Manchester Airport to Chester train with Northern Rail

Tue 13 Oct
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Airport to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 13 Oct

Cheapest price on 13 Oct

£9

Average ticket price on 13 Oct

£16

Fastest journey on 13 Oct

1 h 23 m

Average journey duration on 13 Oct

1 h 45 m

Trains on 13 Oct

4

Distance

45 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester Airport to Chester will cost around £16 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.

Fast trains

On Tue 13 Oct, we found 4 trains from Manchester Airport to Chester, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 45 km distance in an average of 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 23 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 5 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.

  • Transport for Wales
    8:251h23
    Manchester Airport
    9:48Chester
    £91One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    21:322h05
    Manchester Airport
    23:37Chester
    £121One-way
    0 changes
  • Northern Rail
    10:441h53
    Manchester Airport
    12:37Chester
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    13:131h37
    Manchester Airport
    14:50Chester
    £271One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester Airport to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester Airport to Chester run on average 10 times per day, taking around 1h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £2 if you book in advance.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 11:32. The fastest train covers the 45 km distance in 45m.

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
45 km
Average train duration
1h 22m
Cheapest ticket price
£2
Trains per day
10
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
45m
First train
5:32
Last train
11:32
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
1 day
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

Live departures

Manchester Airport to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport to Chester trains for today, Monday 12 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG89554 · G89078+East Midlands RailwayC21809
On time
17:17 Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h52
19:09 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38398
On time
17:25 Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h25
18:50 Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
Northern RailG86173 · G89078
On time
17:32 Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h37
19:09 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89558+Transpennine ExpressW84708+Transport for WalesG38401
On time
17:48 Manchester Airport (MIA)
2h02
19:50 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG90107+Transport for WalesY63472
On time
18:01 Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h19
19:20 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG89562 · G89082+East Midlands RailwayC21595
On time
18:17 Manchester Airport (MIA)
1h45
20:02 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Tuesday 13 October
Transport for Wales8:25 Manchester Airport
1h23
9:48 Chester0 changesdirect
Northern Rail10:44 Manchester Airport
1h53
12:37 Chester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Manchester Airport to Chester trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as Northern Rail or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Manchester Airport to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester Airport 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 or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Airport 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.

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 or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Airport to Chester.

Train companies: Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Manchester Airport to Chester trainsNorthern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester Airport and Chester from £2. 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 Northern Rail Duration
54m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£2
Northern Rail frequency
4 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 Transport for Wales Duration
1h 9m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£7
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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 Avanti West Coast Duration
45m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£17
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 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

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.

Best day trips from Chester by train

The most popular day trips by train from Chester are Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Shrewsbury and Llandudno. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Chester on Omio.

A view of Liverpool

Day trip from Chester to Liverpool by train

Why visit Liverpool for the day?

Liverpool is known for The Beatles, football and a waterfront shaped by its maritime past. Its grand docks, museums and lively city centre give it a proud, creative character.

How to get from Chester to Liverpool by train?

There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:19, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 25 km distance in 37m.

A view of Manchester

Day trip from Chester to Manchester by train

Why visit Manchester for the day?

Manchester is known for its industrial heritage, influential music and deep football culture. Red-brick canalside areas, major museums and lively nightlife give it an energetic northern character.

How to get from Chester to Manchester by train?

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.

A view of Birmingham

Day trip from Chester to Birmingham by train

Why visit Birmingham for the day?

Birmingham is known for its industrial past, canal network and diverse food scene. It combines major shopping and cultural landmarks with lively neighbourhoods shaped by manufacturing, music and modern city life.

How to get from Chester to Birmingham by train?

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:28, the last at 22:56. The fastest train covers the 103 km distance in 1h 10m.

A view of Shrewsbury

Day trip from Chester to Shrewsbury by train

Why visit Shrewsbury for the day?

Shrewsbury is a historic market town in Shropshire, known for medieval streets, timber-framed buildings and the River Severn. Birthplace of Charles Darwin, it has a compact centre with independent shops, old churches and a calm traditional feel.

How to get from Chester to Shrewsbury by train?

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 49m.

A view of Llandudno

Day trip from Chester to Llandudno by train

Why visit Llandudno for the day?

Llandudno is a Victorian seaside town on the north Wales coast, known for its broad bay and graceful promenade. The Great Orme rises above the town, giving it a scenic, traditional character and easy access to nearby Conwy and Snowdonia.

How to get from Chester to Llandudno by train?

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 21:51. The fastest train covers the 64 km distance in 58m.

FAQs: Manchester Airport to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £2, while the average price tends to be around £18.
The train journey from Manchester Airport to Chester covers a distance of 45 km and takes approximately 45m. Trains run 10 per day.
The train distance from Manchester Airport to Chester is 45 km.
The first train from Manchester Airport to Chester leaves at 5:32.
The last train from Manchester Airport to Chester departs at 11:32.
Trains from Manchester Airport to Chester run approximately 10 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester Airport to Chester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester Airport and Chester. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Manchester Airport to Chester.
Booking trains from Manchester Airport 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 Manchester Airport to Chester offers some scenic views, particularly as you pass through the Cheshire countryside. Travellers can enjoy glimpses of open fields, quaint villages, and the occasional historic building, making the journey visually pleasing.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester Airport to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Airport and Chester

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

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Chester
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 options for your journey from Manchester Airport to Chester

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

Most popular trains to and from Chester and Manchester Airport

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone