- Recommended
Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
A compact local museum covering Windsor’s royal links, archaeology and changing town life through varied displays.
Trains from Manchester to Windsor run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:04, the last at 20:23. The fastest train covers the 248 km distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 248 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 2h 40m |
First train 5:04 |
Last train 20:23 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Windsor — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Windsor trip today.
A compact local museum covering Windsor’s royal links, archaeology and changing town life through varied displays.
A restored Victorian station with Queen Victoria’s waiting room and displays about rail travel in Windsor.
A small gallery space in central Windsor hosting changing contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events.
A grand tree-lined avenue running south from the castle through parkland, ideal for long walks and iconic views.
A lively pedestrian area with historic buildings, shops and easy access to the castle, station and river.
A riverside promenade and park area popular for boat views, walks, benches and relaxed castle panoramas.
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding is a classic Sunday roast long associated with English dining, commonly enjoyed in pubs and traditional inns around Windsor.
Eton mess was created at nearby Eton College. It combines strawberries, broken meringue and whipped cream, making it a signature local summer pudding.
Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes is a long-standing Windsor treat, fitting the town’s royal heritage and riverside hotel culture.
Traditional pub by the Long Walk, popular for ales, pies and classic British comfort food in a cosy, historic atmosphere.
Riverside dining venue known for steaks, grills and British favourites, with terrace seating overlooking the Thames.
Elegant brasserie inside Sir Christopher Wren Hotel, known for British and European dishes with a polished riverside setting.
Windsor is pricier than many UK towns due to tourism. Hotels, dining and attractions near the castle cost more, while local buses and casual cafés remain manageable.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Official public transport app
Windsor & Eton Riverside -> Windsor Castle, Windsor
The most popular day trips by train from Windsor are London, Oxford, Reading, Bath and Bristol. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Windsor on Omio.

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:02, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 33 km distance in 19m.

Oxford is known for its historic university, elegant colleges and long academic tradition. Its medieval streets, museums and riverside setting give the city a thoughtful but lively character.
The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 46m.

Reading is a busy Thames Valley town known for its music festival, business links and the remains of Reading Abbey. The centre combines modern shopping with riverside paths and a lively food and arts scene.
The earliest train runs at 02:24, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 26 km distance in 27m.

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 123 km distance in 1h 10m.

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
The earliest train runs at 04:53, the last at 23:25. The fastest train covers the 138 km distance in 1h 25m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Windsor 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 Windsor, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Manchester to Windsor trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Windsor & Eton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Windsor & Eton Riverside. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Windsor 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 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 options are available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
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.
Windsor & Eton Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Central.
ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Parking, WC.
Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Windsor & Eton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible public telephones: No, Accessible taxis: Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Windsor & Eton Riverside has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Wi-Fi is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Short ramps at up to 1:9 gradient from car parks and main entrance to concourse - then level access to both platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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