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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Watford
Showing times and prices for 20 Dec
Cheapest price
£34
Average price
£37
Fastest journey
2 h 1 m
Average duration
3 h 16 m
Trains per day
5
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 £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £34.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester for Watford every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 238 km distance in an average of 3 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 57 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.
08:463h47
Manchester12:33Watford
£341One-way
0 changes
04:433h50
Manchester08:33Watford
£351One-way
0 changes
08:064h27
Manchester12:33Watford
£351One-way
0 changes
04:552h01
Manchester06:56Watford
£371One-way
0 changes
12:064h27
Manchester16:33Watford
£451One-way
0 changes
04:552h01
Manchester06:56Watford
£371One-way
0 changes
07:152h43
Manchester09:58Watford
£471One-way
0 changes
08:463h47
Manchester12:33Watford
£341One-way
0 changes
04:433h50
Manchester08:33Watford
£351One-way
0 changes
09:363h57
Manchester13:33Watford
£451One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train 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 8m. 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 £57.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£39 Average Price Cheapest | £148 Average Price |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 1h 8m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
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 today, Friday 19 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 15:27
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16:06 Manchester | 4h27 | 20:33 Watford | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 20 December | |||||
| 04:43 Manchester | 3h50 | 08:33 Watford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04:55 Manchester | 2h01 | 06:56 Watford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:06 Manchester | 4h27 | 12:33 Watford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:46 Manchester | 3h47 | 12:33 Watford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:36 Manchester | 3h57 | 13:33 Watford | 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 Watford by train or flight
Compare train 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.
Sat
20 Dec
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21 Dec
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22 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Watford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Watford run on average 20 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:44, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 2h 43m.
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 43m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 20 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 01:44 |
Last train 22:17 |
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 1m
Cheapest Price
£37
Avanti West Coast frequency
17 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
West Midlands Trains frequency
3 a day
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.
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.
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.
A day trip from Manchester to Watford is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 43m. However, there are 20 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 238 km.
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.
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.
The train distance from Manchester to Watford is 238 km.
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 £39.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Watford. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Avanti West Coast.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Watford is by train, costing approximately £13.
The train journey from Manchester to Watford covers a distance of 238 km and takes approximately 2h 43m. Trains run 20 per day.
The first train from Manchester to Watford leaves at 1:44.
To get from Manchester to Watford, you can choose from several travel options including train and flight.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Watford is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Watford Junction (WFJ).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Watford.
The last train from Manchester to Watford departs at 22:17.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Watford.
Trains from Manchester to Watford run approximately 20 times per day.
There is no night train service 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
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
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
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:40 Sunday 07:30 - 22:00
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: There will be no toilet provision at Manchester Oxford Road from 15th July to 25th July to allow for existing toilets to be refurbished
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: on Platform 4/5
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Oxford Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Whitworth St West (200 yards from station) (station side for Liverpool, opposite side for Piccadilly)
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
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.
The major train station for arrivals in Watford is Watford Junction. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Watford Junction for your journey to Watford from Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 23:00 Saturday 05:30 - 23:00 Sunday 06:30 - 22:30 Booking Office and Travel Centre
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 6. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Sunday 04:00-23:00. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from station staff upon request. The National key toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-14:00 and Sunday 06:00-14:00.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Station forecourt
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Watford Junction
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from bay 1 of the bus station at the side of the railway station.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Bushey Station
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Bushey
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
Shopping
- Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Watford High Street
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Watford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Watford and Manchester
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