4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Watford
Cheapest price
$37
Average price
$133
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 22 m
Trains per day
28
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 $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $37.
It's difficult to get from Manchester to Watford without transferring at least once.
C16942 · Y80895+
L8967012:06 PM4h27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)4:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$371One-way2 transfers- C16932 · C17802+L8965510:06 AM4h27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$371One-way2 transfers
- C16927 · Y80859+L896479:06 AM4h27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$371One-way2 transfers
- C16923 · Y80847+L896408:06 AM4h27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)12:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$371One-way2 transfers
- C16947 · Y80903+L896771:06 PM4h27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)5:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$371One-way2 transfers
W34134+Y808359:14 AM2h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:33 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)$2581One-way1 transfer- W33948+C1780212:14 PM2h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$1091One-way1 transfer
- W33952+Y808238:14 AM2h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:33 AMWatford Junction (WFJ)$2371One-way1 transfer
- W34270+Y808831:14 PM2h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3:33 PMWatford Junction (WFJ)$1001One-way1 transfer
- W34270+Y80883+
L224411:14 PM2h34Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3:48 PMWatford High Street (WFH)$1001One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Watford
Omio 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)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$58 Average price Cheapest | $73 Average price | $203 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 (€12) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Watford costing on average $73 (€60).
A train is $145 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Watford costing on average $203 (€166).
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 (€16) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($58 (€48) vs $78 (€64)). 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Watford train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Watford trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L89640+C16923 · 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 | |
| W33952+W88204 | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h58 | 11:12 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W33952+W70287+C34189 | 8:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h44 | 10:58 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W34104+W70316 | 8:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h55 | 11:29 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W33888+W88208 | 8:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 11:42 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+W88212 | 9:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h58 | 12:12 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W34134+Y80835 | 9:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 11:33 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W34134+Y80835+L22393 | 9:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 11:48 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W33893+W70330 | 9:34 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h55 | 12:29 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W34090+W88216 | 9:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 12:42 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| L89655+C16932 · C17802 | 10:06 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 2:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
| W33896+Y80847+L22405 | 10:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 12:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W33956+Y80859+L22417 | 11:14 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 1:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| C16942 · Y80895+L89670 | 12:06 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 4:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
| W33948+C17802 | 12:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 2:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W33948+C17802+L22431 | 12:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 2:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W33925+W70372 | 12:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h55 | 3:29 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| L89677+C16947 · Y80903 | 1:06 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h27 | 5:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 transfers | |
| W34270+Y80883 | 1:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 3:33 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W34270+Y80883+L22441 | 1:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 3:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W33886+W88248 | 1:34 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h48 | 4:22 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 transfer | |
| W34228+Y80895+L22453 | 2:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h37 | 4:51 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| C01291+L22465+Y80903 | 3:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h37 | 5:51 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W34267+C17796+L22477 | 4:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h37 | 6:51 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
| W34125+Y80917+L22489 | 5:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 7:48 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Watford by train, bus, or flight
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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Manchester to Watford trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Watford.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Watford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Watford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Watford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Watford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 (€14) 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 (€14) |
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 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Manchester to Watford trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Manchester and Watford from $17 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Watford
Most Manchester to Watford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Bushey. 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.
Which Manchester station do trains to Watford leave from?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly 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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
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.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria 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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Which Watford station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Watford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Watford and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Watford
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