- Must visit
M Shed
Large harbourside museum covering Bristol’s people, industry and global links, with varied galleries and family-friendly displays.
Cheapest price
£25
Average price
£71
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 5 m
Trains per day
40
Distance
227 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Bristol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Bristol will cost around £71 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.
Of the 40 trains that leave Manchester for Bristol every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 227 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 6 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.
W29851
W29871
W29877
W29882
W29895
G01138
G01144
W29871
W29908
G01005 · G01140Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £8, and a train costs an average of £17.
Distance: 227 km
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£43 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 3h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration 4h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bristol trains for today, Sunday 16 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01007 · G01142 | On time 8:26 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 11:50 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
V14686+ Y41668 | On time 8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h21 | 12:51 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G01011 · G01145 | On time 9:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 12:48 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G38894+ Y41671 | On time 9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h20 | 13:50 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G01015 · W29869 | On time 10:26 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h09 | 13:35 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G38845+ V08227 | On time 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h40 | 14:10 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G01019 · W29874 | On time 11:24 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 14:32 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G38898+ W35012 | On time 11:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h43 | 15:10 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
C16937+ W29875+ G38898 | Delayed 11:19 11:27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h40 | 15:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 2 changes | |
G01023 · G01147 | On time 12:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 15:35 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G38919+ W35018 | On time 12:31 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h41 | 16:12 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
W29883 | On time 13:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h01 | 16:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01026 · W29886 | On time 13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 16:35 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
G38851+ W35024 | On time 13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h41 | 17:11 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
W29887 | On time 14:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h04 | 17:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01029 · G01152 | On time 14:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h10 | 17:35 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
| Monday 17 August | |||||
G00997 · G01131 | 5:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h28 | 8:39 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
W33950+ G01133 | 6:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h31 | 9:33 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach 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.
Trains from Manchester to Bristol run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:48, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 3h 4m.
Distance 227 km |
Average train duration 3h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £17 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 4m |
First train 4:48 |
Last train 23:36 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bristol — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bristol trip today.
Large harbourside museum covering Bristol’s people, industry and global links, with varied galleries and family-friendly displays.
City museum and art gallery with natural history, archaeology, applied art and paintings in a grand central building.
Former passenger liner turned museum ship, where visitors explore restored decks and learn about transatlantic travel and engineering.
Lively floating harbour area with waterside walks, museums, boats and year-round city views, ideal for first-time visitors.
Elegant Georgian square with lawns and paths, useful as a calm stop between the old city, harbour and nearby cultural sights.
Colourful hillside neighbourhood famed for street art, independent character and broad views over the city from nearby green spaces.
A cider from apples grown in the surrounding West Country. Bristol’s long cider-trading history makes it a classic local drink to try in pubs and cider houses.
A rich cheese from Somerset, often eaten across Bristol in sandwiches, ploughman’s lunches and pub dishes. It is one of the region’s best-known traditional foods.
A traditional bun flavoured with dried fruit, spice and candied peel, linked to Bristol since the 18th century. It is a distinctive local teatime bake.
Long-running St Nicholas Market favourite serving pitta sandwiches packed with falafel, salad and sauces in a casual setting.
Elegant modern British dining in Clifton, with tasting menus and polished service in an intimate setting.
Lively harbourside restaurant known for excellent steaks, burgers and strong cocktails in a smart but relaxed room.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining cost less than London, but more than many smaller cities. Buses are reasonable; central attractions and cafés can add up.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafés: rounding up is enough. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.
Official public transport app
Bristol Temple Meads -> Bristol Bus & Coach Station
CrossCountry Trains provide direct rail connections from Manchester to Bristol. Daily schedules begin early in the morning and continue with hourly departures until the final train in early evening. Additional indirect connections are possible, requiring a change at Birmingham New Street. Weekday journey times range from three hours to three hours and 30 minutes. Sunday services are less frequent and take four hours or more to reach Bristol, with all journeys involving a change at Birmingham. Trains from Manchester to Bristol depart from Piccadilly Station, located in the city centre, arriving at Bristol Temple Meads, on the southern side of central Bristol.
Manchester has more to offer than just football. Explore the city's Art Deco collection at the Daily Express Building, go for a shop at the Northern Quarter, or take a stroll in one of the many nearby Nature Reserves.
Bristol is a dynamic and exciting city with plenty to offer. From fine art to street art, Bristol is a hub of artistic talent and boasts an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and events with a focus on fashion, photography, and animation to name just a few. With its diverse club and live music scene, Bristol really has something for everyone.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Bristol 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 Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Bristol trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Bristol Temple Meads station pair, with some services arriving at Bristol, Airport. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Bristol 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 Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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 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 options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Bristol Temple Meads has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bristol, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Dexters, Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Airport. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Bristol, Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Holiday Inn Bristol Airport, Winford Manor Hotel.
Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Montpelier: Parking.
Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montpelier: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform, Accessible taxis: No, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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