- Recommended
Pontefract Museum
Main local museum covering Pontefract’s history, liquorice heritage, and social life through engaging displays in a historic setting.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Pontefract among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 37m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $13, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 40 miles (65 km)
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$26 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 7m Average total duration Fastest 1h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Tickets start at around $26 (€21) compared to roughly $19 (€15) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-6.58 (€-5.35). The journey takes 1h 37m versus 1h 12m 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.
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.
Trains from Manchester to Pontefract run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 40 miles (65 km) distance in 2h 5m.
Distance 40 miles (65 km) |
Average train duration 1h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€10) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 5m |
First train 4:07 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Pontefract — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontefract trip today.
Main local museum covering Pontefract’s history, liquorice heritage, and social life through engaging displays in a historic setting.
Museum rooms within the castle site interpreting royal intrigue, sieges, and prison stories that shaped Pontefract’s identity.
Nearby mining museum preserving the region’s coalfield story with machinery, galleries, and powerful social history interpretation.
Historic town centre street lined with notable buildings, shops, and landmarks, ideal for understanding Pontefract’s urban character.
Main public park with formal gardens, play areas, and open lawns, popular for relaxing walks near the castle and centre.
Expansive green space and racecourse surroundings offering walking routes, events, and wide views across the edge of town.
Soft liquorice sweets made with local liquorice extract. Pontefract Cakes are the town’s signature treat and one of Yorkshire’s best-known confectionery traditions.
A rich fruit cake packed with currants and peel, traditionally eaten across Yorkshire at Christmas and festive gatherings.
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes and gravy. A classic Sunday meal strongly associated with Yorkshire home cooking.
Established Indian restaurant with a strong local reputation for curries, tandoori dishes and attentive service.
Popular Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and grills in a casual family-friendly atmosphere in Pontefract town centre.
Traditional pub known for hearty British meals and ales in a relaxed historic setting near Pontefract racecourse.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals, and local transport are usually cheaper than in major cities like London or York.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafe tipping is not expected.
Official public transport app
Pontefract Monkhill -> Pontefract Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Pontefract 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 Pontefract, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Pontefract trains use the Manchester Victoria to Pontefract Monkhill station pair, with some services arriving at Pontefract Tanshelf. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Pontefract train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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 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.
Pontefract Monkhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Monkhill.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Monkhill: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, Station is unstaffed. No step-free access to platform2, which is via stepped footbridge. There is level access from the station entrance to platform 1, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Pontefract Tanshelf has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Tanshelf.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Station is unstaffed. However no access problems for disabled or wheelchair users as the access to the platforms is via the ramped footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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