- Recommended
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum
Local history museum covering Widnes industry, transport and community life, with displays on the town's chemical and engineering past.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Widnes
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Nov
- Cheapest price on 16 Nov
- £4
- Average ticket price on 16 Nov
- £6
- Fastest journey on 16 Nov
- 1 h 6 m
- Average journey duration on 16 Nov
- 1 h 6 m
- Trains on 16 Nov
- 2
- Distance
- 35 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Widnes is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Widnes will cost around £6 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £4.
Fast trains
On Mon 16 Nov, we found 2 trains from Manchester to Widnes, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 35 km distance in an average of 1 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 6 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.
8:46 1h06 Manchester 9:52 Widnes £4 1 One-way 0 changes16:46 1h06 Manchester 17:52 Widnes £7 1 One-way 0 changes
8:46 1h06 Manchester 9:52 Widnes £4 1 One-way 0 changes16:46 1h06 Manchester 17:52 Widnes £7 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Widnes
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Widnes run on average 6 times per day, taking around 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 35 km distance in 25m.
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 35 km |
Average train duration 32m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 25m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 23:30 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 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
Frequently asked questions about your Manchester to Widnes trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Manchester to Widnes.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Widnes can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £4, while the average price tends to be around £9.
The train journey from Manchester to Widnes covers a distance of 35 km and takes approximately 25m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Widnes is 35 km.
The first train from Manchester to Widnes leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Manchester to Widnes departs at 23:30.
Trains from Manchester to Widnes run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Widnes. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by East Midlands Railway, Northern Rail.
Live departures
Manchester to Widnes train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Widnes trains for tomorrow, Monday 16 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:46 Manchester | 1h06 | 9:52 Widnes | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Manchester to Widnes trains with Omio?
East Midlands Railway as well as Northern Rail or Transpennine Express offer trains services from Manchester to Widnes.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Widnes.
Why book with Omio vs East Midlands Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for East Midlands Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Widnes.
- 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, Rome2rio or Trip?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail or Transpennine Express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Widnes.
Train companies: Northern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Transpennine Express from Manchester to Widnes trainsNorthern Rail, East Midlands Railway, Transpennine Express trains will get you between Manchester and Widnes from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Northern Rail Duration
35m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£5
Northern Rail frequency
3 a day
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
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
Average East Midlands Railway Duration
25m
Cheapest East Midlands Railway Price
£4
East Midlands Railway frequency
2 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
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 Transpennine Express Duration
27m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£14
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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Manchester and Widnes
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Manchester to Widnes.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Widnes.
Complete guide to Widnes
Things to do in Widnes
Discover the best of Widnes — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Widnes trip today.
- Recommended
Warrington Museum & Art Gallery
Gallery and museum space in nearby Warrington showing visual art and local heritage, suitable for a wider cultural visit from Widnes.
Widnes Vikings Club Shop and Heritage Display
Small heritage display at the stadium telling the story of Widnes Vikings and local rugby league culture. Best for sports history fans.
- Recommended
Victoria Park
Large municipal park with gardens, open space, play areas and seasonal events. A popular place for a relaxed walk in Widnes.
- Recommended
Spike Island
Waterside green space with walking routes, wildlife interest and broad views towards the Mersey crossings and surrounding estuary.
- Recommended
Halton Village
Historic village area above the Mersey with old streets, traditional buildings and access to heritage sights and scenic viewpoints.
- Gluten-free
Scouse
Scouse is a slow-cooked Liverpool stew of beef or lamb, potatoes and root veg. Widely eaten across Merseyside and Cheshire, it is a classic local comfort dish.
- Vegetarian
Wet Nelly
Wet Nelly is a traditional North West bread pudding made with leftover fruit loaf, tea, dried fruit and spices, often served warm with custard.
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Cheese
Cheshire cheese is a crumbly, tangy cow’s milk cheese from the historic county. It is one of England’s oldest named cheeses and a staple in the region.
Hickory's Smokehouse
Popular grill and smokehouse serving steaks, burgers and ribs in a lively, modern setting. A reliable casual choice in Widnes.
The Ring O'Bells
Canal-side pub and restaurant offering British favourites, roasts and drinks in a relaxed waterside setting.
The Village Hotel
Long-established Indian restaurant known for classic curries, tandoori dishes and a comfortable dine-in atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for North West England. Hotels often cost less than in Manchester or Liverpool, while dining and local transport are usually reasonably priced for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. Cafes do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Merseytravel
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £6.20
To the city centre
Widnes Station -> Widnes Green Oaks
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult single bus fares across Merseyside and Halton are capped at £2. Check the operator before travel, as services in Widnes are run by several operators.
- Widnes Station has bus links to Green Oaks Shopping Centre and other town stops. For routes and times, use Halton Borough Council timetables or the Merseytravel app.
Plan your visit to Widnes
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Widnes.
The train journey from Manchester to Widnes offers a mix of urban and suburban views, passing through industrial areas and stretches of countryside, but it is not typically noted for being particularly scenic.
FAQs: Manchester to Widnes train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Widnes 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 Widnes, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Manchester to Widnes in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Widnes.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Widnes
Most Manchester to Widnes trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Widnes station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Widnes 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 Widnes
Which Manchester station do trains to Widnes leave from?
Trains from Manchester to Widnes 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.
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 · £1 · 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 Oxford RoadManchester Oxford Road station, Station Approach, Oxford Road, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M1 6FU
City-centre transport
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Bus42A, 43, 42, 101, 85, 85A, 111, 263, 142, 143, 87, 41, 18, 86, 15, 250, 42B, 42C, 103, 102 · 5m · £2 · every ~224 min
T1 · 1h 7m
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road 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 Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: 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.
Which Widnes station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Trains from Manchester to Widnes arrive at Widnes. Widnes is 2 km from Widnes city centre.
WidnesWidnes station, Victoria Avenue, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 7TJ+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to Widnes from Widnes city centre
Widnes is 1 km from Widnes city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus61 · 12m · £2 · every ~3 min
Widnes train station facilities and services
Widnes has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Widnes.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Widnes.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Widnes: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Widnes: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Widnes: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Step free access to Liverpool platform from station front. Separate ramp access from road bridge to Manchester platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
Train stations for Manchester to Widnes
Check train stations information for Manchester and Widnes, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Widnes is Manchester Piccadilly, and it arrives at Widnes.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Widnes
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Widnes and Manchester
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