Manchester's main railway station with connections across the UK including London, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and Liverpool.
About Manchester Piccadilly Station
The station has undergone significant redevelopment, with the new Piccadilly Gateway creating an impressive entrance on the east side, and the area around the station becoming one of Manchester's fastest-growing neighborhoods. Piccadilly Village and the adjacent Ancoats district now host acclaimed restaurants (Rudy's Pizza, Pollen), co-working spaces, and new residential developments.
The station sits at the eastern edge of the city centre, a 5-minute walk from Piccadilly Gardens and the Northern Quarter. The Portland Street and Chinatown areas are immediately south, while the Piccadilly Basin canal area to the north connects to the Ashton Canal towpath. The planned HS2 high-speed rail terminus at Manchester Piccadilly, though delayed, would eventually bring London within 1 hour 10 minutes.
Nearby Landmarks
Transport Options
Quick Comparison
| Option | Cost | Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi | £30-40 | 20-35 minutes | Convenience, groups, heavy luggage |
| Rideshare | £18-28 | 20-35 minutes | Budget-conscious, app users |
| Train | £5-7 | 15-20 minutes | Budget, avoiding traffic |
Good to Know
Late Night Transport
The last train from Manchester Piccadilly to the airport departs around 11:00 PM. The Metrolink tram runs slightly later, until midnight. After that, a taxi from the station to the airport costs £25-30. The area around Piccadilly station has improved but can still feel quiet late at night; stick to well-lit streets. Uber is widely available. Several 24-hour food outlets operate near the station.
Luggage Tips
Manchester Piccadilly has self-service luggage lockers near Platform 1 (from £5 per day for small lockers, £10 for large). The station is on two levels with escalators and elevators connecting the lower entrance to the upper platforms. When heading to the airport, the train platforms for airport services are on the main level (platforms 13-14 typically). Porters are available during daytime hours.
Accessibility
Manchester Piccadilly has full step-free access from street level to all platforms via elevators. The station has accessible restrooms and a staffed assistance point. Northern and TransPennine trains have wheelchair spaces; book assistance via the Passenger Assist service 24 hours in advance. The Metrolink stop at Piccadilly Gardens is step-free and wheelchair accessible.