Macclesfield to Chester train with Transport for Wales

Thu 17 Sept
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Macclesfield to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£12

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£16

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

1 h 50 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

2 h 10 m

Trains on 17 Sept

3

Distance

52 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Macclesfield to Chester will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £12.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 3 trains from Macclesfield to Chester, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 52 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 20 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
    13:172h20
    Macclesfield
    15:37Chester
    £121One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    7:172h20
    Macclesfield
    9:37Chester
    £131One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    7:471h50
    Macclesfield
    9:37Chester
    £221One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Macclesfield to Chester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Macclesfield to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £9 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 38m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, while a train costs an average of £9.

Distance: 52 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

£9

Average Price

Cheapest

£11

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Macclesfield to Chester is a train with an average price of £9.
The fastest way to travel from Macclesfield to Chester is by train with an average journey time of 1h 8m.

Other travel options to Chester take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 9m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Macclesfield and Chester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £9 compared to roughly £11 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 1h 8m versus 1h 3m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Macclesfield to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Macclesfield to Chester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern Rail7:17 Macclesfield
2h20
9:37 Chester0 changesdirect
Northern Rail7:47 Macclesfield
1h50
9:37 Chester0 changesdirect
Northern Rail13:17 Macclesfield
2h20
15:37 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Macclesfield to Chester 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.

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

Why should you book Macclesfield to Chester trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trip or Raileurope?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Macclesfield to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Macclesfield to Chester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 03:51, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 52 km distance in 2h 20m.

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
52 km
Average train duration
1h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£4
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
2h 20m
First train
3:51
Last train
23:25
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
28 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: Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Northern Trains Limited from Macclesfield to Chester trainsTransport for Wales, Northern Rail, Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Cross Country, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Macclesfield and Chester from £4. 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
1h 16m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£28
Transport for Wales frequency
2 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
2h 20m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£4
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
1h 35m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£55
Avanti West Coast frequency
7 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
1h 19m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£32
Cross Country frequency
15 a day

Northern Trains Limited

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Trains Limited Duration
1h 26m
Cheapest Northern Trains Limited Price
£14
Northern Trains Limited frequency
5 a day

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Macclesfield to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Macclesfield to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Macclesfield to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Macclesfield to Chester covers a distance of 52 km and takes approximately 2h 20m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Macclesfield to Chester is 52 km.
The first train from Macclesfield to Chester leaves at 3:51.
The last train from Macclesfield to Chester departs at 23:25.
Trains from Macclesfield to Chester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Macclesfield to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Macclesfield to Chester.
To get from Macclesfield to Chester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Macclesfield to Chester.
The train station in Macclesfield that goes to Chester is Macclesfield station (MAC), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from Macclesfield to Chester is by train, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Macclesfield to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Macclesfield to Chester offers a moderately scenic experience, with views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and charming small towns along the way, particularly as the route approaches Chester.
Yes, a day trip from Macclesfield to Chester is feasible. The journey takes 2h 20m and covers 52 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Macclesfield to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Macclesfield and Chester

Most Macclesfield to Chester trains use the Macclesfield to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Macclesfield and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Macclesfield
Arrival train stations in Chester

Which Macclesfield station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from Macclesfield to Chester leave from Macclesfield. The station is from Macclesfield city centre at Macclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JP.
MacclesfieldMacclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JPWifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityWCLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Macclesfield from Macclesfield city centre

Bus391 · 3m · every ~1 min

Macclesfield train station facilities and services

Macclesfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Macclesfield.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Macclesfield.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Macclesfield.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Macclesfield: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Macclesfield: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Macclesfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.

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