Chester to Manchester train with Northern Rail

Fri 15 May
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains Limited
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Northern Trains Limited
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 15 May

Cheapest price

£3

Average price

£14

Fastest journey

51 m

Average duration

54 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

54 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Chester to Manchester will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £3.

Fast trains

Of the 19 trains that leave Chester 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 54 km distance in an average of 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 58 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.

  • Northern RailY25762
    12:260h52
    Chester station (CTR)
    13:18Manchester Victoria (MCV)
    £31One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailL08891
    6:481h31
    Chester station (CTR)
    8:19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £81One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailY25414 · L07223
    8:201h35
    Chester station (CTR)
    9:55Deansgate (DGT)
    £81One-way
    1 change
  • Northern RailL07058
    12:561h29
    Chester station (CTR)
    14:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £81One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern RailY25763
    13:250h53
    Chester station (CTR)
    14:18Manchester Victoria (MCV)
    £81One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Chester to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chester to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £3, and a coach costs an average of £13.

Distance: 54 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£9

Average Price

Cheapest

£21

Average Price

1h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 1m

Average total duration

1h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chester to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Chester to Manchester trains for today, Thursday 14 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailY2576516:27 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
17:19 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastL02153 · W0252316:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
17:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesL6444616:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
17:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64598 · L64817
On time
16:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
18:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Northern RailL08911
On time
16:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
18:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailY2576717:23 Chester station (CTR)
0h55
18:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastL02159 · W0252017:31 Chester station (CTR)
1h13
18:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesL6444917:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
18:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL6444917:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
18:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64600 · L64797
On time
17:55 Chester station (CTR)
1h20
19:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Northern RailL07089
On time
17:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
19:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailY2576818:23 Chester station (CTR)
0h55
19:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64452
On time
18:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
19:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64603 · L6482318:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h18
20:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Northern RailL0893018:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
20:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailY2576919:25 Chester station (CTR)
0h54
20:19 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailY25769 · L0721519:25 Chester station (CTR)
1h30
20:55 Deansgate (DGT)1 change
Transport for WalesL64455
On time
19:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
20:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
0 changesdirect
Friday 15 May
Northern RailL088916:48 Chester station (CTR)
1h31
8:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64570 · L647826:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Northern RailY254137:21 Chester station (CTR)
0h57
8:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastL02280 · W025457:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h13
8:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesL644197:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
8:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64573 · L647857:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Northern RailY254148:20 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
9:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailY25414 · L072238:20 Chester station (CTR)
1h35
9:55 Deansgate (DGT)1 change
Avanti West CoastL02111 · W025438:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
9:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesL644228:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
9:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64614 · L647878:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Northern RailL070508:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
10:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailY257619:27 Chester station (CTR)
0h51
10:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Northern RailY2576212:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
13:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastL02130 · W0253412:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
13:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesL6443412:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
13:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesL64587 · L6481012:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Northern RailL0705812:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Northern RailY2576313:25 Chester station (CTR)
0h53
14:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Chester to Manchester by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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
15 May
Sat
16 May
Sun
17 May
Mon
18 May
Tue
19 May
Wed
20 May
Thu
21 May

Why should you book Chester to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited and more offer trains services from Chester to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Chester to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Chester 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chester to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales or Northern Trains Limited to find the best option for your trip from Chester to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Chester to Manchester.

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

The best time to book your train from Chester to Manchester is 49 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Chester to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Chester 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 Chester to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chester to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Chester to Manchester run on average 11 times per day, taking around 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.

There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 51m.

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
Distance
54 km
Average train duration
59m
Cheapest ticket price
£3
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
7
Fastest train
51m
First train
0:05
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
7 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

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited from Chester to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Chester and Manchester from £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
£3
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

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
56m
Cheapest Price
£13
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
1h 12m
Cheapest Price
£111
Avanti West Coast frequency
9 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

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
£9
Northern Trains Limited frequency
11 a day

Trains from Chester to Manchester

Trains from Chester to Manchester are operated by Arriva Trains Wales, Cross Country, Virgin Trains and Northern Rail. The first train of the day usually departs from Chester at just after 3:30 a.m. The last train of the day leaves for Manchester at just before 11:30 p.m. Trains from Chester to Manchester run at least once per hour at night and up to every 10-20 minutes during the day. The journey takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, most routes are direct, but some require a change.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Chester to Manchester?


Departure Station: All trains headed to Manchester depart from Chester Train Station. The station is less than 1 mile from the centre of Chester, taxis and buses stop right outside the station.

Arrival Station: Trains from Chester stop at both Manchester Piccadilly and Manchester Oxford Road stations. Both of the train stations are less than 1 mile from the city centre, buses and taxis are available outside. A free Metroshuttle bus stops at both stations and travels around the city and various attractions.

FAQs: Chester to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chester 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 Chester to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £3, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Chester to Manchester covers a distance of 54 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 11 per day.
The train distance from Chester to Manchester is 54 km.
The first train from Chester to Manchester leaves at 0:05.
The last train from Chester to Manchester departs at 23:58.
Trains from Chester to Manchester run approximately 11 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chester and Manchester. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales, Northern Trains Limited.
To get from Chester to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Chester to Manchester.
The train station in Chester that goes to Manchester is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Chester to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £3.
Booking trains from Chester 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 Chester to Manchester offers views of the Cheshire countryside, with glimpses of rolling fields and rural landscapes. While not traditionally considered one of the most scenic routes, it provides pleasant views typical of the English countryside.
Yes, a day trip from Chester to Manchester is feasible with a journey time of 51m and a distance of 54 km. Trains run 10 times per day.
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 Chester to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Chester and Manchester

Chester
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Chester is Chester. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chester for your trip from Chester to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 21:40 Saturday 05:40 - 21:40 Sunday 07:10 - 20:40
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Chester West
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts.
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Main Concourse and on Platform 7a. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse and on Platform 7a; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: On the concourse
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Chester
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stop outside the station front

More options for your journey from Chester to Manchester

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Manchester Chester to Manchester train

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