The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price
$25
Average price
$128
Fastest journey
2 h 12 m
Average duration
2 h 12 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
237 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around $128 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $25.
Of the 20 trains that leave Watford Junction (WFJ) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 237 km distance in an average of 2 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 12 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest trains will take 2 h 12 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.
C17907+
L8909410:12 AM5h51Watford Junction (WFJ)4:03 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$251One-way1 transfer
W33310+
W70418+
L890878:54 PM3h03Watford Junction (WFJ)11:57 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$821One-way2 transfers
W33286+
L890878:50 PM3h07Watford Junction (WFJ)11:57 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$821One-way1 transfer
W33343+
L125049:23 PM2h51Watford Junction (WFJ)12:14 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$831One-way1 transfer
W33148 · W331367:53 PM2h12Watford Junction (WFJ)10:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1201One-way1 transfer
W33148 · W331367:53 PM2h12Watford Junction (WFJ)10:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1201One-way1 transfer
W33038 · W331194:53 PM2h12Watford Junction (WFJ)7:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1201One-way1 transfer
W33190 · W331892:53 PM2h12Watford Junction (WFJ)5:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1201One-way1 transfer
W33270 · W3316112:53 PM2h12Watford Junction (WFJ)3:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1201One-way1 transfer
W33135 · W330543:53 PM2h12Watford Junction (WFJ)6:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1201One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a flight costs an average of $73.
Distance: 147 miles (237 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$69 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $195 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 9m Average total duration 2h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
A bus is $8 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) costing on average $69 (€56).
A bus is $134 (€110) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) costing on average $195 (€159).
Other travel options to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 39m.
Bus takes on average 4h 19m.
The journey is about 37m faster (2h 39m by train vs 3h 16m by car) and roughly $8 (€7) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($69 (€56) vs $77 (€63)). 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
Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33468+ Y80893 | Delayed 3:24 PM 3:38 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 6:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33462+ Y80902 | Delayed 4:24 PM 4:38 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 7:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80911+ W33556 | On time 5:38 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 8:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33523+ Y80911+ L89086 | Delayed 5:15 PM 5:38 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 3h02 | 8:40 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W33752+ Y80916 | Delayed 6:24 PM 6:38 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 9:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33440 · W33490 | On time 7:31 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h19 | 10:50 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33768+ Y80921+ L89096 | Delayed 7:15 PM 7:35 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 3h06 | 10:41 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
W33490+ W70590 | Delayed 8:04 PM 8:20 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 2h30 | 10:50 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C17935+ L89102 | On time 8:50 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h16 | 12:06 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33750+ W00315 | Delayed 8:46 PM 8:54 PMWatford Junction (WFJ) | 2h41 | 11:35 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33103 | 8:22 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h33 | 10:55 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W33266+ C32508 | 8:34 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h11 | 11:45 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33266+ G00785 | 8:34 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h59 | 11:33 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33353 · W33172 | On time 9:36 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h26 | 1:02 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C17907+ L89094 | On time 10:12 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 5h51 | 4:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33352 · W33294 | 10:36 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h13 | 1:49 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33352+ G00860 | On time 10:36 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h53 | 1:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33288+ V93338 | 11:36 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h35 | 2:11 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33270 · W33161 | 12:53 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h12 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33126 · W33166 | 1:53 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h13 | 4:06 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W33190 · W33189 | 2:53 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h12 | 5:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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.
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Jun 27
Why should you book Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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, CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- 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 Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
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, CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Trains from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $16 (€13) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 21:38. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (237 km) distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 147 miles (237 km) |
Average train duration 2h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $16 (€13) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 4:48 AM |
Last train 9:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry trains will get you between Watford Junction (WFJ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from $16 (€13). 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
CrossCountry
FAQs: Trains from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Most Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains use the Watford Junction to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Watford Junction (WFJ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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 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.
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 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 Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Most popular train connections from Watford Junction (WFJ)
More options for your journey from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
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