4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Watford to Manchester
Cheapest price
£39
Average price
£62
Fastest journey
2 h 4 m
Average duration
2 h 30 m
Trains per day
5
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 £62 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Of the 5 trains that leave Watford for Manchester every day 5 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 4 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 41 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.
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 train with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. 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 train costs an average of £40, and a flight costs an average of £43.
Distance: 238 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|
£62 Average Price Cheapest | £150 Average Price |
3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 3m Average total duration Fastest 1h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.7 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |
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, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:55 Watford | 2h50 | 07:45 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:01 Watford | 2h04 | 08:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:26 Watford | 2h39 | 10:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:38 Watford | 2h27 | 10:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:31 Watford | 2h34 | 14:05 Manchester | 0 changesdirect |
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.
06 Dec
07 Dec
08 Dec
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12 Dec
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 15 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 238 km distance in 2h 4m.
Distance 238 km |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 15 |
Fastest train 2h 4m |
First train 04:07 |
Last train 22:17 |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Watford to Manchester trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Watford and Manchester from £40. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
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
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Desk
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:45 - 21:00 Saturday 08:15 - 15:15 Sunday 09:15 - 16:30
- Type of shops available: News agent
- Car Park: Bushey Station
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: behind the Ticket Office
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop A in Pinner Road for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
WifiShoppingParkingDiningAccessibilityTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:30 - 10:00 Saturday 10:30 - 12:30
- Type of shops available: Local shops nearby
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Accessibility category B2. Long sloping ramp from station entrance to booking hall. Level access from booking hall to platforms.
- Accessible public telephones: Outside booking office. Sloped passage from entrance to booking hall.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0343 222 1234
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop C in Prestwick Road for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Prestwick Road for southbound services to Euston
WifiShoppingParkingDining
ATMAccessibility
HotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 07:30 - 10:00 Saturday 09:30 - 12:15
- Type of shops available: High Street shops located nearby
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Use Bus stop A in Lower High Street for northbound services to Watford Junction Use Bus stop B in Lower High Street for southbound services to Harrow & Wealdstone
- Metro: Watford London Underground station (Metropolitan line) is approximately 34 minutes' walk away
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotel
Lost and Found OfficeBike Parking- Car Park: No
- Cabral's Restaurant Brazilian Street Food and Grocery Store
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category C station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station , To Manchester : up 47 steps onto the platform. To Glossop/Sheffield : up 47 steps onto the Manchester platform, turn right and up 31 steps, across the footbridge (15 paces) and down 31 steps onto the platform
- Accessible taxis: contact Customer Relations 08002006060
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stops on Pottery Lane (A6010) under railway bridge.
- Metro: GMPTE 0161 228 7811
ParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:20 - 23:40 Sunday 08:10 - 23:30
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday.
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: Free Metro shuttle bus link from station front serving Manchester City centre including Victoria Station On both sides of Whitworth Street, Deansgate and Chester Road for buses to Piccadilly Gardens, Altrincham or Sale. Contact Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at bus stops on Whitworth St.
- Metro: Metrolink G-Mex tram stop linked by footbridge from Manchester platform. 0161 228 7811
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibility
WCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Luggage Carts- 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible via Wilmslow Road.
- The Didsbury
- The Gateway
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- £0.30
- Travelodge Manchester Didsbury
- Premier Inn Manchester Didsbury
- Eleven Didsbury Park Hotel
- Located near the ticket office
- Free
- Hall 1: entrance and ticket office
- Hall 2: access to platforms
- Tram: Metrolink East Didsbury Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 42, 142, 50
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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