BRISTOL to MANCHESTER train from £9 with CrossCountry

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 17 Aug

Cheapest price

£22

Average price

£57

Fastest journey

2 h 58 m

Average duration

2 h 59 m

Trains per day

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Manchester will cost around £57 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.

Fast trains

Of the 23 trains that leave Bristol for Manchester every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 227 km distance in an average of 2 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 58 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 59 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.

G15000+G38967
7:554h18
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
12:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£221One-way
1 change
G00872
13:002h59
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
15:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£281One-way
0 changes
G00876
14:002h59
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
16:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£281One-way
0 changes
G00883
15:002h59
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
17:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£281One-way
0 changes
G00888
16:002h59
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
18:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£281One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bristol to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 33m. 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 coach costs an average of £9, and a train costs an average of £24.

Distance: 227 km

Compare train with

Train	Most popular Coach
£53 Average Price	£16 Average Price Cheapest
4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 3h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time*	4h 20m Average total duration 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time*
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest	0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions
Most popular train company	Most popular bus company
Direct Options	Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester trains for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
G38318_G38965+C47824	On time 9:05 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	4h06	13:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G01066 · G00857	On time 9:15 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h15	12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00668+G38970	On time 10:22 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h53	14:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W29776 · G00860	On time 10:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G01071 · G00863	On time 11:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W29782 · G00867	On time 12:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00871	On time 13:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h00	16:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G01077 · G00874	On time 13:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	16:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00878	On time 14:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h00	17:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38985+C48822	Delayed 14:06 14:15Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h59	18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G01078 · G00880	On time 14:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00884	On time 15:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h00	18:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38989+C47980	Delayed 15:02 15:15Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h59	19:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W29792 · G00885	On time 15:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	18:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00940	On time 16:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h59	18:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38993+C47981	Delayed 15:55 16:15Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	4h00	20:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W29795 · G00890	On time 16:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	19:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38997+C47982	Delayed 17:08 17:15Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	4h00	21:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00724 · G00897	On time 17:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	20:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G66777	On time 18:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h00	21:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G39001+C47983	Delayed 18:07 18:18Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h56	22:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00731 · G00902	On time 18:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	21:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G39038+W35029	Delayed 19:02 18:44Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	4h26	23:10 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00907 · G00911	On time 19:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h29	22:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G00734+W33159 · W33358	On time 19:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h13	22:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	2 changes
V14705+C33099	Delayed 19:51 19:45Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	3h54	23:39 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G66550 · G00917	On time 20:32 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h56	23:28 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
Monday 17 August
G66716	7:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h59	9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38967+G15000	7:55 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	4h18	12:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G66721	8:01 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)	2h58	10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Manchester 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.

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Why should you book Bristol to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Bristol to Manchester.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Manchester.

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 Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol 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 Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Manchester.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Bristol to Manchester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bristol to Manchester route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bristol to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bristol to Manchester.

Trains

from £75

Coaches

from £15

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Manchester

United Kingdom

Trains from Bristol to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 2h 58m.

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 £9

Distance

227 km

Average train duration

3h 33m

Cheapest ticket price

£24

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 58m

First train

3:40

Last train

23:36

Cheapest Month

Oct

Cheapest Day

Mon

High Season

Apr - Jun

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Thu

Least Busy Day

Fri

Best time to book

21 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £9

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country from Bristol to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Manchester from £9. 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 Duration

2h 58m

Cheapest Price

£24

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

Learn more about CrossCountry

Transport for Wales

About

Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

3h 44m

Cheapest Price

£35

Luggage included

2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund policy depends on ticket type

Refund

Full refund if service canceled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes

Seat reservation

Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available

Pets

Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free

Quiet zone

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 Duration

3h 9m

Cheapest Price

£125

Avanti West Coast frequency

2 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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

Great Western Railway

About

Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

4h 27m

Cheapest Price

£123

Great Western Railway frequency

2 a day

Luggage included

Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price

Luggage storage

Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats

Cancellation Policy

Refund policies apply as per ticket type

Refund

Full refund if train is cancelled

Amenities on board the train

Wifi

Food sold onboard

Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes

Seat reservation

Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class

Toilets

USB plugs

Accessibility

Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available

Pets

Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger

Quiet zone

Learn more about Great Western Railway

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

2h 56m

Cheapest Price

£189

Cross Country frequency

16 a day

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

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.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Manchester Museum

Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.

View on map Visit website

Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.

View on map Visit website

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.

Trains from Bristol to Manchester

CrossCountry Trains operate direct rail connections between Bristol and Manchester. Daily departures begin around 7:00 a.m. continuing with hourly services until around 7:00 p.m. Additional later connections are available with the same company, requiring a change at Birmingham New Street Station. The journey time for direct trains is three hours and about 30 minutes more for indirect routes. Sunday services are less frequent, with no direct trains from Bristol to Manchester until 1:00 p.m. Trains leave from Bristol Temple Meads Station, south of the city centre, arriving at Piccadilly Station in the heart of Manchester.

FAQs: Bristol to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £53.

The train journey from Bristol to Manchester covers a distance of 227 km and takes approximately 2h 58m. Trains run 7 per day.

The train distance from Bristol to Manchester is 227 km.

The first train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 3:40.

The last train from Bristol to Manchester departs at 23:36.

Trains from Bristol to Manchester run approximately 7 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bristol to Manchester.

Yes, there is a direct train between Bristol and Manchester. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.

To get from Bristol to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

There is no night train service from Bristol to Manchester.

The train station in Bristol that goes to Manchester is Bristol Temple Meads (BRI), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

The cheapest way to get from Bristol to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £9.

Booking trains from Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester offers a varied landscape, including glimpses of the rolling countryside, charming towns, and stretches of rural scenery, making parts of the trip quite scenic.

A day trip from Bristol to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 58m. Trains run 6 times per day, covering a distance of 227 km.

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 Bristol to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Manchester

Most Bristol to Manchester trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Manchester 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 Manchester

Bristol Temple MeadsStation Approach, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

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.

More about Bristol Temple Meads

Bristol, AirportLulsgate Bottom, North Somerset, Bristol BS48 3DY, United Kingdom+44 371 334 4444 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Bristol, Airport from Bristol city centre

Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:

BusFal · 19m · £10 · every ~4 min

A1 · 29m · £4 · every ~30 min

A1 · 32m · £4 · every ~30 min

A1 · 39m · £4 · every ~30 min

Bristol, Airport train station facilities and services

Bristol, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.