The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Manchester
Cheapest price
$120
Average price
$120
Fastest journey
2 h 34 m
Average duration
2 h 49 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Manchester will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $120.
Of the 18 trains that leave Watford for Manchester on Sun, Nov 30, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Nov 30 the direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 2 h 49 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 34 m .
On Sun, Nov 30 the slowest trains will take 2 h 54 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.
LO559300+
W10502 · W09637
LO559100+
W09540+
C23381
W09721
W09546+
C23386
LO559400+
W09535+
C23268
W09721
L35771+
W09642
LO559500+
W09721
W09546+
C23386
W09540+
C23381Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Watford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €44. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 €44, and a flight costs an average of €47.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
€68 Average price Cheapest | €163 Average price |
3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Watford to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Manchester trains for today, Saturday, November 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W10501 · W09714 | On time 6:31 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h13 | 8:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
LO044300+ W09623 | On time 6:44 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h21 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L34481+ W09623 | On time 6:54 AM Bushey (BSH) | 2h11 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
W09623 | On time 7:01 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h04 | 9:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
LO044100+ L33529+ W09627 | On time 7:24 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h41 | 10:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L34488+ W09627 | On time 7:26 AM Bushey (BSH) | 2h39 | 10:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L33529+ W09627 | On time 7:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 10:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L33724+ W09719 | On time 7:48 AM Bushey (BSH) | 2h56 | 10:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
LO043800+ L33537+ W09633 | On time 8:24 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h41 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L34500+ W09633 | On time 8:26 AM Bushey (BSH) | 2h39 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L33537+ W09633 | On time 8:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L34484+ W09723 | On time 8:48 AM Bushey (BSH) | 2h56 | 11:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
LO043500+ L33547+ W09639 | On time 9:24 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h41 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L34513+ W09639 | On time 9:26 AM Bushey (BSH) | 2h39 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
L33547+ W09639 | On time 9:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
LO371500+ L34525+ W09644 | On time 10:16 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h49 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
L33559+ W09644 | On time 10:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
LO371200+ L34539+ W09649 | On time 11:16 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h49 | 2:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Manchester by train, flight, or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Manchester
Trains from Watford to Manchester run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 04:07 |
Last train 22:17 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Watford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Watford and Manchester from $54 (€44). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
FAQs: Trains from Watford to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Watford to Manchester
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
- Type of shops available: News agent
- Car Park: Bushey Station
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:00 Saturday 10:30 - 12:30
- Type of shops available: Local shops nearby
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Accessibility category B2. Long sloping ramp from station entrance to booking hall. Level access from booking hall to platforms.
- Accessible public telephones: Outside booking office. Sloped passage from entrance to booking hall.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop C in Prestwick Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Prestwick Road for southbound services to Euston
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
- Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 23:00 Saturday 05:30 - 23:00 Sunday 06:30 - 22:30 Booking Office and Travel Centre
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 6. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 04:00-23:00. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The National key toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-14:00 and Sunday 06:00-14:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Station forecourt
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from bay 1 of the bus station at the side of the railway station.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: No
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on Bushey Mill Lane between level crossing and junction of Southfield Avenue. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on Bushey Mill Lane between level crossing and opposite Sandown Road junction.
- Car Park: No
- Cabral's Restaurant Brazilian Street Food and Grocery Store
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station , To Manchester : up 47 steps onto the platform. To Glossop/Sheffield : up 47 steps onto the Manchester platform, turn right and up 31 steps, across the footbridge (15 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform
- Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Pottery Lane (A6010) under railway bridge.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Wilmslow Road.
- The Didsbury
- The Gateway
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- £0.30
- Travelodge Manchester Didsbury
- Premier Inn Manchester Didsbury
- Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel
- Located near the ticket office
- Free
- Hall 1: entrance and ticket office
- Hall 2: access to platforms
- Tram: Metrolink East Didsbury Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 42, 142, 50
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
Most popular train connections from Watford
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