- Recommended
South Hill Park Art Centre
A major contemporary arts venue with galleries, exhibitions, and heritage spaces in a historic mansion, making it Bracknell's top cultural stop.
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bracknell among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $27, and a flight costs an average of $156.
Distance: 155 miles (251 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $164 Average price | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 56m Average total duration 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 17m Average total duration 5h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Bracknell:
A bus is $56 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Bracknell costing on average $96.
A bus is $123 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Bracknell costing on average $164.
Other travel options to Bracknell take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 26m.
Bus takes on average 5h 47m.
You'll arrive about 14m sooner (3h 26m by train vs 3h 40m by car). Tickets start at around $96 compared to roughly $69 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bracknell trains for today, Tuesday, August 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G66937 · G01176+ W33953+ L80670 | Delayed 6:48 AM 6:29 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h30 | 10:59 AM Bracknell station (BCE) | 3 transfers | |
W34218+ L80636+ Tube from London Euston to Vauxhall | On time 7:00 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h50 | 10:50 AM Bracknell station (BCE) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, and flight 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 Manchester to Bracknell run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 155 miles (251 km) distance in 3h 49m.
Distance 155 miles (251 km) |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 49m |
First train 5:04 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Bracknell — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bracknell trip today.
A major contemporary arts venue with galleries, exhibitions, and heritage spaces in a historic mansion, making it Bracknell's top cultural stop.
A nearby military museum with uniforms, archives, and regimental history, worthwhile for those exploring heritage beyond central Bracknell.
A family-friendly science and nature discovery centre with educational displays, making it a practical museum-style visit in forest surroundings.
Bracknell's flagship public park offers lakes, woodland, and a restored mansion, making it one of the area's most rewarding walks.
A major forest recreation area with cycle tracks, walking trails, and expansive pine woodland popular across Berkshire.
A large country park with meadows, woodland, and family trails, popular for relaxed walks and seasonal nature watching.
A Berkshire pub classic of hand-battered local cod with chips. It is a staple comfort meal widely eaten in Bracknell's pubs and takeaways.
Slow-roasted beef served with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. A traditional Sunday meal across Berkshire and local gastropubs.
Pork sausages with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. This hearty British dish is common in Bracknell pubs and valued for simple local comfort.
Refined Indian fine dining with elegant tasting menus and polished service. One of Bracknell's best-known special occasion restaurants.
Lively Greek restaurant known for grilled meats, mezze and warm hospitality. A reliable casual choice in Bracknell town centre.
Popular steakhouse and grill serving burgers, ribs and steaks in a relaxed modern setting near The Lexicon.
Moderate for South East England. Hotels and dining cost more than many UK towns, but local buses and casual meals stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Restaurants may add a service charge; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi tips are optional, usually rounding up. Cafes do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Bracknell Railway Station -> Bracknell Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Bracknell 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 Bracknell, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Bracknell trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Bracknell station pair, with some services arriving at Martins Heron. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bracknell train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Bracknell has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bracknell.
Wi-Fi is available at Bracknell. ATMs are available at Bracknell.
Ticket office support is available at Bracknell. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bracknell: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Bracknell: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bracknell: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category A Station. Level access to Platform 1 (for trains towards London). Lifts to Platform 2 (for trains towards Reading), Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Martins Heron is 1 km from Bracknell city centre. Public transport options include:
Martins Heron has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Martins Heron.
Wi-Fi is available at Martins Heron.
Ticket office support is available at Martins Heron.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Martins Heron: Parking.
Available at Martins Heron: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Martins Heron: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Both platforms are accessible to wheelchair users but interchange is via stepped footbridge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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