- Must visit
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
Major film attraction at Warner Bros. Studios with sets, props, and behind-the-scenes exhibits from the Harry Potter films.
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 35 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Watford will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Watford without transferring at least once.
C16927 · Y80859+
L89647
C16923 · Y80847+
L89640
C17854 · Y80847+
L89640
W34104+
W70316
W34134+
Y80835+
L22393
W33952+
Y80823
W34134+
Y80835+
L22393
W33896+
Y80847+
L22405
W33952+
Y80823+
L22381
W34104+
W70316Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 train costs an average of $17, and a flight costs an average of $88.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$59 Average price Cheapest | $74 Average price | $204 Average price | $78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 29m Average total duration 2h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Watford:
A train is $15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Watford costing on average $74.
A train is $146 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Watford costing on average $204.
Other travel options to Watford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 59m.
Bus takes on average 6h 16m.
The journey is about 26m faster (2h 59m by train vs 3h 25m by car) and roughly $20 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($59 vs $78). 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 Avanti West Coast.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Watford trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33110+ W70271+ C34226 | Delayed 8:20 AM 9:20 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h53 | 11:23 AM 11:23 AMWatford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
W33110+ W70271 | Delayed 8:20 AM 9:20 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h41 | 11:05 AM 11:05 AMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
L89640+ C16923 · Y80847 | 8:06 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 12:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
L89640+ C17854 · Y80847 | 8:06 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 12:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
W33952+ Y80823 | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 10:33 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
W33952+ Y80823+ L22381 | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 10:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
W34170+ Y80835+ L22393+ G38870 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 11:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3 transfers | |
W34170+ Y80835+ G38870 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h03 | 11:33 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
W34104+ W70316 | 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h55 | 11:29 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
L89647+ C16927 · Y80859 | 9:06 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 1:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
W34134+ Y80835+ L22393 | 9:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 11:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
W34119+ Y80847+ L22405+ G38873 | Delayed 9:23 AM 9:30 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 12:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3 transfers | |
W34182+ Y80859+ L22417+ G38874 | 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h18 | 1:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Watford run on average 21 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $17 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:00, the last at 22:32. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 2h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $17 |
Trains per day 21 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 1:00 AM |
Last train 10:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.
Major film attraction at Warner Bros. Studios with sets, props, and behind-the-scenes exhibits from the Harry Potter films.
Compact local museum covering Watford's people, industry, art, and football heritage in a historic former brewery setting.
Elegant Jacobean house with period rooms, exhibitions, and gardens, offering a strong sense of Hertfordshire country-house history.
Watford's flagship park with broad lawns, woodland, canal-side walks, playgrounds, and sports facilities. A top everyday local favorite.
Pedestrianized retail heart of central Watford, useful for shopping, people-watching, and feeling the town's busy modern atmosphere.
Historic high street with independent shops, old buildings, pubs, and the parish church, preserving much of Watford's older character.
A hearty pub pie of beef and ale under pastry. Common in Hertfordshire pubs and a staple comfort dish locals still order regularly.
Sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. A classic everyday British pub meal widely eaten in Watford and across England.
Beer-battered fish with chips, usually cod or haddock. A long-standing British takeaway and pub favourite popular with Watford locals.
Well-regarded modern British pub and dining room in a historic setting, known for seasonal menus, Sunday roasts and a polished atmosphere.
Popular contemporary restaurant for steaks, grills and cocktails with stylish interiors and a strong reputation for polished service.
Reliable casual chain known for fresh pasta, pizza and Italian comfort food in a lively, family-friendly setting near the town centre.
Moderate for UK trips: hotels and rail can be pricey, but dining and local transit are usually cheaper than central London.
Restaurants often add 10-12.5% service; if not, round up or tip 10%. Taxis: round up. Cafes and pubs: tipping is optional, small change appreciated.
Official public transport app
Watford Junction -> Watford High Street, Watford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Watford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Watford 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.
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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