- Must visit
The Silk Museum
Town museum covering Macclesfield's silk heritage, local history and changing exhibitions in a restored industrial setting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Macclesfield
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£109
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£109
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
3 h 57 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
3 h 57 m
Trains on 05 Sept
1
Distance
203 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Macclesfield is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Macclesfield will cost around £109 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £109.
Fast trains
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 1 trains from Bristol to Macclesfield, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 203 km distance in an average of 3 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 57 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 57 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.
8:283h57Bristol12:25Macclesfield£1091One-way0 changes
- 8:283h57Bristol12:25Macclesfield£1091One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bristol to Macclesfield
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Macclesfield among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £46.
Distance: 203 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£46 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Bristol to Macclesfield is a coach with an average price of £15.
This is compared to other travel options from Bristol to Macclesfield:
A coach is £32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bristol to Macclesfield costing on average £46.
The fastest way to travel from Bristol to Macclesfield is by train with an average journey time of 2h 35m.
Other travel options to Macclesfield take longer:
Coach takes on average 3h 55m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Macclesfield including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 40m sooner (2h 35m by train vs 4h 15m by car). Tickets start at around £46 compared to roughly £40 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 Cross Country.
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
Bristol to Macclesfield train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Macclesfield trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:00 Bristol | 2h36 | 11:36 Macclesfield | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:00 Bristol | 2h36 | 17:36 Macclesfield | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:00 Bristol | 2h36 | 18:36 Macclesfield | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Macclesfield by train or coach
Compare train and 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.
Sat
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Why should you book Bristol to Macclesfield trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Bristol to Macclesfield.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Macclesfield.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Macclesfield.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Macclesfield.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Macclesfield.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Macclesfield
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Macclesfield run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 20:46. The fastest train covers the 203 km distance in 2h 36m.
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
Coach from £15
Distance 203 km |
Average train duration 2h 35m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 2h 36m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 20:46 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 4 days |
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
Coach from £15
Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country from Bristol to Macclesfield trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Macclesfield from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
2h 36m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£46
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
2h 31m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£162
Cross Country frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Macclesfield
Things to do in Macclesfield
Discover the best of Macclesfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Macclesfield trip today.
- Must visit
Paradise Mill
Working Jacquard silk mill with looms and guided visits that show how Macclesfield became a centre of silk production.
Macclesfield Bus Station Heritage Centre
Small local museum and archive space preserving the history of Macclesfield's once busy bus and transport network.
- Must visit
Tegg's Nose Country Park
Popular hilltop country park on the edge of town with woodland walks, panoramic views and links to local history.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market area with independent shops, civic buildings and regular markets at the heart of Macclesfield.
- Recommended
Macclesfield Canal
Peaceful canal-side walking route with locks, mills and waterside views that reveal the town's industrial heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Cheese
A crumbly Cheshire cow’s milk cheese with a fresh, tangy taste. It is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods and long associated with local farming.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Blue Cheshire
A strong, salty blue cheese traditionally made in Cheshire. It reflects the county’s dairy heritage and is a classic regional cheese board choice.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A rich fruit cake from nearby Eccles, often eaten across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. It is packed with currants and commonly served sliced with tea.
Chestergate Bistro
Modern British dining in a polished town-centre setting. Known for seasonal menus, careful cooking and a relaxed but smart atmosphere.
Shalimar Restaurant
Popular Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and grills in a lively, dependable setting close to the town centre.
Amore Mio
Casual Italian spot serving pizza, pasta and straightforward comfort food. Friendly and family-oriented, it is a well-known local choice.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Manchester or London, while local buses and cafés remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Café tipping is optional, usually just small change.
D&G app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- /n
To the city centre
Macclesfield Railway Station -> Macclesfield Town Hall, Macclesfield
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Macclesfield railway station is within the town centre, so many central destinations are walkable from the station.
- For bus fares and service-specific tickets, Cheshire East directs passengers to check the individual operator fare pages before travel.
FAQs: Bristol to Macclesfield train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Bristol to Macclesfield can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £46, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train journey from Bristol to Macclesfield covers a distance of 203 km and takes approximately 2h 36m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Bristol to Macclesfield is 203 km.
The first train from Bristol to Macclesfield leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Bristol to Macclesfield departs at 20:46.
Trains from Bristol to Macclesfield run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Macclesfield.
Yes, there is a direct train between Bristol and Macclesfield. The service operates 5 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Bristol to Macclesfield, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bristol to Macclesfield.
The train station in Bristol that goes to Macclesfield is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Macclesfield station (MAC).
The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Macclesfield is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Bristol to Macclesfield in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Bristol to Macclesfield offers picturesque views as it passes through the Cotswolds' rolling hills, charming countryside, and historic towns, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
A day trip from Bristol to Macclesfield is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 36m. There are 6 trains per day. The distance is 203 km.
Typically, spending two to three days in Macclesfield allows visitors to explore key attractions like the Silk Museum, Macclesfield Forest, and the nearby Peak District National Park, while enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Bristol to Macclesfield.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Macclesfield
Most Bristol to Macclesfield trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Macclesfield station pair. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Macclesfield train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Bristol
Arrival train stations in Macclesfield
Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre
Bus16 · 7m · £4 · every ~12 min
X39, 16, 39, 522 · 8m · £4 · every ~49 min
512 · 14m
9 · 15m · £4 · every ~22 min
Bristol Temple Meads train station facilities and services
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Clifton DownClifton Down station, Whiteladies Road, Clifton, Bristol, City of, BS8 2PN+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Clifton Down from Bristol city centre
TrainBristol Temple Meads - Severn Beach, Bristol Temple Meads - Avonmouth, Weston-super-Mare - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Avonmouth, Taunton - Severn Beach, Weston-super-Mare - Clifton Down · 14m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus2a, 5, 3, 4, 1, 2 · 7m · £4 · every ~91 min
T7 · 10m · every ~2 min
4, 5, 1, 3, 2, 2a · 10m · £4 · every ~91 min
Clifton Down train station facilities and services
Clifton Down has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Clifton Down.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Clifton Down.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Clifton Down: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Clifton Down: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Clifton Down: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step free Category B1 station - step free access available to both platforms via ramp and choice of drop off points, however adjacent car parks need to be used for full step free access. 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 car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Which Macclesfield station do trains from Bristol arrive at?
Trains from Bristol to Macclesfield arrive at Macclesfield. Macclesfield is from Macclesfield city centre.
MacclesfieldMacclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JP
City-centre transport
Getting to Macclesfield from Macclesfield city centre
Bus391 · 3m · every ~1 min
Macclesfield train station facilities and services
Macclesfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Macclesfield.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Macclesfield.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Macclesfield.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Macclesfield: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Macclesfield: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Macclesfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Macclesfield
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Macclesfield and Bristol
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
