- Recommended
Holyhead Maritime Museum
Small museum in a former cinema covering Holyhead’s archaeology, maritime story, and local life through varied displays.
Cheapest price
$34
Average price
$65
Fastest journey
2 h 41 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
160 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Holyhead is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Holyhead will cost around $65 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $34.
Of the 20 trains that leave Manchester for Holyhead on Sun, Aug 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 23 the direct trains cover the 160 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 41 m .
On Sun, Aug 23 the slowest trains will take 2 h 49 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.
W44866
G38717 · G38396
W43624+
W33223
W43716 · G38382
W43657 · G38385
W44866
W43707 · G38365
W43764+
W33255
W43816+
W33317
W43624+
W33223Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Holyhead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $28, and a bus costs an average of $77.
Distance: 99 miles (160 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $77 Average price | $46 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 41m Average total duration 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 17m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Holyhead:
A train is $31 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Holyhead costing on average $77.
Other travel options to Holyhead take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 11m.
Tickets start at around $46 compared to roughly $46 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $0.19. The journey takes 2h 48m versus 2h 17m 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.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
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 Holyhead trains for today, Saturday, August 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G39034+ G89095 | Delayed 1:26 PM 1:06 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h06 | 4:12 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38416 | On time 1:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2h52 | 4:40 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33614+ G89098 | Delayed 2:17 PM 2:06 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 2h47 | 4:53 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38418 | On time 2:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h00 | 5:48 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39036+ G89102 | Delayed 3:27 PM 3:06 PMManchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h06 | 6:12 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G01007+ G38362 | 8:26 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 11:44 AM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
W33255+ W43764 | 9:51 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2h44 | 12:35 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
W43707 · G38365 | 10:57 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 2h43 | 1:40 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
W43674 · G38367 | 12:00 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 3h04 | 3:04 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 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 Manchester to Holyhead run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:56, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 99 miles (160 km) distance in 2h 46m.
Distance 99 miles (160 km) |
Average train duration 2h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 2:56 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Holyhead — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Holyhead trip today.
Small museum in a former cinema covering Holyhead’s archaeology, maritime story, and local life through varied displays.
Interpretive exhibition at South Stack explaining lighthouse operations, keepers’ lives, and maritime rescue history.
Visitor centre displays on seabirds, migration, and coastal habitats, useful for understanding Holy Island’s natural heritage.
Top coastal attraction with lighthouse, cliffs, birdlife, and sweeping sea views; excellent for walking and photography.
Highest point on Holy Island with prehistoric remains, broad summit views, and rewarding walking routes from the town.
Scenic long-distance trail section around Holy Island, combining cliffs, coves, heritage, and exceptional coastal views.
Traditional Welsh cakes griddled with flour, butter, sugar and dried fruit. A beloved teatime treat across North Wales and often served warm with butter.
A rich fruit loaf made with tea, dried fruit and spice. Common in Welsh homes and cafés, usually sliced and served with butter.
Hearty soup of leeks, potatoes and stock, sometimes with cream. The leek is a Welsh emblem, making this a classic national comfort dish.
Casual café and eatery near the waterfront, known for breakfast, lunch and homemade bakes with a friendly local atmosphere.
Popular harbour-side restaurant known for fresh seafood and steaks in a relaxed modern setting close to Holyhead Marina.
Well-known traditional pub and restaurant serving hearty Welsh favourites, grills and classic comfort food in a casual setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and ferry-linked stays can raise costs, but casual dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Service is often included or optional. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is good. Round up for taxis. Cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Holyhead Railway Station -> Holyhead Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Holyhead 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 Holyhead, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Holyhead trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Holyhead station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Holyhead 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 Oxford Road 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 Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Holyhead has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Holyhead.
Wi-Fi is available at Holyhead. ATMs are available at Holyhead.
Ticket office support is available at Holyhead. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Holyhead: Parking, WC.
Available at Holyhead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Holyhead: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B Step free access is via the Celtic Gateway Bridge, the ferry terminal, or via gates on to the platforms either side of Stena House. Transferring between platforms is step-free however distance between ferry terminal and Platform 1 is approximately 200m, 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 ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 00:00 - 21:30 Sunday 07:00 - 00:00, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need