Chester to Manchester train with Transport for Wales

Mon, Nov 02
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
Cheapest price on Nov 02
€8
Average ticket price on Nov 02
€16
Fastest journey on Nov 02
48 m
Average journey duration on Nov 02
54 m
Trains on Nov 02
12
Distance
54 km
Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Chester to Manchester will cost around €16 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €8.

Fast trains

On Mon, Nov 02, we found 12 trains from Chester to Manchester, including 7 direct services.

On Mon, Nov 02 the direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .

On Mon, Nov 02 the slowest trains will take 58 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.

  • Northern RailL89054
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89122
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG89124
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailL89009
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38506
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chester to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Chester to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €3 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 33 miles (54 km) distance in 40m.

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

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance33 miles (54 km)
  • Average train duration1h 3m
  • Cheapest ticket price€3
  • Trains per day11
  • Direct trains6
  • Fastest train40m
  • First train12:05 AM
  • Last train11:58 PM
  • Cheapest MonthJan
  • Cheapest DaySat
  • High SeasonApr - Jun
  • Low SeasonJan - Mar
  • Busiest DayWed
  • Least Busy DaySat
  • Best time to book14 days

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

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

Frequently asked questions about your Chester to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chester to Manchester.

Train ticket prices from Chester to Manchester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €3, while the average price is around €15.
The train from Chester to Manchester takes 40m and runs 11 per day.
The distance by train from Chester to Manchester is 33 miles (54 km).
The first train from Chester to Manchester leaves at 12:05 AM.
The last train from Chester to Manchester leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chester to Manchester. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transport for Wales.

Live departures

Chester to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Chester to Manchester trains for today, Sunday, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Mersey RailS20989 · ME377300 · ME397100+Northern RailP242228:30 AM Bache station (BAC)
3h05
11:35 AM Deansgate (DGT)3 transfers
Mersey RailS20989 · ME377300 · ME397100+Northern RailP242228:36 AM Capenhurst station (CPU)
2h59
11:35 AM Deansgate (DGT)3 transfers
Avanti West CoastVT960100+Northern RailC32507+Mersey RailS211219:19 AM Capenhurst station (CPU)
2h26
11:45 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 transfers
Northern RailNT014700 · L89020+Mersey RailS211209:49 AM Capenhurst station (CPU)
2h33
12:22 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 transfers
Northern RailNT014700 · L89020+Mersey RailS211209:55 AM Bache station (BAC)
2h27
12:22 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 transfers
Northern RailNT014700 · L8902010:09 AM Chester station (CTR)
2h13
12:22 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Mersey RailS20981 · ME376500 · ME396500+Northern RailP2423010:30 AM Bache station (BAC)
3h03
1:33 PM Deansgate (DGT)3 transfers
Mersey RailS20981 · ME376500 · ME396500+Northern RailP2423010:36 AM Capenhurst station (CPU)
2h57
1:33 PM Deansgate (DGT)3 transfers
Transport for WalesAW8503001:36 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h05
3:41 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesAW850300+East Midlands RailwayC043661:36 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h02
3:38 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)1 transfer
Avanti West CoastVT960500 · W333541:40 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h04
3:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Transport for WalesAW849200+Avanti West CoastW333541:57 PM Chester station (CTR)
1h47
3:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Transport for WalesAW849200 · G389761:57 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h18
4:15 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Northern RailNT014400 · L890392:16 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h16
4:32 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Northern RailNT014800 · L890126:19 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h17
8:36 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Transport for WalesAW854400+Northern RailP242156:36 PM Chester station (CTR)
1h58
8:34 PM Deansgate (DGT)1 transfer
Transport for WalesAW8544006:36 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h05
8:41 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 transfersDirect
Avanti West CoastVT960900 · W331876:40 PM Chester station (CTR)
2h04
8:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Transport for WalesAW848500+Avanti West CoastW331876:57 PM Chester station (CTR)
1h47
8:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer
Transport for WalesAW846800 · G389967:25 PM Chester station (CTR)
1h50
9:15 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Chester to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express and more offer trains services from Chester to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chester to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?

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

Train companies

Train companies from Chester to Manchester

Trains from Chester to Manchester with Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, and Avanti West Coast. High-speed trains available on this route with Avanti West Coast and Transpennine Express. Regional trains available on this route with Transport for Wales and Northern Rail. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.

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
45m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
€10
Transport for Wales frequency
4 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

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
40m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
€3
Northern Rail frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
52m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
€18
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
46m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
€15
Transpennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Chester and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train from Chester to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chester to Manchester.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or casual eats.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.

Plan your visit to Manchester

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Manchester.

The train journey from Chester to Manchester offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with sights of the Cheshire countryside, fields, and small towns, providing a pleasant but not particularly dramatic scenic experience.
Popular day trips by train from Manchester include Liverpool, Leeds, Sheffield, Newton-le-Willows, Stockport.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Manchester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like markets, public transport, and popular tourist spots. Common scams include fake charity collectors and overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers. It is advisable to use licensed taxis and keep personal belongings secure to avoid theft. Staying aware of surroundings, particularly at night, helps reduce safety risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

FAQs: Trains from Chester to Manchester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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
Yes, you can take the train from Chester to Manchester.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chester to Manchester

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

Departure train stations in Chester
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Chester station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Chester to Manchester leave from Chester. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Chester city centre at Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS.
ChesterChester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS+44 3450507080ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Chester from Chester city centre

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

Bus100, 16 · 4m · €4 · every ~2 min

Chester train station facilities and services

Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Chester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Chester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Chester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Train stations for Chester to Manchester

Check train stations information for Chester and Manchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Chester that goes to Manchester is Chester, which connects to Manchester Piccadilly.

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