- Must visit
The Whitworth
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
1 h 21 m
Average duration
1 h 34 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
45 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chester to Manchester Airport 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 Airport will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
It's difficult to get from Chester to Manchester Airport without transferring at least once.
G38681 · V93340+
NT189400
G38963 · V93341+
G89837
G38680 · G38939+
A29380
G38510+
A29380
W43748+
W84902
W43748+
W84902
W43635+
W84876
G38510+
A29380
G38681 · V93340+
NT189400
G38963 · V93341+
G89837Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $8, and a bus costs an average of $12.
Distance: 27 miles (45 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $21 Average price | $13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 37m Average total duration 2h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Chester to Manchester Airport:
A train is $0.56 (€0.46) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Chester to Manchester Airport costing on average $21 (€18).
Other travel options to Manchester Airport take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 7m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $13 (€11) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.56 (€-6.19). The journey takes 1h 12m versus 41m 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.
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 Chester to Manchester Airport trains for tomorrow, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38680 · G38939+ A29380 | 8:57 AM Chester station (CTR) | 2h16 | 11:13 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 2 transfers | |
G38510+ A29380 | 9:39 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1h34 | 11:13 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
G38681 · V93340+ NT189400 | 9:57 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1h42 | 11:39 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 2 transfers | |
W43748+ W84902 | 10:37 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1h21 | 11:58 AM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
G38963 · V93341+ G89837 | 10:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1h50 | 12:39 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 2 transfers | |
W43635+ W84876 | 11:36 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1h22 | 12:58 PM Manchester Airport (MIA) | 1 transfer | |
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 Chester to Manchester Airport run on average 11 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:56, the last at 18:56. The fastest train covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 1h 20m.
Distance 27 miles (45 km) |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 (€6) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 20m |
First train 4:56 AM |
Last train 6:56 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Discover the best of Manchester Airport — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester Airport trip today.
University art gallery in nearby Manchester known for historic and contemporary collections, strong temporary exhibitions, and a park-side setting.
Major university museum with natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; one of the region's best all-round museums.
One of Manchester's signature museums, covering industry, transport, computing, and the city's role in the Industrial Revolution.
One of the best plane-spotting areas in the United Kingdom and a distinctive experience right next to the airport.
Historic canal-side district with warehouses, bridges, waterside walks, and a strong industrial character popular with visitors.
Scenic estate walks, woodland trails, and gardens around Quarry Bank, ideal for a half-day heritage and nature visit.
A classic local dessert with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry, long associated with Greater Manchester school dinners.
A traditional Greater Manchester pastry from nearby Eccles, filled with currants, butter, and sugar inside flaky pastry.
A famous Lancashire and Greater Manchester speciality made from pork blood, oats, and seasoning, often served in a full breakfast.
A popular airside airport gastropub in Terminal 1 known for British comfort food, beers, and a relaxed pre-flight atmosphere.
An established Italian restaurant at Manchester Airport with polished service, classic dishes, and a more upscale terminal dining option.
A long-running airport restaurant serving Italian staples in a casual sit-down setting, suitable for travellers wanting a full meal.
Airport prices are higher than city averages, but UK chain cafes and fast food keep basic meals manageable.
Service is often included or optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if not added. No tip needed for counter service; round up taxis if you wish.
Official public transport app
Manchester Airport Station, Manchester -> Manchester Piccadilly Station, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Chester to Manchester Airport trains use the Chester to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Chester and Manchester Airport train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Chester.
ATMs are available at Chester.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
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.
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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