The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price on 08 Oct
£13
Average ticket price on 08 Oct
£77
Fastest journey on 08 Oct
2 h 4 m
Average journey duration on 08 Oct
2 h 20 m
Trains on 08 Oct
24
Distance
237 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
On Thu 08 Oct, we found 24 trains from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 237 km distance in an average of 2 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 27 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.
Y80832 · C17873 · W70531+
L8921010:384h12Watford Junction (WFJ)14:50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£131One-way3 changes
Y80800 · C17750 · W70499+
L891997:384h12Watford Junction (WFJ)11:50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£191One-way3 changes
Y80891 · C17881 · W70476+
L8919315:384h12Watford Junction (WFJ)19:50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£221One-way3 changes
Y80779 · C18013 · W70490+
L8919616:344h16Watford Junction (WFJ)20:50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£221One-way3 changes
Y80856 · C17897 · W70547+
L8918112:384h12Watford Junction (WFJ)16:50Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£281One-way3 changes
W341757:012h04Watford Junction (WFJ)9:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1301One-way0 changes
W33883 · W342046:312h14Watford Junction (WFJ)8:45Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1441One-way1 change
C17800+
W340599:382h27Watford Junction (WFJ)12:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£611One-way1 change
Y80809+
W339618:382h27Watford Junction (WFJ)11:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£1911One-way1 change
Y80856+
W3406112:382h27Watford Junction (WFJ)15:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£511One-way1 change
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Trains from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £13 but you can travel from only £8 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:58, the last at 20:38. The fastest train covers the 237 km distance in 2h 1m.
Distance 237 km |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £13 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 1m |
First train 4:58 |
Last train 20:38 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Live departures
Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains for today, Wednesday 7 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Y80809+ W33961 | On time 8:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 11:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80809 · C17848 · W70507+ L89205 | On time 8:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h12 | 12:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
C17800+ W34059 | On time 9:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
C17800 · C17878 · W70521+ L89208 | On time 9:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h12 | 13:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
Y80832+ W34210 | On time 10:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80832 · C17873 · W70531+ L89210 | On time 10:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h12 | 14:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
Y80843+ W34101 | On time 11:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 14:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80843 · C17792 · W70541+ L89178 | On time 11:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h12 | 15:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
Y80779+ W33872 | On time 16:34 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h31 | 19:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80779 · C18013 · W70490+ L89196 | On time 16:34 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h16 | 20:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
Y80779+ W34030+ L89081 | On time 16:34 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h06 | 19:40 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
Y80780+ W33865 | On time 17:35 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h30 | 20:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80780 · C18012 · W70500+ L89200 | On time 17:35 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h15 | 21:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
W34235 · W34024 | On time 18:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h34 | 21:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| Thursday 8 October | |||||
W34206 · W34065 | 5:48 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h37 | 8:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W33883 · W34204 | 6:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h14 | 8:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W34175 | 7:01 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h04 | 9:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
C01369 · C01312 | 7:31 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h34 | 10:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80800+ C01312 | 7:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h27 | 10:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y80800 · C17750 · W70499+ L89199 | 7:38 Watford Junction (WFJ) | 4h12 | 11:50 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo, West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- 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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Lumo, West Midlands Trains or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Lumo, CrossCountry from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, Lumo, CrossCountry trains will get you between Watford Junction (WFJ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from £8. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
Lumo
CrossCountry
FAQs: Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford Junction (WFJ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Most Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains use the Watford Junction to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Watford Junction (WFJ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Watford Junction from Watford city centre
Watford Junction train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Watford Junction.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Watford Junction.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford Junction: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford Junction: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
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.
Most popular train connections from Watford Junction (WFJ)
More options for your journey from Watford Junction (WFJ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
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