- Recommended
Braintree Museum
Town museum covering Braintree's social and industrial story, with displays on local life, textiles and notable residents in an accessible setting.
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Travel Information
Compare coach, flight and train for Manchester to Braintree
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Braintree among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £73 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 5m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £73, while a train costs an average of £187.
Distance: 259 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£187 Average Price | £73 Average Price Cheapest | £54 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 5m Average total duration Fastest 1h 5m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Braintree is a flight with an average price of £73.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Braintree:
A flight is £114 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Braintree costing on average £187.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Braintree is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 5m.
Other travel options to Braintree take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 25m.
Coach takes on average 7h 7m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Braintree including taking a coach, flight and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 43m sooner (3h 25m by train vs 4h 8m by car). Tickets start at around £187 compared to roughly £54 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Braintree by coach, flight or train
Compare coach, flight 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.
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Why should you book Manchester to Braintree trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Manchester to Braintree.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Braintree.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus, flight and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Braintree.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, flight and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Braintree.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Braintree
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Braintree run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £186 but you can travel from only £73 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 20:08. The fastest train covers the 259 km distance in 3h 36m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £73
Distance 259 km |
Average train duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £186 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 5:05 |
Last train 20:08 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from £73
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Braintree trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Braintree from £73. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
3h 36m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£186
Avanti West Coast frequency
10 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 Braintree
Things to do in Braintree
Discover the best of Braintree — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Braintree trip today.
- Recommended
Museum of Power
Museum in a former workhouse telling the history of workhouses and social welfare, offering a distinctive and thought-provoking visit near Braintree.
Saffron Walden Museum
Museum and gallery in nearby Saffron Walden with changing exhibitions, local history collections and an easy day-trip appeal from Braintree.
- Recommended
Great Notley Country Park
Extensive country park with lakes, woodland paths and a visitor centre, popular for walking, wildlife and a relaxed outdoor break near town.
- Recommended
Bocking
Historic village area adjoining Braintree with traditional streets, older buildings and a more local feel for a rewarding walk beyond the main centre.
George V Field
Landscaped public gardens close to the centre, valued for mature planting, quiet paths and a pleasant green stop during a day in Braintree.
- Gluten-free
Essex Smoked Bacon
Essex smoked bacon is a county staple, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich, savoury flavour found in local breakfasts and café menus.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Tiptree Jam
Tiptree jam is made in Essex from local fruit. It is a classic regional preserve served at breakfast and with cream teas across the area.
- Gluten-free
Colchester Native Oysters
Colchester native oysters are a historic Essex delicacy, prized for their clean briny taste and long links to the county’s coastal food culture.
The House by Hilly Gant
Modern British dining in a smart yet relaxed setting, known for carefully prepared seasonal dishes and polished service.
Yasmin Restaurant
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and fresh breads in a lively contemporary dining room.
Raj Indian Restaurant
Friendly Indian restaurant offering classic curries, tandoori dishes and generous portions in an informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England. Dining and hotels are usually cheaper than London, but costs are higher than in many smaller UK towns. Local buses and rail trips add moderate transport costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Manchester to Braintree train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Braintree 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 Braintree, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Braintree can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £186, while the average price tends to be around £187.
The train journey from Manchester to Braintree covers a distance of 259 km and takes approximately 3h 36m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Braintree is 259 km.
The first train from Manchester to Braintree leaves at 5:05.
The last train from Manchester to Braintree departs at 20:08.
Trains from Manchester to Braintree run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Braintree.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Braintree.
To get from Manchester to Braintree, you can choose from several travel options including coach, flight and train.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Braintree.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Braintree is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Braintree station (BTR).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Braintree is by flight, costing approximately £73.
Booking trains from Manchester to Braintree 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 to Braintree offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring glimpses of the Peak District's rolling hills and picturesque countryside, along with views of quaint villages and historic towns as you travel through the heart of England.
A day trip from Manchester to Braintree is not feasible as the journey time is 3h 36m. However, there are 4 train trips per day.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Braintree, allowing time to visit main attractions such as Freeport Braintree shopping village, Great Notley Country Park, and the Braintree District Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Braintree.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Braintree
Most Manchester to Braintree trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Braintree station pair, with some services arriving at Braintree Freeport. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Braintree 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 Braintree
Which Manchester station do trains to Braintree leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Braintree leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RR
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, 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.
Manchester VictoriaManchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
TrainManchester Airport - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Saltburn, Manchester Airport - York, Manchester Piccadilly - York, Manchester Piccadilly - Redcar Central, Manchester Airport - Darlington, Manchester Airport - Sheffield, Liverpool Lime Street - Manchester Victoria, Manchester Airport - Scarborough, Manchester Airport - Hull, Manchester Airport - Huddersfield, Manchester Airport - Middlesbrough, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Leeds, Manchester Airport - Manchester Victoria · 10m · £0.90 · every ~3 min
Bus41, 135 · 5m · £2 · every ~32 min
T1 · 10m
X43 · 29m · every ~1 min
TramBlue Line, Navy Line, Green Line, Yellow Line · 5m · £2 · every ~23 min
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Braintree station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Braintree most often arrive at Braintree. Some services arrive at Braintree Freeport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Braintree arrival station.
BraintreeBraintree station, Station Approach, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3QL+44 345 600 7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Braintree from Braintree city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesSubstitute bus services stop at bus stop in the turning circle
Braintree train station facilities and services
Braintree has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Braintree.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Braintree.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Braintree. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, 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 Braintree: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Braintree: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Braintree FreeportBraintree Freeport station, Chapel Hill Retail Park, Braintree, Essex, CM77 8YH+44 345 600 7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Braintree Freeport from Braintree city centre
Braintree Freeport is 1 km from Braintree city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBraintree - Witham, Braintree - London Liverpool Street, Braintree - Shenfield · 2m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus38 · 7m · £2 · every ~3 min
Braintree Freeport train station facilities and services
Braintree Freeport has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Braintree Freeport.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Braintree Freeport: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Braintree Freeport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Braintree Freeport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Braintree
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Braintree and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Braintree
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