We know the car feels like the easiest way to get around—until you’re stuck in the morning crawl on the motorway or circling the block looking for a parking spot that doesn't cost a fortune. But what if your journey into Manchester was actually the best part of your day? From Bolton to Buxton, we’re helping the North move smarter, faster, and cheaper.
Why go by train?
We get it, the car feels like the default choice. But between the stop-start traffic driving into the city, the hunt for a parking spot, and the rising costs of fuel, the "easy" option is becoming anything but.
Choosing Northern isn't just about a seat on a train; it’s about reclaiming your morning, your money, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a weekend wanderer, we’re here to help you move better.
- Real Time Savings - Bypass the jams and arrive in the heart of Manchester in minutes.
- Serious Value - With Advance tickets starting from just £2.10, you’ll often spend less on your fare than you would on a single hour of city-centre parking.
- The Me-Time Factor - Use our free Wi-Fi to smash through your inbox, lose yourself in a book, or just enjoy the view.
- Cleaner Air: Each passenger in a medium-sized petrol car has a carbon footprint of 192 grams per kilometre travelled. Taking the train reduces a passenger's emissions to only 41 grams per kilometre. It’s a win for you, and a victory for the North.
Plus, did you know, same-day travel in Greater Manchester just got even easier, fairer, and more flexible? With two ticket types available for on-the-day purchases, it's a simple choice between an anytime or off-peak single or return!
You can even buy combined train and tram tickets, making your journey to work, home, or leisure straightforward and stress-free.
Your route, reimagined
Find your station below to see how much time (and stress) you could be saving.
Preston and Bolton to Manchester
Speedy commutes and easy Park & Ride options.
| From | Train time | Car time (avg.) | Advance train ticket or off-peak fare from | The benefit |
| Bolton | 23 mins | 41 mins | £3.70 | 6 trains per hour |
| Horwich Parkway | 30 mins | 41 mins | £4.20 | Handy for the M61 and Park & Ride options into town |
| Lostock | 27 mins | 40 mins | £4.20 | 2 trains per hour |
| Buckshaw Parkway | 46 mins | 50 mins | £2.70 | 2 trains per hour |
| Chorley | 39 mins | 50 mins | £2.50 | 3 trains per hour |
| Preston | 43 mins | 42 mins | £3.60 | 3 trains per hour |
Why choose the train?
If you’re driving from Bolton, you’re spending nearly double the time behind the wheel compared to the train. Plus, with 6 trains per hour, you don't need to live by a timetable - just show up and go.
Buxton to Manchester
Short hops for brunch and scenic trips to the Peaks.
| From | Train time | Car time (avg.) | Advance train ticket or off-peak fare from | The benefit |
| Levenshulme | 8 mins | 18 mins | £2.10 | Quicker than finding a parking space! |
| Heaton Chapel | 10 mins | 24 mins | £2.70 | More time for shopping, less time in traffic |
| Hazel Grove | 24 mins | 36 mins | £3.70 | Save on fuel and Clean Air Zone fees |
| Disley | 33 mins | 47 mins | £2.20 | Relax and enjoy the view of the Peaks |
| Buxton | 61 mins | 66 mins | £3.00 | No parking stess at the Opera House |
Leisure lovers heading to Manchester
Heading into Manchester from Levenshulme or Heaton Chapel? You could be stepping onto the platform at Piccadilly in the time it takes to find a radio station you actually like. It’s the ultimate life hack for your weekend plans.
The true cost: train vs car
Most drivers only think about the price at the pump, but the true cost of a car journey into Manchester adds up fast. When you factor in the hidden expenses, that 20-mile round trip is costing you much more than you think.
- Parking - Up to £15 per day in central Manchester
- Clean Air Zone - Potential extra charges for certain vehicles
- Vehicle Wear - Maintenance, tyres, and the general hidden costs of driving
With Northern, your journey starts from as little as £2.10. No hidden fees, no parking tickets—just a direct route to where you need to be.
Ready to make the switch?
Taking the train is more than just a different way to travel—it’s a better way to start your day. Whether you’re swapping the roads for a morning brew or trading city-centre parking for a stroll to the shops, we’re ready when you are.
Book your tickets in advance via our app for the lowest fares and a guaranteed smoother journey.
Make the switch even easier
Compare your train vs car journey with our Cost, Time and Carbon Footprint Calculator
Make informed choices about your travel and compare your train journey to the same journey via car to see how you can save pennies, time and reduce your carbon footprint!
Enter your route start and end points below and compare costs and emissions between the train and car options.
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A green guide to Manchester
Planning a day out in Manchester? As well as having an iconic music scene, Manchester is jam-packed with amazing restaurants and bars, has plenty to see, and an abundance of culture to enjoy. Getting to Manchester couldn’t be easier by rail – and did ...
Read our guideJoin the movement
We’re more than just a train operator; we’re part of the fabric of the North. By choosing the train, you’re helping us create a more connected, less congested, and greener Manchester for everyone. Whether it’s your first time on the tracks in years or you’re a seasoned commuter looking for a better way to travel, we can't wait to welcome you on board.
See you on the platform!
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.
Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.