- 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.
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
55 m
Average duration
55 m
Trains per day
39
Distance
54 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester 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 to Chester will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 39 trains that leave Manchester for Chester on Tue, Aug 25, 34 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 55 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.
G89074
G85900
G89076
G85902
G85906
G89080
G89084
G89086
G89092
G89095Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 5m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $4, and a bus costs an average of $25.
Distance: 33 miles (54 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$18 Average price Cheapest | $33 Average price | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 35m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 40m Average total duration 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Chester:
A train is $15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Chester costing on average $33.
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 10m.
Tickets start at around $18 compared to roughly $16 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1.99. The journey takes 1h 5m versus 1h 3m 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 Manchester to Chester trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G00997+ G38432 | 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h07 | 6:18 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
G38386 | 5:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 0h59 | 6:47 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85884 | 6:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 7:39 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89073 | 6:16 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 7:11 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38866 · V08942 | 6:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h17 | 7:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
G38390 | 6:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 7:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89074 | 7:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1h03 | 8:09 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85889 | 7:08 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 8:37 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38394 | 7:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 8:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89076 | 8:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h56 | 9:02 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85894 | 8:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 9:37 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38399 | 8:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 9:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89080 | 9:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 10:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85900 | 9:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 10:37 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38403 | 9:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 10:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G86170 · G89084 | 10:00 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1h01 | 11:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
G89084 | 10:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 11:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85902 | 10:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 11:39 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38405 | 10:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h03 | 11:51 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G86176 · G89086 | 11:00 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1h01 | 12:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
G89086 | 11:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 12:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85906 | 11:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 12:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38409 | 11:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 12:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89092 | 12:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 1:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85910 | 12:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 1:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38413 | 12:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 1:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89095 | 1:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 2:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85916 | 1:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 2:39 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38415 | 1:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 2:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89098 | 2:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 3:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85297 | 2:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 3:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38417 | 2:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 3:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G89102 | 3:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 4:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85921 | 3:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 4:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38389 | 3:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 4:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34277 · W33928 | 3:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h11 | 5:05 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
G89105 | 4:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1h03 | 5:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G85925 | 4:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 5:40 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38393 | 4:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 5:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Manchester to Chester run on average 19 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 if you book in advance.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 33 miles (54 km) distance in 50m.
Distance 33 miles (54 km) |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $4 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 50m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.
An award-winning medical history attraction exploring disease, cures, and public health in a playful way. It is unusual, family-friendly, and increasingly popular.
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.
A richly furnished Georgian townhouse showing domestic life across centuries. Costumed interpretation and period interiors make it engaging and memorable.
A wide green expanse by the River Dee, popular for walks, picnics, and events. It offers classic views of the water and easy access to central sights.
A scenic trail following the old city defences with frequent viewpoints and easy access to landmarks. It is one of the best ways to see Chester efficiently.
One of Chester’s main shopping streets, lined with historic buildings and Rows. It captures the city’s distinctive mix of heritage and everyday life.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and spice, long linked to Chester and nearby Cheshire baking traditions.
Crumbly, creamy cow's milk cheese from Cheshire, one of England's oldest named cheeses and a staple of local farming.
Traditional Cheshire cheese melted with beer, mustard and seasoning on toast; a classic pub and supper dish in the region.
Established city-centre bistro serving modern British food with local produce in a relaxed, smart setting.
Popular independent restaurant focused on seasonal small plates, natural wines and creative modern cooking.
Refined fine dining by chef Simon Radley at The Chester Grosvenor, known for polished tasting menus and formal service.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining cost less than London, but tourist areas raise prices. Buses are reasonable; central sights are walkable.
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% at restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Chester Railway Station -> Chester City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.

Most Manchester to Chester trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Chester 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.
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.
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