Chester to Manchester train with Northern Rail (3)

Sun 21 Dec
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Northern Rail (3)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 31 Dec

Cheapest price

£8

Average price

£15

Fastest journey

58 m

Average duration

1 h 5 m

Trains per day

6

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 £15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Chester for Manchester every day 4 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 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 58 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 17 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 Rail (3)L07050
08:561h29
Chester station (CTR)
10:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£81One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64422
08:521h02
Chester station (CTR)
09:54Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£101One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y25414
08:200h58
Chester station (CTR)
09:18Manchester Victoria (MCV)
£111One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64422
08:520h58
Chester station (CTR)
09:50Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
£141One-way
0 changes
Avanti West CoastL02111 · W02543
08:321h12
Chester station (CTR)
09:44Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£201One-way
1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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 £2. 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 £2, and a coach costs an average of £12.

Distance: 54 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£8

Average Price

Cheapest

£21

Average Price

1h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 41m

Average total duration

1h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Northern Rail (3)

Most popular train company

Transport for Wales

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Chester to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Chester to Manchester trains for today, Tuesday 30 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 02:17
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
northern_railY25414
On time
08:20 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
09:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coastL02111 · W02543
On time
08:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
09:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
transport_for_walesL64422
On time
08:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
09:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64614 · L64787
On time
08:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railL0705008:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
10:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
northern_railY25761
On time
09:27 Chester station (CTR)
0h51
10:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64425
On time
09:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
10:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64425
On time
09:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
10:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
northern_railL1134009:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
11:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64577 · L64789
On time
09:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railY25415 · L07214
On time
10:26 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
11:55 Deansgate (DGT)		1 change
northern_railY25415
On time
10:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
11:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coastL02118 · L02244
On time
10:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
11:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
transport_for_walesL6442810:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
11:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL6442810:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
11:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64581 · L64807
On time
10:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
12:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railL07043
On time
10:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
12:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
northern_railY25416
On time
11:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
12:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64431
On time
11:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
12:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64431
On time
11:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
12:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64584 · L64791
On time
11:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
13:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railL11316
On time
11:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
northern_railY25762 · L05839
On time
12:26 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
13:55 Deansgate (DGT)		1 change
northern_railY2576212:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
13:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64434
On time
12:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
13:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64587 · L64810
On time
12:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railL07058
On time
12:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
northern_railY25763
On time
13:25 Chester station (CTR)
0h53
14:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64437
On time
13:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
14:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64590 · L64793
On time
13:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railY25764
On time
14:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
15:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
northern_railY25764 · L07201
On time
14:26 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
15:55 Deansgate (DGT)		1 change
avanti_west_coastL02143 · W02529
On time
14:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
15:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
transport_for_walesL64440
On time
14:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
15:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64440
On time
14:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
15:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64593 · L64814
On time
14:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
16:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railY25417
On time
15:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
16:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64443
On time
15:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
16:54 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
northern_railL11323
On time
15:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h30
17:26 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64596 · L64795
On time
15:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h17
17:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
northern_railY25765
On time
16:27 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
17:19 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coastL02153 · W02523
On time
16:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
17:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
transport_for_walesL64446
On time
16:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
17:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64446
On time
16:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
17:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		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_railY25767
On time
17:23 Chester station (CTR)
0h55
18:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64449
On time
17:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
18:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		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 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.

Wed
31 Dec
Thu
01 Jan
Fri
02 Jan
Sat
03 Jan
Sun
04 Jan
Mon
05 Jan
Tue
06 Jan
Wed
07 Jan
Thu
08 Jan
Fri
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan

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 10 times per day, taking around 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:24, 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
£2
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
51m
First train
00:24
Last train
23:58
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 (3), Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Chester to Manchester trainsNorthern Rail (3), Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Chester and Manchester from £2. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

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
Northern Rail (3) frequency
5 a day
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
57m
Cheapest Price
£4
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
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
£113
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

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
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.
The train distance from Chester to Manchester is 54 km.
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.
The train journey from Chester to Manchester covers a distance of 54 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 10 per day.
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.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chester and Manchester. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail (3), Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
The cost of a train ticket from Chester to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £8.
The first train from Chester to Manchester leaves at 0:24.
To get from Chester to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The cheapest way to get from Chester to Manchester is by train, costing approximately £2.
The train station in Chester that goes to Manchester is Chester station (CTR), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The last train from Chester to Manchester departs at 23:58.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Chester to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Chester to Manchester.
Trains from Chester to Manchester run approximately 10 times per day.
There is no night train service 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.
ChesterShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
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
address
Address
Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS
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

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