Birmingham to Manchester XC - crowding question

[c2c]

Hello,

I need to travel from Birmingham Int. to Manchester Picc. on Friday (returning early Monday morning). I'm not too worried about the return journey as the train starts from Piccadilly and if I get there early enough I should be able to get a seat + space for luggage. Just wanted to know what to expect crowding wise between 5-7pm on a Friday if anyone had an experience making this journey?

Thanks

 

[LowLevel]

Hello,

I need to travel from Birmingham Int. to Manchester Picc. on Friday (returning early Monday morning). I'm not too worried about the return journey as the train starts from Piccadilly and if I get there early enough I should be able to get a seat + space for luggage. Just wanted to know what to expect crowding wise between 5-7pm on a Friday if anyone had an experience making this journey?

Thanks

If it's the direct train it's likely to be horrendous as it comes from Bournemouth. You might be as well catching another train to New Street or Wolverhampton to intercept it there once it's had a chance to kick out at Birmingham.

 

[Mcr Warrior]

@c2c. What ticket type are you buying? = Off Peak Return? Did a similar journey recently, and changed trains at Wolverhampton, Stafford and Crewe, so as to use less busy trains, and avoid using XC. Might be a consideration, although noted you'll have luggage.

 

[Djgr]

Hello,

I need to travel from Birmingham Int. to Manchester Picc. on Friday (returning early Monday morning). I'm not too worried about the return journey as the train starts from Piccadilly and if I get there early enough I should be able to get a seat + space for luggage. Just wanted to know what to expect crowding wise between 5-7pm on a Friday if anyone had an experience making this journey?

Thanks

You should be able to find itineraries changing at Crewe or Stafford to swerve from an XC journey of hell (or perhaps via Rugby?).

 

[jfollows]

Via Coventry and therefore by implication via Rugby is not a permitted route for “any permitted” tickets such as off peak returns or open returns.