Manchester Airport to Chester train with Transport for Wales

Tue, Sep 01
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains Limited
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains Limited
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Airport to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 01

Cheapest price on Sep 01

€12

Average ticket price on Sep 01

€25

Fastest journey on Sep 01

1 h 6 m

Average journey duration on Sep 01

1 h 21 m

Trains on Sep 01

15

Distance

45 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Chester will cost around €25 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €12.

Fast trains

On Tue, Sep 01, we found 15 trains from Manchester Airport to Chester, including 4 direct services.

On Tue, Sep 01 the direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 1 h 21 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 6 m .

On Tue, Sep 01 the slowest trains will take 1 h 27 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 WalesG38407
    8:25 PM1h27
    Manchester Airport (MIA)
    9:52 PMChester station (CTR)
    121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Northern RailG86182 · G89100
    7:32 PM1h37
    Manchester Airport (MIA)
    9:09 PMChester station (CTR)
    121One-way
    1 transfer
  • Northern RailG86165 · G89080
    8:32 AM1h29
    Manchester Airport (MIA)
    10:01 AMChester station (CTR)
    141One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38399
    8:25 AM1h24
    Manchester Airport (MIA)
    9:49 AMChester station (CTR)
    161One-way
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38421
    7:25 PM1h23
    Manchester Airport (MIA)
    8:48 PMChester station (CTR)
    161One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train for Manchester Airport to Chester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €12 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 47m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €12, while a train costs an average of €12.

Distance: 27 miles (45 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

€12

Average price

Cheapest

€10

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

44m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester Airport to Chester is a train with an average price of €12.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester Airport to Chester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 17m.
Yes, you can take a train between Manchester Airport and Chester.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester Airport to Chester among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €12 compared to roughly €10 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-2.11. The journey takes 1h 17m versus 44m 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.

Live departures

Manchester Airport to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Chester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Northern RailG90100+Transport for WalesG38621
On time
7:01 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h46
8:47 AM Chester station (CTR)
1 transfer
Transport for WalesG383947:25 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h24
8:49 AM Chester station (CTR)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG86159 · G890767:32 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h30
9:02 AM Chester station (CTR)1 transfer
Northern RailG85894+Transpennine ExpressG158977:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h53
9:37 AM Chester station (CTR)1 transfer
Northern RailG90105+Transport for WalesG38623
On time
8:01 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h43
9:44 AM Chester station (CTR)
1 transfer
Transport for WalesG383998:25 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h24
9:49 AM Chester station (CTR)0 transfersDirect
Northern RailG86165 · G890808:32 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h29
10:01 AM Chester station (CTR)1 transfer
Northern RailG85900+Transpennine ExpressG158968:44 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h53
10:37 AM Chester station (CTR)1 transfer
Northern RailG90109+Transport for WalesG38625
On time
9:01 AM Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h43
10:44 AM Chester station (CTR)
1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester Airport to Chester by train

Compare 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.

Tue
Sep 01
Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07

Why should you book Manchester Airport to Chester trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Airport to Chester.
  • 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.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trip or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Airport to Chester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester Airport to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester Airport to Chester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €5 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 15:44. The fastest train covers the 27 miles (45 km) distance in 1h 24m.

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
Distance
27 miles (45 km)
Average train duration
1h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
€5
Trains per day
12
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
1h 24m
First train
5:32 AM
Last train
3:44 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sep
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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

Train companies: Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester Airport to Chester trainsTransport for Wales, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester Airport and Chester from €5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
1h 24m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
€26
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
1h 29m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
€5
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
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
1h 4m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
€15
Northern Trains Limited frequency
40 a day

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Must visit

Grosvenor Museum

An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

A major museum on Roman Chester with archaeology, reconstructed rooms, and hands-on displays. It is the best place to understand the city’s ancient roots.

  • Recommended

Sick to Death

A richly furnished Georgian townhouse showing domestic life across centuries. Costumed interpretation and period interiors make it engaging and memorable.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist areas raise prices. Buses are reasonable; central sights are walkable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Manchester Airport to Chester

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Manchester Airport to Chester can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €5, while the average price is around €12.
The train from Manchester Airport to Chester takes 1h 24m and runs 12 per day.
The first train from Manchester Airport to Chester leaves at 5:32 AM.
The distance by train from Manchester Airport to Chester is 27 miles (45 km).
The last train from Manchester Airport to Chester leaves at 3:44 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester Airport to Chester.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester Airport to Chester. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester Airport to Chester.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester Airport to Chester is by train, with a cost of around €5.
The train journey from Manchester Airport to Chester offers views of the Cheshire countryside, featuring rolling fields, picturesque villages, and glimpses of the River Mersey, providing a pleasant and scenic travel experience.
Yes, a day trip from Manchester Airport to Chester is possible. The journey takes 1h 24m, covering a distance of 27 miles (45 km). Trains run 12 times per day.
In Chester, you can explore Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, and the Grosvenor Museum with its local history exhibits. Enjoy the scenic River Dee with a walk or boat trip. Visit Storyhouse for theatre, cinema, and library experiences. Discover military history at the Cheshire Military Museum. Don't miss Chester Cathedral's stunning architecture, the Chester Roman Amphitheatre, the medieval Chester City Walls, the iconic Eastgate Clock, and The Rows for unique shopping experiences.
To fully experience Chester, two to three days are ideal. This allows time to explore its historic attractions, such as the Roman walls, Chester Cathedral, and the historic Rows, as well as enjoy its shops and dining options.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester Airport to Chester.
Since neither Manchester Airport nor Chester are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Chester include Manchester, Liverpool, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Stockport.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester Airport to Chester among Omio's users.
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.
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 Chester, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and near popular attractions. Be wary of unofficial taxi services and always use licensed taxis or pre-booked transportation. Scams involving overpriced goods or services can occur in busy tourist spots, so it's advisable to agree on prices beforehand and be vigilant when approached by street vendors.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Manchester Airport to Chester

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

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Chester
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.

Most popular trains to and from Chester and Manchester Airport

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone