4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Manchester
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£44
Fastest journey
2 h 27 m
Average duration
2 h 30 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
238 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Watford to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Watford to Manchester will cost around £44 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Of the 4 trains that leave Watford for Manchester every day 4 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 2 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 39 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.
19:282h39Watford22:07Manchester£351One-way0 changes- 12:382h27Watford15:05Manchester£411One-way0 changes
- 13:382h27Watford16:05Manchester£411One-way0 changes
- 10:382h27Watford13:05Manchester£591One-way0 changes
- 13:382h27Watford16:05Manchester£411One-way0 changes
- 10:382h27Watford13:05Manchester£591One-way0 changes
- 12:382h27Watford15:05Manchester£411One-way0 changes
- 19:282h39Watford22:07Manchester£351One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, flight and coach for Watford to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Watford to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 2m. 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 coach costs an average of £39, and a flight costs an average of £54.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £151 Average Price |
3h 26m Average total duration 2h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration 6h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 1h 2m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Watford to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Watford to Manchester trains for today, Sunday 19 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 L22955+W33349+ C34124+ V16346 | Delayed 7:46 8:28Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h46 | 12:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3 changes | |
W33266+ C32508 | Delayed 7:35 8:34Watford Junction (WFJ) | 3h11 | 11:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W33266+ G00785 | Delayed 7:35 8:34Watford Junction (WFJ) | 2h59 | 11:33 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| W33172+L22360 | Delayed 9:16 8:48Watford High Street (WFH) | 4h14 | 13:02 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| W33353+C34137+G00857 | Delayed 8:36 8:58Watford High Street (WFH) | 3h32 | 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| W33353+C34137+V16344 | Delayed 8:36 8:58Watford High Street (WFH) | 4h13 | 13:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Watford to Manchester by train, flight or coach
Compare train, flight 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.
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26 Jul
Why should you book Watford to Manchester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Manchester.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, flight and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Watford to Manchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Watford to Manchester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, flight and bus to find the ideal travel option from Watford to Manchester.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Watford to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Watford to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Watford to Manchester run on average 19 times per day, taking around 2h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 2h 27m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 19 |
Fastest train 2h 27m |
First train 3:00 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry from Watford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, West Midlands Trains, CrossCountry trains will get you between Watford and Manchester from £35. 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
CrossCountry
Trains from Watford to Manchester
Rail journeys between Watford and Manchester are simple and fast. There are very frequent rail departures every day of the week, including weekends. Departures are as frequent as every quarter of an hour at peak times, with half hourly departures throughout the remainder of the day, including at weekends. Journey times vary from about two hours, for direct trains, to just under three hours on indirect services.
Which train companies travel from Watford to Manchester?
Two rail companies operate services between Watford and Manchester. Virgin Trains operates the only direct service between these two cities, on a daily basis. Virgin also offers indirect services requiring one change. CrossCountry also offers services between Watford and Manchester, with one change required.
How long is the train from Watford to Manchester?
On Virgin Trains' daily direct services, the journey between these two cities takes just under two hours. Most of the services offered by Virgin Trains require a change at Milton Keynes, Crewe or at London Euston. These indirect journeys take about two and a half hours. CrossCountry's indirect services require a change at Birmingham International and take about two and three quarter hours to complete.
How many trains are there from Watford to Manchester?
On weekdays, more than 50 trains leave Watford for Manchester. There's a departure about every half hour, with more at peak morning times. The first train leaves very early in the morning and the last late in the evening. There is, however, generally only one direct service each day. At weekends more than 40 trains depart Watford for Manchester, from early morning until late evening.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Watford to Manchester?
Departure train station: Watford Junction Station, adjacent to the town centre, is the departure point for services to Manchester. There are numerous bus services arriving at the station, with toilets, cafes, shops, cash machines and waiting rooms all available.
Arrival train station: Manchester Piccadilly in Manchester city centre is the arrival point for services from Watford. This modern station has cafes, shops, public wi-fi, toilets and waiting rooms available with buses and trams stopping at the station.
FAQs: Watford to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Watford to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Watford and Manchester
Most Watford to Manchester trains use the Watford Junction to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Watford and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Watford station do trains to Manchester leave from?
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 Watford High Street from Watford city centre
Watford High Street train station facilities and services
Watford High Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Watford High Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Watford High Street. ATMs are available at Watford High Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Watford High Street.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Watford High Street: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Watford High Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Watford High Street: 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.
Getting to Bushey from Watford city centre
Bushey is 1 km from Watford city centre. Public transport options include:
Bushey train station facilities and services
Bushey has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bushey.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Bushey.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bushey. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bushey: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Bushey: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bushey: 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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Watford arrive at?
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.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
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.
More options for your journey from Watford to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Watford
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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