Manchester to Watford train with Avanti West Coast

Fri 19 Jun
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Great Western Railway
Regionale
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Watford

Showing times and prices for 19 Jun

Cheapest price

£28

Average price

£99

Fastest journey

2 h 19 m

Average duration

2 h 22 m

Trains per day

28

Distance

238 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Watford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Manchester to Watford will cost around £99 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.

Fast trains

To travel from Manchester to Watford you need to make at least one change.

  • Northern RailL89640+West Midlands TrainsC16923 · Y80847
    8:064h27
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    12:33Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £281One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailL89677+West Midlands TrainsC16947 · Y80903
    13:064h27
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    17:33Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £281One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailL89670+West Midlands TrainsC16942 · Y80895
    12:064h27
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:33Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £281One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailL89655+West Midlands TrainsC16932 · C17802
    10:064h27
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    14:33Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £281One-way
    2 changes
  • Northern RailL89647+West Midlands TrainsC16927 · Y80859
    9:064h27
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    13:33Watford Junction (WFJ)
    £281One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Manchester to Watford

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Watford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 train costs an average of £13, and a flight costs an average of £65.

Distance: 238 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£43

Average Price

Cheapest

£54

Average Price

£151

Average Price

3h 29m

Average total duration

2h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 46m

Average total duration

6h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 10m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

0.7 - 1.4kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

British Airways

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Manchester to Watford train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Watford trains for tomorrow, Friday 19 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands TrainsC16923 · Y80847+Northern RailL896408:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h27
12:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33952+West Midlands TrainsW882048:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h58
11:12 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33952+West Midlands TrainsY808238:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h19
10:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33952+West Midlands TrainsW70287+London OvergroundC341898:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h44
10:58 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33952+West Midlands TrainsY80823+London OvergroundL223818:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
10:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34104+West Midlands TrainsW703168:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h55
11:29 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33888+West Midlands TrainsW882088:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h48
11:42 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16927 · Y80859+Northern RailL896479:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h27
13:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34134+West Midlands TrainsY808359:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h19
11:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34134+West Midlands TrainsW882129:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h58
12:12 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34134+West Midlands TrainsY80835+London OvergroundL223939:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
11:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33893+West Midlands TrainsW703309:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h55
12:29 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34090+West Midlands TrainsW882169:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h48
12:42 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16932 · C17802+Northern RailL8965510:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h27
14:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33896+London OvergroundL22405+West Midlands TrainsY8084710:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
12:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33956+West Midlands TrainsY80859+London OvergroundL2241711:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
13:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
West Midlands TrainsC16942 · Y80895+Northern RailL8967012:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h27
16:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33948+West Midlands TrainsC17802+London OvergroundL2243112:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
14:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33948+West Midlands TrainsC1780212:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h19
14:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33925+West Midlands TrainsW7037212:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h55
15:29 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16947 · Y80903+Northern RailL8967713:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h27
17:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34270+West Midlands TrainsY8088313:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h19
15:33 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34270+West Midlands TrainsY80883+London OvergroundL2244113:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
15:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33886+West Midlands TrainsW8824813:34 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h48
16:22 Watford Junction (WFJ)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34228+London OvergroundL22453+West Midlands TrainsY8089514:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h37
16:51 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastC01291+West Midlands TrainsY80903+London OvergroundL2246515:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h37
17:51 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34267+West Midlands TrainsC17796+London OvergroundL2247716:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h37
18:51 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW34125+West Midlands TrainsY80917+London OvergroundL2248917:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2h34
19:48 Watford High Street (WFH)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Watford 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.

Fri
19 Jun
Sat
20 Jun
Sun
21 Jun
Mon
22 Jun
Tue
23 Jun
Wed
24 Jun
Thu
25 Jun

Why should you book Manchester to Watford trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as West Midlands Trains offer trains services from Manchester to Watford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Watford.

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 West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Watford.
  • 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 Watford.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Watford.
  • 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 Watford.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Watford

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Watford run on average 21 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 01:00, the last at 22:32. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 2h 33m.

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
238 km
Average train duration
2h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
£13
Trains per day
21
Fastest train
2h 33m
First train
1:00
Last train
22:32
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 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: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains from Manchester to Watford trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Manchester and Watford from £13. 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 Duration
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
£49
Avanti West Coast frequency
16 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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 47m
Cheapest Price
£13
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Manchester to Watford train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Watford 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 Watford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Watford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £13, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from Manchester to Watford covers a distance of 238 km and takes approximately 2h 33m. Trains run 21 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Watford is 238 km.
The first train from Manchester to Watford leaves at 1:00.
The last train from Manchester to Watford departs at 22:32.
Trains from Manchester to Watford run approximately 21 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Watford.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Watford. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
To get from Manchester to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Watford.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Watford is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Watford is by train, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Manchester to Watford 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 Watford offers a mix of urban and rural views. Travellers can enjoy glimpses of the rolling countryside and charming small towns, interspersed with industrial landscapes as the train travels through the heart of England.
A day trip from Manchester to Watford is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 33m. However, there are 20 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 238 km.
In Watford, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as attending performances at the Watford Palace Theatre or exploring the shops and dining options at Intu Watford. For entertainment, try Topgolf Watford, or attend community arts events at The Pump House Theatre and Arts Centre. Nature enthusiasts can visit the Rickmansworth Aquadrome for walking and cycling, or explore Cassiobury Park and its nature reserve. Don't miss the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London for a behind-the-scenes look at the Harry Potter films. Additionally, Watford Museum offers insights into the town's history, while Cheslyn House and Gardens provide a tranquil escape. For luxury, The Grove features beautiful gardens, a golf course, and spa facilities.
To fully explore Watford's attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter, Cassiobury Park, and Watford Palace Theatre, a two to three-day visit is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Watford.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Watford

Manchester
Watford
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 Watford.
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.​​​​​​​

More options for your journey from Manchester to Watford

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HomeTrainsTrain Times to Watford Manchester to Watford train

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