Chester to Manchester train with Transport for Wales

Thu 12 Nov
+ Add return
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Great Western Railway
3,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Transpennine Express
Great Western Railway
3,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chester to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 12 Nov
Cheapest price on 12 Nov
£5
Average ticket price on 12 Nov
£11
Fastest journey on 12 Nov
52 m
Average journey duration on 12 Nov
52 m
Trains on 12 Nov
24
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 £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.

Fast trains

On Thu 12 Nov, we found 24 trains from Chester to Manchester, including 16 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 53 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 RailG89133
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89136
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89124
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89122
    0 changes
  • Northern RailG89116
    0 changes

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 1h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 40m.

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
1h 3m
Cheapest ticket price
£3
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
40m
First train
0:05
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
14 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

Frequently asked questions about your Chester to Manchester trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Chester to Manchester.

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 £13.
The train journey from Chester to Manchester covers a distance of 54 km and takes approximately 40m. 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.
Yes, there is a direct train between Chester and Manchester. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Northern Rail, Transport for Wales.

Live departures

Chester to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Chester to Manchester trains for today, Wednesday 11 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG89113
On time
8:20 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
9:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34089 · W34147
On time
8:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
9:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG38514
On time
8:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
9:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89034
On time
8:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
10:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38690 · G38945
On time
8:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG89116
On time
9:27 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
10:19 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34249 · W34273
On time
9:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
10:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG38516
On time
9:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
10:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89038
On time
9:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
11:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38692 · G38947
On time
9:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG89118
On time
10:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
11:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89048
On time
11:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailG8912212:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
13:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW33934 · W33931
On time
12:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
13:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG38523
On time
12:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
13:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89054
On time
12:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38698 · G3897512:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Northern RailG8912413:25 Chester station (CTR)
0h53
14:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34217 · W34179
On time
13:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
14:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG38525
On time
13:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
14:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89011
On time
13:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
15:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38700 · G38953
On time
13:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG8912714:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
15:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34281 · W33954
On time
14:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
15:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG38527
On time
14:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
15:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89016
On time
14:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
16:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38702 · G38983
On time
14:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
16:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG89130
On time
15:26 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
16:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34197 · W33926
On time
15:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
16:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG38529
On time
15:52 Chester station (CTR)
1h02
16:54 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)		0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89021
On time
15:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h30
17:26 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38704 · G38955
On time
15:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
17:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG89133
On time
16:27 Chester station (CTR)
0h52
17:19 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34140 · W33963
On time
16:32 Chester station (CTR)
1h12
17:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG3853116:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
17:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89026
On time
16:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
18:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38708 · G38991
On time
16:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h16
18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG89136
On time
17:23 Chester station (CTR)
0h55
18:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect
Avanti West CoastW34272 · W33873
On time
17:31 Chester station (CTR)
1h13
18:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Transport for WalesG3853317:52 Chester station (CTR)
0h58
18:50 Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)0 changesdirect
Northern RailL89031
On time
17:56 Chester station (CTR)
1h29
19:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38710 · G38957
On time
17:58 Chester station (CTR)
1h15
19:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)		1 change
Northern RailG89138
On time
18:23 Chester station (CTR)
0h55
19:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV)		0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Chester to Manchester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express 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 or Transpennine Express 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 or Transpennine Express 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.

Train companies: Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express from Chester to Manchester trainsTransport for Wales, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express 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.

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 Transport for Wales Duration
45m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£8
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

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 Northern Rail Duration
40m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£3
Northern Rail 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

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 Avanti West Coast Duration
52m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£16
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

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
46m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£13
Transpennine Express frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Learn more about Transpennine Express

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Chester and Manchester

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Chester to Manchester.
There is no night train service from Chester to Manchester.

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 mapVisit 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 mapVisit 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 mapVisit 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.

Plan your visit to Manchester

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Manchester.

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.

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
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, 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 3450507080ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Desk
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

Train stations for Chester to Manchester

Check train stations information for Chester and Manchester, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Chester that goes to Manchester is Chester, and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly.

More options for your journey from Chester to Manchester

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

Return trains from Manchester to Chester
Chester to Manchester coach
Tickets and more information for trains to Chester
Tickets and more information for trains to Manchester

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HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Manchester Chester to Manchester train

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