- Recommended
Pontefract Museum
Town museum beside the castle with displays on local history, everyday life and Pontefract’s past. A practical first stop for understanding the area.
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11:212h07Manchester13:28Pontefract£261One-way0 changes
- 11:212h07Manchester13:28Pontefract£261One-way0 changes
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Pontefract by train
Compare 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 Pontefract trains with Omio?
Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail offer trains services from Manchester to Pontefract.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Pontefract.
Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Pontefract.
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Pontefract.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Pontefract
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Pontefract run on average 6 times per day, taking around 1h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 65 km distance in 2h 5m.
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 65 km |
Average train duration 1h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 5m |
First train 4:07 |
Last train 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 21 days |
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: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from Manchester to Pontefract trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between Manchester and Pontefract from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transpennine Express
About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 32m
Cheapest Price
£31
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Northern Rail
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 5m
Cheapest Price
£9
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Pontefract
Things to do in Pontefract
Discover the best of Pontefract — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Pontefract trip today.
- Recommended
Pontefract Castle Visitor Centre
Castle visitor exhibition interpreting the site’s royal, military and prison history. A compact museum-style stop that adds context to the ruins outside.
The Harte
Volunteer-run heritage centre covering the district’s coal mining story through machinery, artefacts and personal memories. An informative local favourite.
- Recommended
Ropergate
Central pedestrian-friendly shopping street with historic buildings and easy access to major sights. A useful area for getting a feel for the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Traditional market area lined with historic frontages and civic buildings. Worth a stroll for the town’s layout, atmosphere and regular market activity.
- Recommended
Pontefract Park
Open parkland around the racecourse with paths and broad views. Suitable for a longer walk and for seeing a different side of Pontefract.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pontefract Cakes
Soft liquorice sweets made with liquorice root and sugar. Pontefract is famous for these historic lozenge-style cakes first produced here in the 18th century.
Yorkshire Beef Stew
A robust Yorkshire stew of beef, root vegetables and gravy, slowly cooked for comfort in colder months. A classic local pub and home dish across West Yorkshire.
Meat and Potato Pie
Minced beef and onion in shortcrust pastry, commonly sold by Yorkshire bakers. It is a staple savoury snack in the region and popular for lunch.
Tulsi Indian Restaurant
Established Indian restaurant serving curries, tandoori dishes and familiar favourites in a comfortable town-centre setting.
The Red Lion
Traditional pub in Pontefract known for classic British meals, cask ales and a relaxed local atmosphere.
Kyte Hotel Restaurant
Stylish restaurant and bar in nearby Darrington serving modern British dishes, steaks and cocktails in smart surroundings.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Dining and local transport are manageable, while hotel prices are usually lower than in major cities such as London or York.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Manchester to Pontefract train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Pontefract 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 Pontefract, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Pontefract can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £19.
The train journey from Manchester to Pontefract covers a distance of 65 km and takes approximately 2h 5m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Pontefract is 65 km.
The first train from Manchester to Pontefract leaves at 4:07.
The last train from Manchester to Pontefract departs at 23:30.
Trains from Manchester to Pontefract run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Pontefract.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Pontefract.
To travel from Manchester to Pontefract, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Pontefract.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Pontefract is Manchester Victoria (MCV), and it arrives at Pontefract Monkhill (PFM).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Pontefract is by train, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Manchester to Pontefract 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 Pontefract offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, starting with views of Manchester's bustling cityscape, transitioning through the picturesque Pennine hills, and passing through charming towns and countryside before reaching Pontefract.
A day trip from Manchester to Pontefract is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 5m and there are 4 trips per day for trains.
Two days are ideal to explore Pontefract, allowing time to visit Pontefract Castle, the local museum, and sample the famous Pontefract cakes at a leisurely pace.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Pontefract.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Pontefract
Most Manchester to Pontefract trains use the Manchester Victoria to Pontefract Monkhill station pair, with some services arriving at Pontefract Tanshelf. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Pontefract 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 Pontefract
Which Manchester station do trains to Pontefract leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Pontefract leave from Manchester Victoria. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Manchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WY.
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.
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 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 Pontefract station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Pontefract most often arrive at Pontefract Monkhill. Some services arrive at Pontefract Tanshelf, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Pontefract arrival station.
Pontefract MonkhillPontefract Monkhill station, Monkhill Lane, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 2NX+44 3332220125
City-centre transport
Getting to Pontefract Monkhill from Pontefract city centre
TrainLeeds - Knottingley · 2m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
Bus149, 148, 186, Sw3, 157 · 3m · £2 · every ~16 min
149, 148 · 10m · £2 · every ~11 min
Pontefract Monkhill train station facilities and services
Pontefract Monkhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Monkhill.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Pontefract Monkhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Monkhill: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, Station is unstaffed. No step-free access to platform2, which is via stepped footbridge. There is level access from the station entrance to platform 1, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Pontefract TanshelfPontefract Tanshelf station, Park Road, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 4QA+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Pontefract Tanshelf from Pontefract city centre
Bus144 · 9m · every ~2 min
Pontefract Tanshelf train station facilities and services
Pontefract Tanshelf has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Pontefract Tanshelf.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Pontefract Tanshelf: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Station is unstaffed. However no access problems for disabled or wheelchair users as the access to the platforms is via the ramped footbridge, 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, 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 Pontefract
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Pontefract and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Pontefract
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