Manchester to Luton train with East Midlands Trains

Sat, Dec 13
+ Add return
East Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
TransPennine Express
Northern Rail (3)
CrossCountry
1,000+ travel companies
East Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
TransPennine Express
Northern Rail (3)
CrossCountry
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Luton

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$102

Average price

$248

Fastest journey

3 h 16 m

Average duration

3 h 26 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

216 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Luton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Luton will cost around $248 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Manchester to Luton without transferring at least 2 times.

TransPennine ExpressL36552+East Midlands TrainsY12151 · C51580 · C52509
08:13AM3h42
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:55AMLuton station (LUT)
$1021One-way
3 transfers
East Midlands TrainsY12357 · C51244 · C52418
08:43AM3h42
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:25PMLuton station (LUT)
$1021One-way
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW03164+CrossCountryC74800+East Midlands TrainsC51580 · C52509
08:34AM3h21
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:55AMLuton station (LUT)
$2831One-way
3 transfers
Avanti West CoastW02910+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW59436
08:14AM3h26
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:40AMLuton station (LUT)
$3331One-way
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW03164+TubeTube from London Euston to London St Pancras International+ThameslinkW59521
08:34AM3h23
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:57AMLuton station (LUT)
$3331One-way
2 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Luton

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Luton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €10. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €10, and a flight costs an average of €72.

Distance: 134 miles (216 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€85

Average price

€22

Average price

Cheapest

€190

Average price

3h 38m

Average total duration

3h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 37m

Average total duration

5h 7m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

0.6 - 1.3kg

CO2 emissions

East Midlands Trains

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Luton train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Luton trains for today, Monday, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:09 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
avanti_west_coast4:05 AM Manchester
3h36
7:41 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
east_midlands_railway7:13 AM Manchester
3h42
10:55 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
east_midlands_railway7:43 AM Manchester
3h42
11:25 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast8:35 AM Manchester
3h19
11:54 AM Luton0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast7:15 PM Manchester
3h46
11:01 PM Luton0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Luton by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Luton?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Luton is 42 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Luton route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Luton per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Luton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Luton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Luton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $70 (€56) but you can travel from only $13 (€10) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 22:29. The fastest train covers the 134 miles (216 km) distance in 3h 17m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13 (€10)
Distance
134 miles (216 km)
Average train duration
3h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
$70 (€56)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 17m
First train
00:06
Last train
22:29
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $13 (€10)

Train companies: East Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), CrossCountry, LNER from Manchester to Luton trainsEast Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern Rail (3), CrossCountry, LNER trains will get you between Manchester and Luton from $13 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
$96 (€77)
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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest Price
$89 (€71)
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
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
TransPennine Express frequency
1 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
4h 24m
Cheapest Price
$104 (€83)
Northern Rail (3) frequency
1 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 46m
Cheapest Price
$99 (€80)
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

LNER

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
LNER frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
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 pets per passenger
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Luton

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Luton 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 Luton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Visitors typically find that spending one to two days in Luton is sufficient to explore its main attractions, such as the Stockwood Discovery Centre, Wardown House, and the charming local parks.
In Luton, visitors can explore The Mall Luton for shopping and dining, enjoy family-friendly activities at Woodside Animal Farm, and shop for fresh produce and crafts at Luton Indoor Market. For outdoor activities, Stockwood Park offers a space for picnics and sports. For entertainment, The Galaxy provides a cinema and bowling alley. Key sights include the Stockwood Discovery Centre with its local history exhibits and gardens, Wardown House Museum and Gallery, Luton Hoo Estate with its gardens and golf course, Whipsnade Zoo, and The Hat Factory Arts Centre, which hosts performances and art exhibitions.
The train journey from Manchester to Luton is not particularly known for being scenic, as it predominantly passes through urban and industrial areas, with occasional views of the countryside.
The distance by train from Manchester to Luton is 134 miles (216 km).
The train station in Manchester that goes to Luton is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), which connects to Luton station (LUT).
A day trip from Manchester to Luton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 17m and occurs 7 times per day by train over a distance of 134 miles (216 km).
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Luton can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $70 (€56), while the average price is around $106 (€85).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Luton is by bus, with a cost of around $13 (€10).
The first train from Manchester to Luton leaves at 12:06 AM.
The train from Manchester to Luton takes 3h 17m and runs 7 per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Luton.
The last train from Manchester to Luton leaves at 10:29 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Manchester to Luton.
There is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Luton.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Luton.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester to Luton

Manchester
Luton
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Ashburys. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ashburys for your trip from Manchester to Luton.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Dining
Dining
  • Cabral's Restaurant Brazilian Street Food and Grocery Store
Accessibility
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 transit 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
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit 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
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 13:30 Saturday 07:00 - 14:10 Sunday Closed
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
4 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B Station, Scooter Friendly Station - This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Along a ramp (55 paces, 1:14 slope) leading to the ticket office, then to Manchester straight ahead along a further ramp (67 paces, 1:8 slope) onto the platform. Then to Glossop from ticket office, turn right and across a footbridge (30 paces), and either follow down the ramp 100 paces, 1:15 slope for most of its length) straight onto the platform. Or, turn left and down 28 steps onto the platform.
  • Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
  • 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 transit options for Gorton
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses Pick Up / Drop Off at the lay by located on the overbridge approx 50 yrds from the station entrance.
  • Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811

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