If you’re planning a road trip from London to Manchester, one of the first things you’ll want to know is how long it will take. The answer, of course, depends on a number of factors including traffic, weather conditions, and your mode of transportation. In this article, we’ll break down the different ways you can travel from London to Manchester by car and give you an estimate of how long each option will take.
Driving from London to Manchester
The most direct way to travel from London to Manchester is by car. The distance between the two cities is approximately 209 miles (336 km), so it’s definitely doable in a day trip if you’re up for the challenge.
Assuming no major traffic delays or road closures, driving from London to Manchester should take around 4 hours on average. However, if you’re traveling during peak rush hour times like weekday mornings or evenings, that time could easily stretch to 5 or 6 hours.
The Best Route
There are several different routes you can take when driving from London to Manchester. The most commonly recommended route involves taking the M1 motorway northbound out of London and then switching onto the M6 motorway towards Manchester. This route takes you through some beautiful countryside scenery but be prepared for some heavy traffic especially around Birmingham which is a known bottleneck area.
Other Modes Of Transportation
If driving isn’t your thing or if you don’t have access to a car there are other options available as well:
- Train: Taking the train is often a faster and more comfortable option than driving especially if you’re not used to British roads. Trains run regularly between London Euston station and Manchester Piccadilly station with journey times taking on average two hours.
- Buses: There are plenty of coach services that run from London to Manchester.
The journey time is generally longer than by train, but the fares are often cheaper. It could take up to 5 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
- Flights: Though not a popular option for this route, it’s still worth considering if you’re in a hurry. A direct flight from London Heathrow to Manchester Airport takes around 1 hour.
The Verdict
So there you have it, driving from London to Manchester should take around 4-6 hours depending on traffic conditions. If you want to avoid the hassle of driving and the risk of getting lost, taking the train or coach would be your best bet.
Alternatively, if time is of the essence, flying is a viable option. Regardless of how you choose to travel between these two historic cities – plan accordingly and enjoy your journey!