- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price on Sep 18
$114
Average ticket price on Sep 18
$120
Fastest journey on Sep 18
4 h 25 m
Average journey duration on Sep 18
4 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 18
2
Distance
248 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Windsor to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Windsor to Manchester will cost around $120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $114.
On Fri, Sep 18, we found 2 trains from Windsor to Manchester, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Sep 18 the direct trains cover the 248 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 25 m .
On Fri, Sep 18 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Windsor to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $35 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 47m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, while a flight costs an average of $402.
Distance: 154 miles (248 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$127 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $402 Average price |
3h 54m Average total duration 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration Fastest 1h 47m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Windsor to Manchester:
A bus is $92 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Windsor to Manchester costing on average $127.
A bus is $366 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Windsor to Manchester costing on average $402.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 24m.
Bus takes on average 6h 48m.
The table below shows live departures for Windsor to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, September 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:20 AM Windsor | 4h25 | 12:45 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:23 AM Windsor | 5h06 | 1:29 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Windsor to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $108 but you can travel from only $24 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 154 miles (248 km) distance in 2h 48m.
Distance 154 miles (248 km) |
Average train duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $108 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 48m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Windsor 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.

Most Windsor to Manchester trains use the Windsor & Eton Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Oxford Road. Use this guide to compare Windsor and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Windsor & Eton Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Central.
ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Windsor & Eton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible public telephones: No, Accessible taxis: Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Windsor & Eton Riverside has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Wi-Fi is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Short ramps at up to 1:9 gradient from car parks and main entrance to concourse - then level access to both platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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