- Recommended
Deva Roman Experience
Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£5
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£5
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
26 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
26 m
Trains on 18 Sept
6
Distance
20 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Runcorn to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Runcorn to Chester will cost around £5 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £5.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 6 trains from Runcorn to Chester, including 6 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 20 km distance in an average of 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 26 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.
G38345
G38354
G38347
G38341
G38343
G38341
G38343
G38349
G38345
G38347Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Runcorn to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £4 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 3m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, while a train costs an average of £6.
Distance: 20 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£6 Average Price | £4 Average Price Cheapest | £5 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 3m Average total duration Fastest 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 49m Average total duration 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Runcorn to Chester:
A coach is £1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Runcorn to Chester costing on average £6.
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Coach takes on average 1h 19m.
Tickets start at around £6 compared to roughly £5 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-0.67. The journey takes 33m versus 29m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Runcorn to Chester trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38331 | 8:06 Runcorn station (RUN) | 0h26 | 8:32 Chester station (CTR) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38333 | 9:07 Runcorn station (RUN) | 0h26 | 9:33 Chester station (CTR) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38335 | 10:06 Runcorn station (RUN) | 0h26 | 10:32 Chester station (CTR) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38337 | 11:06 Runcorn station (RUN) | 0h26 | 11:32 Chester station (CTR) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38339 | 12:06 Runcorn station (RUN) | 0h26 | 12:32 Chester station (CTR) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38341 | 13:06 Runcorn station (RUN) | 0h26 | 13:32 Chester station (CTR) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Runcorn to Chester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:04, the last at 23:55. The fastest train covers the 20 km distance in 26m.
Distance 20 km |
Average train duration 33m |
Cheapest ticket price £5 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 26m |
First train 0:04 |
Last train 23:55 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Chester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Chester trip today.
Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.
Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.
Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.
Chester’s two-level covered walkways lined with historic shopfronts, ideal for browsing architecture and experiencing the city’s character.
Pleasant riverside promenade beside the Dee, popular for walks, boat views and access to bridges, green spaces and the old city centre.
Victorian park near the river with broad lawns, mature trees, bandstand and a peaceful setting for a break from the busy city centre.
A crumbly local cheese from Cheshire, often served on bread or in recipes. It is one of England’s oldest recorded cheeses and closely tied to the county.
A traditional fruit loaf linked with nearby Cheshire and the North West, made with dried fruit and spice, often sliced and buttered for tea.
A historic English pudding of suet pastry filled with meat and onion. It is a hearty regional comfort dish long found in Cheshire pubs and homes.
Elegant restaurant focused on modern British cooking and tasting menus. A refined choice for a special meal in central Chester.
Long-established local favourite for hearty breakfasts, lunches and baked goods. Relaxed café atmosphere in the centre of Chester.
Well-known riverside and city-centre restaurant serving modern British food with steaks, grills and cocktails in a stylish but relaxed setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, but tourist areas can feel pricey. Buses are reasonable, while central stays cost more in peak season.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or tip about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.
Official public transport app
Chester Railway Station -> Chester Bus Interchange, Chester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Runcorn to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Runcorn to Chester trains use the Runcorn East to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Runcorn and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Runcorn East is 4 km from Runcorn city centre. Public transport options include:
Runcorn East has practical services for this route, including Parking, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Information Desk.
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Runcorn East: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Chester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Manchester) via a ramp with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between both platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Located outside the ticket office on the wall, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Runcorn has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Runcorn.
Ticket office support is available at Runcorn. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Runcorn: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Runcorn: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Runcorn: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
ATMs are available at Chester.
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
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