travel to Manchester

[Debs1964]

what is the easiest way to travel to Manchester from Essex wihout driving please, any ideas?

[dzug]

From most parts of Essex, in the week, train to London, tube or taxi to Euston then train again.

[Lil O'lady]

Change lines at Fenchurch street / tower bridge and tube to Euston.
Do not under any circumstances get the bus from victoria as you will lose the will to live and the feeling in your legs.

[Buenchico]

From Colchester (or stations between London and Colchester) you can take a through train to Peterborough. From Peterborough, there are direct services to Manchester. It's not a fast route but it's very easy and it can be significantly cheaper than going via London.

Chris

[Debs1964]

thanks for all the help. I must admit the Peterborough option does sound quite an interesting one! Cheers! x

[markysngc]

national express run coach services from many parts of Essex to Manchester, check the website for details

http://www.nationalexpress.co.uk

[DrFilth]

if i was you i would leave it for at least a week we have had a big football match here and the city centre is in a bad state. the smell that will greet you as you get off the train is like sticking your head down the dirtiest toilet that you could think of. we have had no rain for a week ! when over 10,000 people have used piccadilly gardens as a toilet it tends to pong a bit

[Debs1964]

thank you again everyone for your helpful answers.
Im a Scot and I feel let down and embarassed today by the way the Rangers fans have behaved in Manchester. I can imagine as usual it was just a few spoiling it for the rest...but why?

Never thought about National Express coach : )

[Lil O'lady]

The Peterborough route stops at every barn and has plastic seats. You will wish yourself dead before half way.

[where myhome]

look at national express from london 2 manchester is �1 fun fare ticket have to book early or mege bus

[Eve]

Take a train if you can as the buses take ages and at least you change on trains and can walk about a bit.

The Peterborough route isn't too bad on the train as I've done it before, it's just getting to Peterborough :)

I can vouch that the city centre is much cleaner now bar some remaining smashed windows.

[Buenchico]

Further to Jenna's post:

The through train service on the London - Colchester - Ipswich - Peterborough route is operated by 'Class 170' diesel units which have very comfortable seats. (The service operates every two hours).

As Lil O'Lady has indicated, the through service from Peterborough to Manchester sometimes uses a 'bus on rails' but recent improvements to the rolling stock fleet mean that you might get a more comfortable journey. However, if you don't mind an extra change, you can often get to Manchester an hour quicker by taking a train to Doncaster and then changing for Manchester. The Peterborough to Doncaster service is operated by some of the fastest and most comfortable trains in the country. The trains from Doncaster to Manchester can be a bit 'basic' but it's a fairly short journey, so it shouldn't matter too much.

Chris

[Debs1964]

Hey guys, I really appreciated all your answers, Thanks. I have decided to go Nat Express straight to Manchester , worked out the cheapest and with only one change at London, too many changes on the trains, esp with Bank Holiday, not good at all that. Im soo looking forward to seeing Manchester, the way my pals describe it, sounds a fun and friendly city. Thanks again for all the helpful answers. Know where to come in future if Im stuck x

[Eve]

It's a fab city, quite a few of us from Manchester so if you want any tips of what to do just post another thread :)

Hope you have a great time!

[Debs1964]

Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who helped me decided on my travel to Manchester. I chose National Express, from Stansted, having to change at London and then straight through to Manchester. I wasn't disappointed, although it was quite a long journey, but we did make a stop on the way for a cuppa etc, The coach was comfortable and the driver delivered us there on time both ways. Must admit though London Victoria could do with a bit of modernisation, compared to Manchester bus station which was modern and clean. thanks guys, you are always so helpful on this site if I have a query x