- 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.
Cheapest price on 20 Oct
£183
Average ticket price on 20 Oct
£184
Fastest journey on 20 Oct
3 h 36 m
Average journey duration on 20 Oct
3 h 42 m
Trains on 20 Oct
15
Distance
259 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Braintree is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Braintree will cost around £184 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £183.
To travel from Manchester to Braintree you need to make at least 3 changes.










Trains from Manchester to Braintree run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £64 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:05, the last at 20:08. The fastest train covers the 259 km distance in 3h 25m.
Distance 259 km |
Average train duration 4h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price £64 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 25m |
First train 5:05 |
Last train 20:08 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Braintree trains for today, Monday 19 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 22:15 Manchester | 9h05 | 7:20 Braintree | 3 changes | |
| Tuesday 20 October | |||||
![]() | 6:15 Manchester | 3h36 | 9:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 6:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 10:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 7:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 11:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 8:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 12:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 9:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 13:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 10:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 14:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 11:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 15:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 12:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 16:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 13:55 Manchester | 3h43 | 17:38 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 14:35 Manchester | 3h49 | 18:24 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 15:35 Manchester | 3h38 | 19:13 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 16:15 Manchester | 3h43 | 19:58 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 16:55 Manchester | 3h57 | 20:52 Braintree | 3 changes | |
![]() | 17:55 Manchester | 3h56 | 21:51 Braintree | 3 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Braintree — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Braintree trip today.
Town museum covering Braintree's social and industrial story, with displays on local life, textiles and notable residents in an accessible setting.
Museum in a former workhouse telling the history of workhouses and social welfare, offering a distinctive and thought-provoking visit near Braintree.
Museum and gallery in nearby Saffron Walden with changing exhibitions, local history collections and an easy day-trip appeal from Braintree.
Extensive country park with lakes, woodland paths and a visitor centre, popular for walking, wildlife and a relaxed outdoor break near town.
Historic village area adjoining Braintree with traditional streets, older buildings and a more local feel for a rewarding walk beyond the main centre.
Landscaped public gardens close to the centre, valued for mature planting, quiet paths and a pleasant green stop during a day in Braintree.
Essex smoked bacon is a county staple, traditionally cured and smoked for a rich, savoury flavour found in local breakfasts and café menus.
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.
Colchester native oysters are a historic Essex delicacy, prized for their clean briny taste and long links to the county’s coastal food culture.
Modern British dining in a smart yet relaxed setting, known for carefully prepared seasonal dishes and polished service.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving grilled meats, meze and fresh breads in a lively contemporary dining room.
Friendly Indian restaurant offering classic curries, tandoori dishes and generous portions in an informal atmosphere.
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.
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.
The most popular day trips by train from Braintree are London, Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich and Norwich. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Braintree on Omio.

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:18. The fastest train covers the 62 km distance in 57m.

Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:38, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 25m.

Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.
The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:48. The fastest train covers the 24 km distance in 32m.

Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 46 km distance in 49m.

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.
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.

Most Manchester to Braintree trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Braintree station pair. 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.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Oxford Road 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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options are available at Braintree.
Wi-Fi is available at Braintree.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Braintree: Parking, WC.
Available at Braintree: Bike Parking.
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.
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