London Marathon 2022: how to get from Manchester to London as train providers strike this weekend - including coach tim

The London Marathon takes place this weekend, with runners from all over the UK, including Manchester, expected to join thousands in the capital.

Although the marathon doesn’t take place on a day of strike action on the nation’s railways, it is still expected to have some impact on journeys between Manchester and London.

Industrial action is planned for three days during the first week of October, with the first day set for October first - the day before the London Marathon.

The strike on October 1 was announced in September and RMT general secretary hoped the strike would be a continued way of sending a clear message to employers.

He said: “Transport workers are joining a wave of strike action on October 1, sending a clear message to the government and employers that working people will not accept continued attacks on pay and working conditions at a time when big business profits are at an all-time high.

“We want a settlement to these disputes where our members and their families can get a square deal.  And we will not rest until we get a satisfactory outcome.”

If you are taking part or hoping to head down to London to watch the Marathon, here’s what you need to know about ways you can get there.

Are trains running on October 2?

Trains will be running on a more regular basis between Manchester Piccadilly and London Euston on October 2, but you can expect plenty of disruption following the strike action.

According to National Rail, the first train from Manchester Piccadilly to London Euston leaves at 8.30am but will not arrive into London until after nearly 11am, too late for anyone taking part in the London Marathon.

For those getting back to Manchester after the marathon via rail, services should return to some normality and regular trains that take just over two hours will be running through the afternoon.

Getting to London by coach

National Express has several coaches from Manchester Coach Station down to London Victoria Coach station, however according to their website you will need to travel down on Saturday October 1 as coaches on Sunday morning have sold out.

Prices start from £33 throughout the afternoon on Saturday.

To select the journey for you and for information on return journeys, visit the National Express website.     

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