- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
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Travel Information
Compare coach for Braintree to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Braintree to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £106 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 52m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £106, while a flight costs an average of £385.
Distance: 259 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£106 Average Price Cheapest | £385 Average Price | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Braintree to Manchester is a train with an average price of £106.
This is compared to other travel options from Braintree to Manchester:
A train is £279 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Braintree to Manchester costing on average £385.
The fastest way to travel from Braintree to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 52m.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 34m.
Yes, you can take a coach between Braintree and Manchester.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 35m sooner (3h 34m by train vs 4h 9m by car). Tickets start at around £106 compared to roughly £51 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.
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
Braintree to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Braintree to Manchester trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W33680+ P66534+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston | Delayed 8:53 8:00Braintree station (BTR) | 4h05 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| W33501+P66544+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston | Delayed 9:53 9:00Braintree station (BTR) | 4h05 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| W33564+Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Euston+P66551 | Delayed 10:53 10:00Braintree station (BTR) | 4h05 | 14:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Braintree to Manchester by coach
Compare coach 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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Why should you book Braintree to Manchester trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Braintree to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Braintree to Manchester.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Braintree to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Braintree to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £103 but you can travel from only £97 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:06, the last at 20:08. The fastest train covers the 259 km distance in 3h 26m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £97
Distance 259 km |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price £103 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 0:06 |
Last train 20:08 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £97
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Braintree to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Braintree and Manchester from £97. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
4h 3m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£55
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Manchester
Things to do in Manchester
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
- Must visit
Manchester Museum
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
- Must visit
Manchester Art Gallery
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
- Must visit
Castlefield
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
- Recommended
Albert Square
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
- Recommended
Oldham Street
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
Rag Pudding
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
- Gluten-free
Manchester Tripe
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
mana
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
The Winston Churchill
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
The Black Friar
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £70+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.
Bee Network app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.40
- Day pass
- £6.10
To the city centre
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, Manchester
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Use contactless tap and go on Bee Network buses and trams for capped fares. Always use the same card or device for every tap.
- The Bee Network app is the official app for journey planning, live departures and buying tram and bus tickets.
FAQs: Braintree to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Braintree 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Braintree to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £103, while the average price tends to be around £106.
The train journey from Braintree to Manchester covers a distance of 259 km and takes approximately 3h 26m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Braintree to Manchester is 259 km.
The first train from Braintree to Manchester leaves at 0:06.
The last train from Braintree to Manchester departs at 20:08.
Trains from Braintree to Manchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Braintree to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Braintree to Manchester.
To travel from Braintree to Manchester, you can take a coach.
There is no night train service from Braintree to Manchester.
The train station in Braintree that goes to Manchester is Braintree station (BTR), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Braintree to Manchester is by flight, costing approximately £97.
Booking trains from Braintree to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Braintree to Manchester offers varied scenery, including picturesque countryside landscapes, charming villages, and glimpses of the bustling urban areas as you approach the city.
A day trip from Braintree to Manchester is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 26m. The distance is 259 km, with a frequency of 3 trips per day for trains.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Braintree to Manchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Braintree and Manchester
Most Braintree to Manchester trains use the Braintree to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Braintree and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Braintree
Arrival train stations in Manchester
Which Braintree station do trains to Manchester leave from?
Trains from Braintree to Manchester leave from Braintree. The station is from Braintree city centre at Braintree station, Station Approach, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3QL.
BraintreeBraintree station, Station Approach, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3QL+44 345 600 7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Braintree from Braintree city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesSubstitute bus services stop at bus stop in the turning circle
Braintree train station facilities and services
Braintree has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Braintree.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Braintree.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Braintree. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Braintree: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Braintree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, 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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Braintree arrive at?
Trains from Braintree to Manchester arrive at Manchester Piccadilly. Manchester Piccadilly is 1 km from Manchester city centre.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
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.
Most popular train connections from Braintree
More options for your journey from Braintree to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Braintree
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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