CHESTER to MANCHESTER train from £3 with Northern Rail

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 13 Aug

Cheapest price

£4

Average price

£13

Fastest journey

58 m

Average duration

58 m

Trains per day

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 £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.

Fast trains

Of the 51 trains that leave Chester for Manchester every day 30 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 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 58 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.

L89016
14:561h29
Chester station (CTR)
16:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£41One-way
0 changes
L89011
13:561h29
Chester station (CTR)
15:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£41One-way
0 changes
L89050
21:561h28
Chester station (CTR)
23:24Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£61One-way
0 changes
L89029
7:561h29
Chester station (CTR)
9:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£61One-way
0 changes
L89009
5:561h30
Chester station (CTR)
7:26Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£61One-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 tomorrow, Thursday 13 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
L89009	5:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h30	7:26 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38682+L89066	5:59 Chester station (CTR)	1h41	7:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
L89019	6:48 Chester station (CTR)	1h31	8:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38508	6:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	7:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
G38685 · G38943	6:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W34252 · W34204	7:32 Chester station (CTR)	1h13	8:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38512	7:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	8:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89029	7:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	9:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38688 · Y62730	7:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W34089 · W34147	8:32 Chester station (CTR)	1h12	9:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38514	8:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	9:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
G38514	8:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h02	9:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
L89034	8:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	10:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
W34249 · W34273	9:32 Chester station (CTR)	1h12	10:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W33934 · W33931	12:32 Chester station (CTR)	1h12	13:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38523	12:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	13:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
G38523	12:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h02	13:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
L89054	12:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38698 · G38975	12:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W34217 · W34179	On time 13:32 Chester station (CTR)	1h12	14:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38525	13:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h02	14:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38525	13:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	14:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89011	13:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	15:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38700 · G38953	13:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38527	14:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	15:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89016	14:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	16:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
W34197 · W33926	15:32 Chester station (CTR)	1h12	16:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38529	15:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h02	16:54 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89021	15:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h30	17:26 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38704 · G38955	15:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	17:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38531	16:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	17:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
G38531	16:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h02	17:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
L89026	16:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	18:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38708 · G38991	16:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h16	18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W34272 · W33873	17:31 Chester station (CTR)	1h13	18:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38533	17:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h02	18:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38533	17:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	18:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89031	17:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	19:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38710 · G38957	17:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	19:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38535	18:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	19:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89035	18:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	20:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38537	19:52 Chester station (CTR)	0h58	20:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	0 changesdirect
L89040	19:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h29	21:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38714 · G38959	19:58 Chester station (CTR)	1h15	21:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
W33966 · W34129	20:37 Chester station (CTR)	1h07	21:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38539+C21584	On time 20:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h32	22:24 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1 change
L89044	20:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h31	22:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
W34037 · W33967	21:34 Chester station (CTR)	1h11	22:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 change
G38541+W84632	On time 21:52 Chester station (CTR)	1h23	23:15 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)	1 change
L89050	21:56 Chester station (CTR)	1h28	23:24 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 changesdirect
G38721 · Y62764	21:59 Chester station (CTR)	1h39	23:38 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 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.

Thu
13 Aug

Fri
14 Aug

Sat
15 Aug

Sun
16 Aug

Mon
17 Aug

Tue
18 Aug

Wed
19 Aug

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.

Trains

from £13

Coaches

from £14

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chester to Manchester

United Kingdom

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

Direct trains

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

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

£109

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

Learn more about Avanti West Coast

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy

Average Duration

51m

Cheapest Price

£9

Northern Trains Limited frequency

11 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 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.

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

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

Departure train stations in Chester

Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Chester station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Chester to Manchester leave from Chester. The station is 1 km from Chester city centre at Chester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS.

ChesterChester Station, City Road, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 3NS+44 3450507080 Shopping

City-centre transport

Getting to Chester from Chester city centre

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

Bus100, 16 · 4m · £4 · every ~2 min

Chester train station facilities and services

Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Chester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Chester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Chester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: 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.

More about Chester

Which Manchester station do trains from Chester arrive at?

Trains from Chester to Manchester most often arrive at Manchester Piccadilly. Some services arrive at Manchester Airport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Manchester arrival station.

Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141 Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min

TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.