Manchester to Bristol train with CrossCountry

Fri, Jul 10
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CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Bristol

Showing times and prices for Jul 10

Cheapest price

$39

Average price

$117

Fastest journey

3 h 4 m

Average duration

3 h 5 m

Trains per day

35

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Bristol will cost around $117 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.

Fast trains

Of the 35 trains that leave Manchester for Bristol on Fri, Jul 10, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Jul 10 the direct trains cover the 227 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .

On Fri, Jul 10 the slowest trains will take 3 h 6 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.

  • CrossCountryG01144
    9:03 AM3h04
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    12:07 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    $391One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryW29851
    7:03 AM3h09
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    10:12 AMBristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    $391One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryW29877
    12:03 PM3h10
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    3:13 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    $391One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryW29871
    11:03 AM3h05
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    2:08 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    $441One-way
    0 transfers
  • CrossCountryG01160
    4:03 PM3h10
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    7:13 PMBristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    $441One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Manchester to Bristol

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 13m. 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 $10, and a train costs an average of $23.

Distance: 141 miles (227 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$58

Average price

$20

Average price

Cheapest

$73

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 42m

Average total duration

4h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 17m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Bristol is a bus with an average price of $20 (€16).

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Bristol:

A bus is $38 (€31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Bristol costing on average $58 (€47).

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Bristol is by train with an average journey time of 3h 13m.

Other travel options to Bristol take longer:

Bus takes on average 4h 12m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Bristol including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Bristol among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 4m faster (3h 13m by train vs 3h 17m by car) and roughly $16 (€13) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($58 (€47) vs $73 (€60)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with CrossCountry, Cross Country.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Manchester to Bristol train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bristol trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryG00997 · G011315:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h28
8:39 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW33950+CrossCountryG011336:02 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h29
9:31 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW298517:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h09
10:12 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01003 · G011357:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h08
10:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38868+Great Western RailwayG150087:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h48
11:18 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryG011388:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h04
11:07 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01005 · G011408:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
11:31 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryG011449:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h04
12:07 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01009 · W298629:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h07
12:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38873+Great Western RailwayG150129:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h47
1:17 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW2986610:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h18
1:21 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01013 · W2986810:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h07
1:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW2987111:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h05
2:08 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01018 · W2987311:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h07
2:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW2987712:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h10
3:13 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01022 · G0114812:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h08
3:33 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW298821:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
4:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01024 · W298841:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
4:31 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38880+Great Western RailwayG150191:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h45
5:15 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryG011502:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
5:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01027 · G011532:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
5:31 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38882+Great Western RailwayW350252:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h45
6:15 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW298953:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
6:09 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01032 · G011543:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h12
6:37 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryG011604:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h10
7:13 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01035 · G01161_G664774:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h20
7:45 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38886+Great Western RailwayG150244:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h45
8:15 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW299085:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h05
8:08 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)0 transfersDirect
CrossCountryG01043 · W299095:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h07
8:32 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38889+Great Western RailwayW350455:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h51
9:21 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01039 · G011666:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h11
9:36 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38892+Great Western RailwayW350916:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h50
10:20 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01042 · G011697:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h17
10:42 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
Transport for WalesW44839+Great Western RailwayG151987:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h58
11:28 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer
CrossCountryW29939 · G011708:25 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h09
11:34 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Bristol by bus or train

Compare bus and 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.

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Jul 10
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Why should you book Manchester to Bristol trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Manchester to Bristol.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Bristol.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Bristol?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Bristol is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Bristol route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Bristol per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Bristol.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Bristol

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Bristol run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $10 (€9) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 141 miles (227 km) distance in 3h 4m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€9)
Distance
141 miles (227 km)
Average train duration
3h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$23 (€19)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
3h 4m
First train
4:48 AM
Last train
11:36 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Tue
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $10 (€9)

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Manchester to Bristol trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Manchester and Bristol from $10 (€9). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
$23 (€19)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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 Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
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

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 Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
$258 (€212)
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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 4m
Cheapest Price
$256 (€210)
Cross Country frequency
9 a day

Complete guide to Bristol

Things to do in Bristol

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

  • Must visit

M Shed

City museum on Bristol’s docks covering local history, industry, people, and transport in a lively waterfront setting.

  • Must visit

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Major museum and gallery with art, archaeology, natural history, and Egyptian collections near the University area.

  • Must visit

Brunel's SS Great Britain

Award-winning ship museum and visitor attraction telling the story of Brunel’s pioneering steamship.

Pound Sterling

Generally cheaper than London but pricier than many UK cities. Hotels and dining are moderate, while budget eats and buses offer good value.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for takeaway or a simple meal.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up in taxis. No tip expected for pubs, cafés, or counter service, but small change is appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Bristol

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Manchester to Bristol can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $23 (€19), while the average price is around $58 (€47).
The train from Manchester to Bristol takes 3h 4m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from Manchester to Bristol leaves at 4:48 AM.
The distance by train from Manchester to Bristol is 141 miles (227 km).
The last train from Manchester to Bristol leaves at 11:36 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Bristol.
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Bristol. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Bristol.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Bristol is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), which connects to Bristol Temple Meads (BRI).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Bristol is by bus, with a cost of around $10 (€9).
The train journey from Manchester to Bristol offers a mix of urban and countryside views, passing through charming towns, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes, providing a pleasant travel experience.
A day trip from Manchester to Bristol is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 4m. Trains run 6 times per day.
In Bristol, you can visit the Bristol Zoo Gardens for diverse animal exhibits and take a boat tour along the River Avon for unique city views. Explore vibrant street art in the Stokes Croft area and visit the Arnolfini for contemporary arts exhibitions. Enjoy Brandon Hill Park, home to the historic Cabot Tower. Don't miss the Clifton Suspension Bridge for panoramic views of the Avon Gorge and the Bristol Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture. Explore the SS Great Britain, a restored passenger steamship and museum, and the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery for diverse collections. St Nicholas Market offers a vibrant experience with food stalls and local crafts.
To fully experience Bristol, including its historic sites, vibrant arts scene, and nearby attractions, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Bristol.
Since neither Manchester nor Bristol 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 Bristol include Bath, Cardiff, Oxford, Gloucester, Cheltenham.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Bristol 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 Bristol, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the city center and on public transport. Common scams include overcharging by unofficial taxi drivers and counterfeit event tickets. It's advisable to use licensed taxis and buy tickets only from official vendors to avoid these issues. Additionally, travelers should stay aware of their surroundings at night, particularly in less busy areas.
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.

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.

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