London to Manchester direct trains

Direct trains from London to Manchester
I’ll be in London from May 24th to 26th, but my return flight is from Manchester. While browsing Avanti West Coast for train options, I noticed that direct trains in April take about 2 hours to reach Manchester, but the trains on my desired dates take at least 3 hours. Is there a reason for this difference? Do you have any recommendations for alternatives?
Direct trains from London to Manchester are typically operated by Avanti West Coast, and travel times can vary based on a few factors, such as the schedule, the exact time of day, and whether there are any stops along the route.
In general, travel times could be longer during peak hours when trains might stop more frequently or if there are more commuters. It’s also possible that schedules change based on seasonal demand or maintenance work on the tracks, which might be the case in late May.
I’d recommend checking the train times closer to your travel date, as schedules can be updated or adjusted. If you can, try traveling during off-peak hours for potentially shorter travel times and less crowded trains.
Also, consider booking tickets as soon as possible, as prices may increase as the date approaches. Finally, if you’re flexible, it might be worth exploring bus or coach options as well; they can sometimes be more economical, albeit typically slower. Enjoy your trip!