4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Manchester
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£60
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 24 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
176 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Manchester will cost around £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cheltenham for Manchester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 176 km distance in an average of 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 31 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.
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham 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 2h 17m. 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 £26.
Distance: 176 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 47m Average total duration Fastest 2h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Cheltenham to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Manchester trains for today, Tuesday 2 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C23374 | On time 08:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h19 | 10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C23484 · C23376 | On time 08:58 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h31 | 11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| C23378 | On time 09:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h19 | 11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C23366 · C23380 | On time 09:59 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h30 | 12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| C23384 | On time 10:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h19 | 12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C23399_C23661 · C23387 | On time 10:59 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 2h30 | 13:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £26 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 176 km distance in 2h 18m.
Distance 176 km |
Average train duration 2h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price £26 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 03:45 |
Last train 23:36 |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Cheltenham to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Cheltenham and Manchester from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Trains from Cheltenham to Manchester
Trains from Cheltenham Spa to Manchester Piccadilly operate throughout the day, with around 30 services to choose from, even at weekends. With between 1-3 departures every hour spread throughout the day, there are plenty of trains to choose from. The journey can be as quick as 2 hours and 15 minutes for the fastest direct services making rail travel a great choice.
Which train companies travel from Cheltenham to Manchester Piccadilly?
Trains between Cheltenham and Manchester are operated by three train companies; Cross Country, Virgin Trains and West Midlands Railway. Cross Country trains tend to be direct or require just one train. Virgin Trains tend to require 1-2 changes at Crewe and Birmingham New Street. West Midlands only runs around one service a day and it tends to be the longest, with 3 changes.
How long is the train from Cheltenham to Manchester?
Train journeys from Cheltenham to Manchester can take as little as 2 hours and 15 minutes for the direct services. However, other routes have between 1-3 changes and can take anything from 2 hours 30 minutes to 8 hours 30 minutes depending on the train you catch.
How many trains are there from Cheltenham to Manchester?
There are around 30 trains that run each day between Cheltenham to Manchester and usually 1-3 departures every hour. Departures are spread throughout the day from the early morning through til the evening. Service regularity continues over the weekend, giving passengers options whenever they decide to travel.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cheltenham to Manchester
Departure train station: Cheltenham Spa is located about a mile out of the main town centre, which takes between 10-15 minutes by the local bus, or five minutes by taxi. The train station has ticketing facilities, foo and dining options, shops, accessible toilets and a waiting room.
Arrival train station: Manchester Piccadilly is located directly in then centre and is the city's biggest train station. There is a taxi rank directly outside and the Metro service operates from the station. Piccadilly Gardens is home to the city bus services, and it's just a five minute walk away. Inside you'll find shops, eateries, a supermarket, ATMs, showers and accessible toilets, ticketing facilities, free Wi-Fi and seating areas.
FAQs: Cheltenham to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Manchester
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
Luggage Carts
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
- The Railway Inn
- The Coconut Tree
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- £0.50
- Queens Hotel Cheltenham
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
- Located near the main entrance
- 300 places, covered
- Located near the main entrance
- Free
- The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
WifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Wilmslow Road.
- The Didsbury
- The Gateway
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- £0.30
- Travelodge Manchester Didsbury
- Premier Inn Manchester Didsbury
- Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel
- Located near the ticket office
- Free
- Hall 1: entrance and ticket office
- Hall 2: access to platforms
- Tram: Metrolink East Didsbury Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 42, 142, 50
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday 06:25 - 13:30 Saturday 07:00 - 14:10 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B Station, Scooter Friendly Station - This station only has tactile paving on platform 1 - Along a ramp (55 paces, 1:14 slope) leading to the ticket office, then to Manchester straight ahead along a further ramp (67 paces, 1:8 slope) onto the platform. Then to Glossop from ticket office, turn right and across a footbridge (30 paces), and either follow down the ramp 100 paces, 1:15 slope for most of its length) straight onto the platform. Or, turn left and down 28 steps onto the platform.
- Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Station Entrance
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses Pick Up / Drop Off at the lay by located on the overbridge approx 50 yrds from the station entrance.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk- 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.
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rental- 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)
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- 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
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Cheltenham
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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