Bristol to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Mon, 28 Sept
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CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Deutsche Bahn
SNCF | TGV INOUI
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 28 Sept

Cheapest price on 28 Sept

16Rp

Average ticket price on 28 Sept

72Rp

Fastest journey on 28 Sept

2 h 58 m

Average journey duration on 28 Sept

2 h 59 m

Trains on 28 Sept

26

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Manchester will cost around 72Rp if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 16Rp.

Fast trains

On Mon, 28 Sept, we found 26 trains from Bristol to Manchester, including 11 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 227 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Transport for WalesG38967+Great Western RailwayG15000
    7:56 AM4h17
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    12:13 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16 Rp1One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG66735
    11:00 AM2h59
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    1:59 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    40 Rp1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG66716
    7:00 AM2h59
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    9:59 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    45 Rp1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00883
    3:00 PM2h59
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    5:59 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    60 Rp1One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00888
    4:00 PM2h59
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    6:59 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    60 Rp1One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Bristol to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, 27 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00731 · G00902
On time
6:31 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h58
9:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00907 · G00911
On time
7:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h29
10:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00734+Avanti West CoastW33159 · W33358
On time
7:31 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h13
10:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
CrossCountryG66550 · G00917
On time
8:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h56
11:28 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Monday, 28 September
CrossCountryG667167:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
9:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38967+Great Western RailwayG150007:56 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h17
12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG667218:01 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h58
10:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38967+Great Western RailwayG15526 · G149338:08 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h05
12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG008549:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
11:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38949+Great Western RailwayC488219:28 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h45
1:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG38975+Great Western RailwayG150049:57 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h16
2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG6673010:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
12:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG6673511:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38953+Great Western RailwayG1549611:29 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h44
3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG38983+Great Western RailwayG1500711:58 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h15
4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG0086512:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
2:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38983+Great Western RailwayG14939 · C4889612:08 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h05
4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG008721:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38955+Great Western RailwayG154981:25 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h48
5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG008762:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38991+Great Western RailwayG150112:01 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h13
6:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG008833:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG008884:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38999+Great Western RailwayW34632 · G155254:08 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h05
8:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG008945:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38959+Great Western RailwayG155025:24 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h49
9:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00723+Avanti West CoastW34288 · C01361 · W340245:33 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h32
9:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3 changes
CrossCountryG00723+Avanti West CoastW34288+Transport for WalesG389595:33 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h40
9:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
Transport for WalesG39004+Great Western RailwayG150185:57 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h24
10:21 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG66779 · G009016:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h29
9:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Manchester by coach or train

Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
Wed
30 Sept
Thu
01 Oct
Fri
02 Oct
Sat
03 Oct
Sun
04 Oct

Why should you book Bristol to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Bristol to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 24Rp but you can travel from only 8Rp by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 2h 44m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 8Rp
Distance
227 km
Average train duration
3h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
24Rp
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 44m
First train
3:40 AM
Last train
11:36 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
28 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 8Rp

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Bristol to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Bristol and Manchester from 8Rp. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 44m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
26Rp
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
24Rp
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Bristol to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Manchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Bristol to Manchester can start from as little as 24Rp when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bristol to Manchester is 72Rp; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Bristol to Manchester is 2h 44m to travel the 227 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 3:40 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 11:36 pm.
Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Bristol to Manchester with CrossCountry. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Bristol to Manchester, you can count on CrossCountry, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Bristol and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 44m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Manchester including taking a coach and train.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Manchester

Most Bristol to Manchester trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Manchester
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre

Bus16 · 7m · 4Rp · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · 4Rp · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · 4Rp · every ~22 min

Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services

Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.

RedlandRedland station, South Road, Redland, Bristol, City of, BS6 6QPParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Redland from Bristol city centre

Redland is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 11m · 2Rp · every ~4 min
Bus72 · 6m · 4Rp · every ~8 min
72 · 12m · 4Rp · every ~8 min

Redland train station facilities and services

Redland has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Redland.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Redland: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Redland: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Redland: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free - Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

MontpelierMontpelier station, Station Road, Montpelier, Bristol, City of, BS6 5EEParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Montpelier from Bristol city centre

Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus13 · 11m · 2Rp · every ~4 min
76, 75, 73 · 15m · 4Rp · every ~53 min

Montpelier train station facilities and services

Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Montpelier: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Montpelier: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform, Accessible taxis: No, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from Bristol to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomBristol to Manchester train

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