Windsor to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Thu 17 Sept
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CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Windsor to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£40

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£40

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

4 h 9 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

4 h 9 m

Trains on 17 Sept

1

Distance

248 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Windsor to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Windsor to Manchester will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 1 trains from Windsor to Manchester, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 248 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 9 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.

  • CrossCountry
    7:204h09
    Windsor
    11:29Manchester
    £401One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Windsor to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Windsor to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a flight costs an average of £79.

Distance: 248 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Flight

£57

Average Price

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

£79

Average Price

3h 53m

Average total duration

3h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 27m

Average total duration

5h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 55m

Average total duration

Fastest

55m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Windsor to Manchester is a coach with an average price of £19.

This is compared to other travel options from Windsor to Manchester:

A coach is £38 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Windsor to Manchester costing on average £57.

A coach is £60 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Windsor to Manchester costing on average £79.

The fastest way to travel from Windsor to Manchester is by flight with an average journey time of 55m.

Other travel options to Manchester take longer:

Train takes on average 3h 23m.

Coach takes on average 5h 57m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Windsor and Manchester including taking a coach, train and flight.

Live departures

Windsor to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Windsor to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry7:20 Windsor
4h09
11:29 Manchester0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Windsor to Manchester by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train and flight 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Why should you book Windsor to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Windsor to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Windsor to Manchester.

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 Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Windsor 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Windsor 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 Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Windsor to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Windsor to Manchester.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Windsor to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Windsor to Manchester is 2 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Windsor to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Windsor to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Windsor to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Windsor to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Windsor to Manchester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 248 km distance in 3h 56m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14
Distance
248 km
Average train duration
3h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£38
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
3h 56m
First train
0:07
Last train
22:15
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
2 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14

Train companies: CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Windsor to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Windsor and Manchester from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
4h 9m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£38
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 56m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£79
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.

FAQs: Windsor to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Windsor 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Windsor to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Windsor to Manchester covers a distance of 248 km and takes approximately 3h 56m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Windsor to Manchester is 248 km.
The first train from Windsor to Manchester leaves at 0:07.
The last train from Windsor to Manchester departs at 22:15.
Trains from Windsor to Manchester run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Windsor to Manchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Windsor to Manchester.
To get from Windsor to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Windsor to Manchester.
The train station in Windsor that goes to Manchester is Windsor & Eton Central (WNC), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Windsor to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Windsor to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Windsor to Manchester offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with highlights including views of the rolling countryside and historic towns as you travel through regions like the Chiltern Hills and the Peak District.
A day trip from Windsor to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 56m. Trains run 7 times per day over a distance of 248 km.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
Yes, you can take the train from Windsor to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Windsor and Manchester

Most Windsor to Manchester trains use the Windsor & Eton Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Oxford Road. Use this guide to compare Windsor and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Windsor
Arrival train stations in Manchester

Which Windsor station do trains to Manchester leave from?

Trains from Windsor to Manchester leave from Windsor & Eton Central. The station is 1 km from Windsor city centre at Windsor & Eton Central station, Royal Windsor Shopping Centre, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PJ.
Windsor & Eton CentralWindsor & Eton Central station, Royal Windsor Shopping Centre, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PJ+44 345 600 0650ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Windsor & Eton Central from Windsor city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus Stop outside Hare & Garter, Opposite Windsor Castle

Windsor & Eton Central train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Central.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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 RiversideWindsor & Eton Riverside station, Datchet Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1QG+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Windsor & Eton Riverside from Windsor city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesDatchet Road (B470) by station.

Windsor & Eton Riverside train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

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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