Cheltenham to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Fri 17 Jul
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 17 Jul

Cheapest price

£59

Average price

£74

Fastest journey

2 h 19 m

Average duration

2 h 25 m

Trains per day

16

Distance

176 km

Cheap tickets

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 £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.

Fast trains

Of the 16 trains that leave Cheltenham for Manchester every day 2 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 25 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 33 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.

  • West Midlands TrainsY81130 · W00443+CrossCountryG00847+Great Western RailwayY80547
    6:153h14
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    9:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    3 changes
  • West Midlands TrainsY81130 · W00443+CrossCountryG00847+Great Western RailwayY80547
    6:233h06
    Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
    9:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    3 changes
  • West Midlands TrainsC17042+CrossCountryG00847+Great Western RailwayY80547
    6:233h06
    Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
    9:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    2 changes
  • CrossCountryG66716
    7:402h19
    Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
    9:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £631One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00841 · G66716
    7:262h33
    Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
    9:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £631One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train 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 £10. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 15m. 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 £10, and a train costs an average of £15.

Distance: 176 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£63

Average Price

£18

Average Price

Cheapest

2h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 11m

Average total duration

3h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

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 tomorrow, Friday 17 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands TrainsY81130 · W00443+CrossCountryG00847+Great Western RailwayY805476:15 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
3h14
9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3 changes
West Midlands TrainsC17042+CrossCountryG00847+Great Western RailwayY805476:23 Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
3h06
9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsY81130 · W00443+CrossCountryG00847+Great Western RailwayY805476:23 Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
3h06
9:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3 changes
Avanti West CoastW34144+Transport for WalesG38945+CrossCountryG669877:14 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h59
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG00841 · G667167:26 Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
2h33
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG667167:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h19
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
West Midlands TrainsC17903+Northern RailL89084+CrossCountryG667167:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
3h00
10:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG00844 · G008497:55 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h34
10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00844 · G008498:03 Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
2h26
10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Avanti West CoastC01369+CrossCountryG01060+Transport for WalesG389478:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
3h01
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG66721+West Midlands TrainsC17887+Northern RailL890898:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
3h00
11:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
CrossCountryG667218:40 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h19
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00938 · G008518:59 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
2h30
11:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
West Midlands TrainsY81136 · P69417+CrossCountryG00855+Great Western RailwayG153839:11 Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
3h18
12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3 changes
West Midlands TrainsC17053+CrossCountryG66730+Great Western RailwayG153839:11 Ashchurch for Tewkesbury (ASC)
3h48
12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33941+CrossCountryG01062+Transport for WalesG389679:12 Cheltenham Spa (CNM)
3h01
12:13 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 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.

Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul

Why should you book Cheltenham to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast or Cross Country offer trains services from Cheltenham to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham 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 Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham 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 Avanti West Coast or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cheltenham to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £15 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 176 km distance in 2h 18m.

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 £10
Distance
176 km
Average train duration
2h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
£15
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 18m
First train
4:48
Last train
23:36
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
35 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 £10

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 £10. 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 18m
Cheapest Price
£15
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

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
2h 32m
Cheapest Price
£94
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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 15m
Cheapest Price
£143
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £15, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Manchester covers a distance of 176 km and takes approximately 2h 18m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Manchester is 176 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Manchester leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Cheltenham to Manchester departs at 23:36.
Trains from Cheltenham to Manchester run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and Manchester. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Cheltenham to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Manchester.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Manchester is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Manchester offers some scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque Cotswolds with its rolling hills and charming villages. However, much of the route also includes urban and industrial landscapes, which are less scenic.
A day trip from Cheltenham to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 18m. However, there are 6 trains per day covering the 176 km distance.
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 Cheltenham to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Manchester

Most Cheltenham to Manchester trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Cheltenham station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Cheltenham to Manchester leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre

Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m

Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.

More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Cheltenham to Manchester train

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