- Must visit
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter
A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£28
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£117
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
2 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
2 h 25 m
Trains on 17 Sept
12
Distance
238 km
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 £117 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £28.
To travel from Manchester to Watford you need to make at least one change.
C17874 · Y80859+
L89655
C17837 · Y80847+
L89647
C17854 · Y80835+
L89640
W33948+
C17802+
L22431
W34270+
Y80883+
L22441
W34134+
Y80835
W33952+
Y80823
W33896+
Y80847
W33948+
C17802+
L22431
W34270+
Y80883+
L22441Omio 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 an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, while a flight costs an average of £85.
Distance: 238 km
Most popular Train | Flight | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£21 Average Price Cheapest | £85 Average Price | £57 Average Price | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 28m Average total duration 2h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 25m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Watford:
A train is £37 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Manchester to Watford costing on average £57.
A train is £64 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Manchester to Watford costing on average £85.
Other travel options to Watford take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 58m.
Coach takes on average 6h 1m.
The journey is about 27m faster (2h 58m by train vs 3h 25m by car) and roughly £37 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£21 vs £58). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Avanti West Coast.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Watford trains for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34018+ W70263 | Delayed 5:14 6:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h35 | 8:49 Bushey (BSH) | 1 change | |
W34018+ W70263+ C34135 | Delayed 5:14 6:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h45 | 8:01 8:01Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
W34018+ W70263 | Delayed 5:14 6:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h32 | 8:46 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 change | |
W34117+ W70275 | Delayed 6:14 7:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h35 | 8:55 8:55Bushey (BSH) | 1 change | |
W33952+ W70287 | Delayed 7:14 8:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 9:51 9:51Bushey (BSH) | 1 change | |
W34134+ W70299 | Delayed 8:14 9:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 10:50 10:50Bushey (BSH) | 1 change | |
| Thursday 17 September | |||||
L89640+ C17854 · Y80835 | 8:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 11:33 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 changes | |
W33952+ Y80823 | 8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 10:33 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 change | |
W33952+ Y80823+ L22381 | 8:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 10:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
L89647+ C17837 · Y80847 | 9:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 12:33 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 changes | |
W34134+ Y80835 | 9:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 11:33 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 change | |
W34134+ Y80835+ L22393 | 9:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 11:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
L89655+ C17874 · Y80859 | 10:06 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h27 | 13:33 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2 changes | |
W33896+ Y80847 | 10:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h19 | 12:33 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 1 change | |
W33896+ Y80847+ L22405 | 10:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 12:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
W33956+ Y80859+ L22417 | 11:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 13:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
W33948+ C17802+ L22431 | 12:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 14:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
W34270+ Y80883+ L22441 | 13:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2h34 | 15:48 Watford High Street (WFH) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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.
Trains from Manchester to Watford run on average 21 times per day, taking around 2h 58m. 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 3h 27m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 21 |
Fastest train 3h 27m |
First train 1:00 |
Last train 22:32 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Watford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Watford trip today.
A visitor attraction and working studio where tours reveal how Harry Potter films were made, with original sets and props.
Watford's local museum in a historic house, with exhibitions on the town's people, industry and changing streets.
An arts centre with galleries, performances and cinema, making it a useful stop for contemporary local visual culture.
Watford's best-known park, with broad lawns, woodland walks, playgrounds, sports facilities and the Grand Union Canal nearby.
A regenerated waterside district with canal walks, modern public spaces, events and easy access from the town centre.
A large nature reserve with lakes, woodland and meadows, popular for quiet walks, birdwatching and family outings.
A classic pub staple from Hertfordshire and nearby counties: sausages in Yorkshire pudding batter, usually served with onion gravy.
Traditional English breakfast with eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms and toast; a familiar local weekend favourite in Watford cafés.
Beer-battered white fish with chips is a core British takeaway and pub dish, commonly eaten across Watford with mushy peas or curry sauce.
Upscale country-house dining just outside Watford, serving refined British dishes in elegant historic surroundings.
Smart modern Indian restaurant known for polished curries, grills and friendly service in central Watford.
Popular Turkish restaurant serving charcoal-grilled meats, meze and generous sharing plates in a lively setting.
Moderate for southern England. Hotels can be pricey on London commuter routes, but dining and local transport are usually a little cheaper than central London.
Restaurants may add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, 10% is usual for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually just small change.
Official public transport app
Watford Junction -> Watford Town Centre, Watford
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.

Most Manchester to Watford trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Watford Junction station pair, with some services arriving at Watford High Street. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Watford 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.
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, 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.
Watford Junction has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Ticket office support is available at Watford Junction. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford Junction: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are accessible on platform 6, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket Vending Machines are located in the Booking Hall, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Level access to ticket office from street. Single island platform, accessible from entrance by staircase only, Accessible taxis: Contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Accessibility category C. This station does not have step-free access, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible taxis: contact taxi operator directly, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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