The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Manchester
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
2 h 27 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Trains per day
12
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 $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
It's difficult to get from Watford to Manchester without transferring at least once.
Y80809+
W339618:38 AM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)11:05 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$671One-way1 transfer
Y80809+
W33961+
C341228:29 AM2h36Watford High Street (WFH)11:05 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$671One-way2 transfers
C17800+
W340599:38 AM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)12:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$831One-way1 transfer
C17800+
W34059+
C341489:29 AM2h36Watford High Street (WFH)12:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$831One-way2 transfers
Y80856+
W3406112:38 PM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)3:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$931One-way1 transfer
Y80856+
W3406112:38 PM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)3:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$931One-way1 transfer
Y80843+
W3410111:38 AM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)2:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1011One-way1 transfer
Y80809+
W339618:38 AM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)11:05 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$671One-way1 transfer
C17800+
W340599:38 AM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)12:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$831One-way1 transfer
Y80832+
W3421010:38 AM2h27Watford Junction (WFJ)1:05 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$931One-way1 transfer
Travel 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 bus with prices starting from $54. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. 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 bus costs an average of $54, and a flight costs an average of $75.
Distance: 147 miles (238 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$85 Average price | $55 Average price Cheapest | $209 Average price | $79 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 30m 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 Watford to Manchester:
A bus is $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Watford to Manchester costing on average $85 (€68).
A bus is $154 (€124) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Watford to Manchester costing on average $209 (€169).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 56m.
Bus takes on average 6h 32m.
You'll arrive about 34m sooner (2h 56m by train vs 3h 30m by car). Tickets start at around $85 (€68) compared to roughly $79 (€64) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Watford to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y80809+ W33961+ C34122 | 8:29 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h36 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80809+ W33961 | 8:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 11:05 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
C17800+ W34059+ C34148 | 9:29 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h36 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
C17800+ W34059 | 9:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 12:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80832+ W34210+ C34175 | 10:28 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h37 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80832+ W34210 | 10:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 1:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80843+ W34101+ C34203 | 11:28 AM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h37 | 2:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80843+ W34101 | 11:38 AM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 2:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80856+ W34061+ C34231 | 12:28 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h37 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80856+ W34061 | 12:38 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 3:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y80867+ W34053+ C34245 | 1:28 PM Watford High Street (WFH) | 2h37 | 4:05 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 transfers | |
Y80867+ W34053 | 1:38 PM Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 4:05 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 to Manchester by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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.
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Why should you book Watford to Manchester 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 to Manchester.
- 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, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Manchester.
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 to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Watford to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Manchester
Trains from Watford to Manchester run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 147 miles (238 km) distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 147 miles (238 km) |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€39) |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry from Watford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry trains will get you between Watford and Manchester from $49 (€39). 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 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 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.
- 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 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
- 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 - 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)
Most popular train connections from Watford
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