- Recommended
Harwich Museum
Harwich’s main local museum, covering maritime trade, naval history and town life inside a Georgian building on Main Road.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Harwich
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 20 Sept
Cheapest price on 20 Sept
£198
Average ticket price on 20 Sept
£198
Fastest journey on 20 Sept
11 h 2 m
Average journey duration on 20 Sept
11 h 2 m
Trains on 20 Sept
1
Distance
292 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Harwich is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Harwich will cost around £198 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £198.
Fast trains
To travel from Manchester to Harwich you need to make at least 3 changes.
20:5611h02Manchester7:58Harwich£1981One-way3 changes
- 20:5611h02Manchester7:58Harwich£1981One-way3 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Harwich
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Harwich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £82 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £82, while a flight costs an average of £289.
Distance: 292 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£82 Average Price Cheapest | £289 Average Price | £61 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Harwich is a train with an average price of £82.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Harwich:
A train is £207 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Harwich costing on average £289.
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Harwich is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 55m.
Other travel options to Harwich take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 52m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Harwich including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 5m sooner (3h 52m by train vs 4h 57m by car). Tickets start at around £82 compared to roughly £61 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.
Live departures
Manchester to Harwich train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Harwich trains for today, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:54 Manchester | 4h22 | 17:16 Harwich | 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 Harwich by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach and flight 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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20 Sept
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Why should you book Manchester to Harwich trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as East Midlands Railway offer trains services from Manchester to Harwich.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Harwich.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Harwich.
- 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 train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Harwich.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Raileurope or Rome2rio?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of East Midlands Railway to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Harwich.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Harwich.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Harwich
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Harwich run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £58 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:24, the last at 20:45. The fastest train covers the 292 km distance in 3h 37m.
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 292 km |
Average train duration 3h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £58 |
Trains per day 13 |
Fastest train 3h 37m |
First train 5:24 |
Last train 20:45 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway from Manchester to Harwich trainsAvanti West Coast, East Midlands Railway trains will get you between Manchester and Harwich from £58. 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
4h 22m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£58
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
East Midlands Railway
About
East Midlands Trains is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to the East Midlands, Yorkshire, and the North West. East Midlands Trains operates a fleet of Class 158, Class 156, Class 170, Class 222 and Class 180 diesel multiple units, as well as Class 222 Meridian electric multiple units. East Midlands Trains also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for East Midlands Trains are London to Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
East Midlands Railway frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 piece of hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for Advance ticket holders
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs must be on lead and require a ticket (£6 for day ticket)
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Harwich
Things to do in Harwich
Discover the best of Harwich — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Harwich trip today.
- Recommended
LV18 Lightvessel
A preserved light vessel in the harbour area, open as a floating museum showing lighthouse and shipboard working life.
- Recommended
The Electric Palace Cinema
A historic cinema with occasional tours and heritage interest, notable for its early architecture and continuing cultural role.
- Must visit
Harwich Old Town
Harwich’s historic centre has narrow lanes, period houses and maritime character, making it ideal for a self-guided walk.
- Recommended
The Ha'penny Pier
A broad promenade and beach area popular for estuary views, fresh air and an easy waterside walk near the town centre.
- Recommended
Beacon Hill
A raised green space with coastal views, fortifications and open lawns, well suited to a short walk above the waterfront.
- Gluten-free
Essex Oysters
A traditional Essex shellfish staple: native oysters served raw or lightly dressed. They are prized for the clean, briny flavour of nearby estuary waters.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Cockles gathered from the Essex coast, usually eaten cold with vinegar and pepper. They are a long-standing seaside snack around ports and estuaries.
Potted Shrimps
Brown shrimps from the east coast, often served potted with spiced butter on toast. They are a classic regional delicacy linked to coastal fishing towns.
Mr Chips
Well-known local fish and chip shop serving classic seaside favourites in a relaxed, no-fuss setting near the town centre.
The Pier Hotel
Historic waterfront pub and restaurant in old Harwich, known for seafood, British mains and a characterful maritime atmosphere.
The Stingray
Friendly traditional pub in Harwich offering British pub dishes, drinks and a laid-back local atmosphere close to the historic core.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK coast. Hotels can rise in peak season, but pubs, cafés and local buses are generally manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Cafés and pubs usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.80
- Day pass
- £11.50
To the city centre
Harwich International station -> Harwich Town station
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 3 min
- Greater Anglia runs the rail service between Harwich International and Harwich Town; buy before boarding from the station machine where available.
- For an all-day rail pass on the Mayflower line, Greater Anglia sells the Mayflower Line Ranger for £11.50, valid from 08:45 on weekdays and anytime at weekends.
FAQs: Manchester to Harwich train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Harwich 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 Harwich, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Harwich can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £58, while the average price tends to be around £82.
The train journey from Manchester to Harwich covers a distance of 292 km and takes approximately 3h 37m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Harwich is 292 km.
The first train from Manchester to Harwich leaves at 5:24.
The last train from Manchester to Harwich departs at 20:45.
Trains from Manchester to Harwich run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Harwich.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Harwich.
To get from Manchester to Harwich, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Harwich.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Harwich is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Dovercourt (DVC).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Harwich is by train, costing approximately £58.
Booking trains from Manchester to Harwich 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 Harwich offers varied scenery, including views of the rolling countryside, quaint villages, and stretches of the East Anglian landscape, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Manchester to Harwich is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 37m each way. The frequency is 9 trains per day.
A visit to Harwich can be comfortably enjoyed in 1 to 2 days, allowing time to explore its historic maritime sites, enjoy a coastal walk, and visit local museums and attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Harwich.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Harwich
Most Manchester to Harwich trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Dovercourt station pair, with some services arriving at Harwich International. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Harwich 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 Harwich
Which Manchester station do trains to Harwich leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Harwich 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.
Which Harwich station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Harwich most often arrive at Dovercourt. Some services arrive at Harwich International, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Harwich arrival station.
DovercourtDovercourt station, Kingsway, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3AG+44 8456007245
City-centre transport
Getting to Dovercourt from Harwich city centre
TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 1m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus3, 22 · 2m · £3 · every ~6 min
Dovercourt train station facilities and services
Dovercourt has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dovercourt.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dovercourt.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dovercourt: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dovercourt: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dovercourt: 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Harwich InternationalHarwich International station, Parkeston Quay, Harwich, Essex, CO12 4SR
City-centre transport
Getting to Harwich International from Harwich city centre
Harwich International is 2 km from Harwich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainHarwich Town - Manningtree, Harwich Town - Colchester, Harwich Town - London Liverpool Street · 5m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus22 · 24m · £3 · every ~3 min
22 · 25m · £3 · every ~3 min
Harwich International train station facilities and services
Harwich International has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Harwich International. ATMs are available at Harwich International.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harwich International: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Harwich International: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich International: 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 ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: No, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Harwich TownHarwich Town station, George Street, Harwich, Essex, CO12 3NA
City-centre transport
Getting to Harwich Town from Harwich city centre
Onward travel informationLocal Bus services from station forecourt
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement transport stop at the front of the station by the bus stop
Harwich Town train station facilities and services
Harwich Town has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Harwich Town.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Harwich Town.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Harwich Town: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Harwich Town: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Harwich Town: 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, 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 Harwich
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Harwich and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Harwich
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