Manchester to Bristol train with CrossCountry

Sat 03 Jan
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Cross Country
Transport for Wales
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Bristol

Showing times and prices for 03 Jan

Cheapest price

£25

Average price

£50

Fastest journey

3 h 4 m

Average duration

3 h 4 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

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 £50 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £25.

Fast trains

Of the 12 trains that leave Manchester for Bristol every day 6 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 4 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 4 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.

CrossCountryC75179
13:033h04
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
16:07Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
£251One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75174
08:033h04
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:07Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
£251One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75178
12:033h08
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
15:11Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
£251One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75175
09:033h04
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:07Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
£251One-way
0 changes
CrossCountryC75177
11:033h04
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
14:07Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
£251One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Manchester to Bristol

Omio 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 £7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 12m. 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 £7, and a train costs an average of £25.

Distance: 227 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£56

Average Price

£16

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 12m

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

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Manchester to Bristol train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Bristol trains for today, Friday 2 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 05:13
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_countryC72656
On time
08:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h04
11:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC72475 · C75192
On time
08:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h06
11:31 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1 change
cross_countryC72660
On time
09:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h04
12:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
0 changesdirect
cross_countryC72478 · C75082
On time
09:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h07
12:32 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1 change
transport_for_walesL64722+great_westernP22731
On time
09:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h48
13:18 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
1 change
cross_countryC72665
On time
10:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h18
13:21 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Bristol by coach or train

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.

Sat
03 Jan
Sun
04 Jan
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Bristol?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Bristol is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Bristol route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Bristol per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Bristol.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Bristol

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Bristol run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £25 but you can travel from only £7 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 1m.

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
Coach from £7
Distance
227 km
Average train duration
3h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
£25
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
3h 1m
First train
04:48
Last train
23:36
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
Coach from £7

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Manchester to Bristol trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Manchester and Bristol from £7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Price
£29
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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 Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
£37
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

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 Duration
3h 3m
Cheapest Price
£192
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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 3m
Cheapest Price
£183
Cross Country frequency
9 a day

Trains from Manchester to Bristol

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

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

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.

FAQs: Manchester to Bristol train

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.

FAQs
In Bristol, you can visit the Bristol Zoo Gardens for a family-friendly day exploring diverse animal exhibits. Take a boat tour along the River Avon to enjoy unique views of the city. Explore vibrant street art in the Stokes Croft area, or visit the Arnolfini for contemporary art exhibitions and performances. Relax with a walk or picnic in Brandon Hill Park, home to the historic Cabot Tower. Don't miss the iconic Clifton Suspension Bridge for panoramic views, or explore the historic Bristol Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture. Discover the SS Great Britain museum, the diverse collections at the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery, and the lively St Nicholas Market for food and crafts.
A day trip from Manchester to Bristol is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 1m. There are 6 trains per day available for this route, covering a distance of 227 km.
Booking trains from Manchester to Bristol in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Bristol. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Cross Country.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Bristol can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £25, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Bristol is by coach, costing approximately £7.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Bristol is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Bristol Temple Meads (BRI).
To get from Manchester to Bristol, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
A stay of 2 to 3 days in Bristol is ideal to explore its diverse attractions, including the Clifton Suspension Bridge, SS Great Britain, and the vibrant street art scene.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Bristol.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Bristol.
The train journey from Manchester to Bristol offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Passengers can enjoy views of the rolling countryside, small towns, and the occasional glimpse of rivers and fields, particularly as the train travels through the picturesque landscapes of the South West.
The train distance from Manchester to Bristol is 227 km.
The train journey from Manchester to Bristol covers a distance of 227 km and takes approximately 3h 1m. Trains run 6 per day.
The first train from Manchester to Bristol leaves at 4:48.
The last train from Manchester to Bristol departs at 23:36.
Trains from Manchester to Bristol run approximately 6 times per day.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Bristol.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Bristol

Manchester
Bristol
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Bristol.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Bristol Manchester to Bristol train

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