- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
2 h 59 m
Average duration
2 h 59 m
Trains per day
25
Distance
227 km
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Manchester will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 25 trains that leave Bristol for Manchester on Mon, May 25, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the 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 59 m .
On Mon, May 25 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.
G66716
G00928 · G00934
G00908+
GW115500+
Y62764
G38967+
G15213 · GW117700
G66779+
L89091+
C17782
G00876
G00865
G00872
G00854
G00883Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 141 miles (227 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $22 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Manchester:
A bus is $52 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Manchester costing on average $73 (€59).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 50m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W29795 · G00890 | Delayed 3:40 PM 4:31 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h58 | 6:44 PM 6:44 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C33098 · GW102500+ G39002 | On time 4:54 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 5h20 | 10:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00724 · G00897 | On time 5:31 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h58 | 8:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G66777 | On time 6:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h00 | 9:00 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00731 · G00902 | On time 6:31 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h58 | 9:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00907 · G00911 | On time 7:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 3h29 | 10:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G66550 · G00917 | On time 8:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h56 | 11:28 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, May 25 | |||||
XC102400+ G38945 | 5:20 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h53 | 10:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y41707 · GW118000+ G38947 | 5:45 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 5h28 | 11:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G66716 | 7:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 9:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15213 · GW117700+ G38967 | 7:40 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h33 | 12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00854 | 9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 11:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15215 · GW117300+ G38975 | 9:39 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h34 | 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G66730 | 10:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 12:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15216 · GW117100+ G38953 | 10:38 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h35 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G66735 | 11:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15218 · GW116900+ G38983 | 11:38 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 4h35 | 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
G00865 | 12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 2:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00872 | 1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00876 | 2:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00883 | 3:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G00888 | On time 4:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2h59 | 6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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.
Trains from Bristol to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $12 (€9) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 141 miles (227 km) |
Average train duration 3h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 3:40 AM |
Last train 11:36 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum on the site of the world’s oldest surviving passenger railway station, covering Manchester’s industrial, scientific and computing heritage.
University museum with renowned collections in natural history, archaeology and world cultures, recently redeveloped and widely praised.
Popular museum telling the story of football through trophies, memorabilia and interactive displays in the city centre.
Manchester’s best-known creative district, packed with street art, independent shops and a strong music and nightlife identity.
Canal-side conservation area with Roman roots, converted warehouses, bridges and some of the city’s most atmospheric walks.
Famous street in the Gay Village, known for cultural significance, nightlife and role in modern Manchester identity.
A classic Manchester dessert with a shortcrust pastry shell, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry on top. It is one of the city’s best-known traditional sweet treats.
A famous Greater Manchester pastry made with flaky pastry filled with currants, butter, and sugar. It is strongly associated with the Manchester area and widely loved across the North West.
A traditional Lancashire and Greater Manchester snack of slow-cooked black badger peas, often served with vinegar. It is a simple local street-food style dish with deep regional roots.
A highly regarded steak and British seafood restaurant set in a former courthouse. It is known for excellent ingredients, strong service, and a smart but relaxed atmosphere.
A popular casual spot for Indian street food and craft beer, known for flavorful vegetarian dishes and a lively atmosphere near the city centre.
A celebrated fine dining restaurant in central Manchester, known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in an elegant historic setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels vary by match days and events, while food, transport, and pubs are mid-priced.
Service charge is uncommon outside upscale venues. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated for good service. Round up taxis. No tip is expected for pubs, takeaways, or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Manchester Victoria
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.

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