Is a train-daytrip from London to Manchester feasible?
I am visiting London next week, but only today I found out that I may need to go up to Manchester too. Since I have already made all the arrangements for the trip thinking that I was to stay exclusively in London, I was wondering if I could possibly use the National Rail Services for a day trip to Manchester and back.
I have already checked the National Rail Services website, so I know that the trip lasts between two and a half to four hours.
- So, the idea seems feasible, but is it really?
- Are the National Rail Services trustworthy?
- How possible is that I encounter delays that may lead to my staying overnight to Manchester? Or is a day trip from London to Manchester (or of equal distance) and back something quite usual for the UK residents?
- Do I have to book tickets in advance?
- Is there anything else that I should bear in mind before taking a train trip in the UK?
My question may seem silly, but please note that I am not a UK resident and in my country the rail services are far poorer compared to the UK’s.
Thank you in advance:)
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You should be fine. Is it a direct train or do you have to change anywhere? If you don’t, I wouldn’t worry at all. They broke up the old national railroad system into private lines some years ago which created problems for a time. However, if they’re saying it’s a 2 or 2½ hour trip that sounds like a fast, direct train and should be very pleasant. I would look into getting your ticket in advance; they can be cheaper that way.
Book tickets in advance, it’ll be a lot cheaper. A return ticket from Leeds (where I live, which is pretty close to Manchester) to London can cost £50 if booked in advance, if bought on the day it’ll cost £120 one-way.
I tend to book tickets through either thetrainline.com or eastcoast.co.uk.
The National Rail Service is definitely trustworthy. :) Have a safe trip. Feel free to post back if you have any other questions.
Oh; in answer to the other part of your question—trains are very regular and are rarely delayed. If your train is delayed, you’ll be able to get the next one (which should be within 45 minutes, depending). Don’t travel on a Sunday, there’ll be less trains.
To get the most out of the day, try to get a train by 9:30am and get a returning train by 8pm, that should give you enough time.
Yes the rail service is pretty reliable, and there are many trains from London to Manchester. Book ahead it will be cheaper. Enjoy your trip
Definitely do-able in a day-trip. Trains are mostly reliable. Buy your ticket as far in advance as you possibly can, otherwise it’s very expensive. Takes about 2.5 hours, direct train with no changes.
Thank you all for your answers:)
So, I decided to go for it! I just booked tickets and took your advice to go for a direct train, hoping that I’ll earn some hours to see a little bit of Manchester too.
Not to mention that I saved about £100 for two adults!
Thank you all for the tip, had no idea about advance tickets.
I will be back next week, I’ll leave feedback here.
Pls keep fingers crossed for me:)
@kounoupi I hope you enjoy the trip! Manchester is a great city.
Back for the feedback as I’d promised.
Sorry it took me so long, I was offline for personal reasons.
Now, I did take the train trip and it was AMAZING. Given the chance, I would do it again without having any hesitation whatsoever:)
Loved Manchester too:)))
Thank you all again for your kind and helpful anwers.
@kounoupi so glad you enjoyed your visit here.
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