road as the car park. Towards Chester, wait at the bus stop on the opposite side of the road as the car park.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Runcorn
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Runcorn and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Runcorn
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