York to Chester train with Transpennine Express

Wed 23 Sept
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Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transpennine Express
Northern Rail
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from York to Chester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£19

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£29

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

2 h 44 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

2 h 55 m

Trains on 23 Sept

4

Distance

147 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from York to Chester will cost around £29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £19.

Fast trains

To travel from York to Chester you need to make at least one change.

  • Transpennine ExpressC24826+Northern RailG89074
    5:023h07
    York station (YRK)
    8:09Chester station (CTR)
    £191One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressG15889+Northern RailG89076
    6:172h45
    York station (YRK)
    9:02Chester station (CTR)
    £231One-way
    1 change
  • Transpennine ExpressC24982+Transport for WalesG38399+Northern RailG86162
    6:463h03
    York station (YRK)
    9:49Chester station (CTR)
    £251One-way
    2 changes
  • Transpennine ExpressG15891+Northern RailG89080
    7:172h44
    York station (YRK)
    10:01Chester station (CTR)
    £471One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for York to Chester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £16 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 7m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, while a train costs an average of £39.

Distance: 147 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£39

Average Price

£16

Average Price

Cheapest

£28

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 7m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 7m

Average total duration

4h 37m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 10m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Transpennine Express

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from York to Chester is a coach with an average price of £16.

This is compared to other travel options from York to Chester:

A coach is £23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Chester costing on average £39.

The fastest way to travel from York to Chester is by train with an average journey time of 2h 37m.

Other travel options to Chester take longer:

Coach takes on average 4h 37m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between York and Chester including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £39 compared to roughly £28 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-11.16. The journey takes 2h 37m versus 2h 10m 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.

Live departures

York to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for York to Chester trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG88978 · G89102
On time
12:24 York station (YRK)
3h37
16:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressC03172+Northern RailG89102
On time
13:20 York station (YRK)
2h41
16:01 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG88984 · G89105
On time
13:24 York station (YRK)
3h45
17:09 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressG15833+Avanti West CoastW34277 · W33928
On time
13:46 York station (YRK)
3h19
17:05 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Transpennine ExpressG15900+Northern RailG89105
On time
14:04 York station (YRK)
3h05
17:09 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressC24605+Transport for WalesG38393
On time
14:20 York station (YRK)
3h29
17:49 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressC24605+Northern RailG89105
On time
14:20 York station (YRK)
2h49
17:09 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Northern RailG88990 · G89235 · G85934
On time
14:24 York station (YRK)
4h13
18:37 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Northern RailG88990 · G89075
On time
14:24 York station (YRK)
3h45
18:09 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressG16022+Transport for WalesG38411
On time
19:20 York station (YRK)
3h28
22:48 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressG16022+Northern RailG89089
On time
19:20 York station (YRK)
2h42
22:02 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressG15808+Northern RailG85956
On time
19:49 York station (YRK)
3h48
23:37 Chester station (CTR)
1 change
Transpennine ExpressC24980+Transport for WalesW44845 · G38654
On time
20:04 York station (YRK)
3h48
23:52 Chester station (CTR)
2 changes
Wednesday 23 September
Transpennine ExpressC24826+Northern RailG890745:02 York station (YRK)
3h07
8:09 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Transpennine ExpressG15889+Northern RailG890766:17 York station (YRK)
2h45
9:02 Chester station (CTR)1 change
Transpennine ExpressC24982+Northern RailG86162+Transport for WalesG383996:46 York station (YRK)
3h03
9:49 Chester station (CTR)2 changes
Transpennine ExpressG15891+Northern RailG890807:17 York station (YRK)
2h44
10:01 Chester station (CTR)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets York to Chester by train or coach

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.

Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book York to Chester trains with Omio?

Transpennine Express as well as Northern Rail offer trains services from York to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from York to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs Transpennine Express?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transpennine Express, but also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from York to Chester.
  • 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 Transpennine Express with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from York to Chester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trip?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Northern Rail to find the best option for your trip from York to Chester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from York to Chester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from York to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from York to Chester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £17 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:58, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 2h 10m.

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 £15
Distance
147 km
Average train duration
2h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
£17
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 10m
First train
0:58
Last train
23:45
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
49 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 £15

Train companies: Transpennine Express, Northern Rail from York to Chester trainsTranspennine Express, Northern Rail trains will get you between York and Chester from £15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
2h 10m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£19
Transpennine Express frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Northern Rail

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Northern Rail Duration
2h 32m
Cheapest Northern Rail Price
£17
Northern Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Chester

Things to do in Chester

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

  • Recommended

Deva Roman Experience

Interactive museum exploring Roman Chester with artefacts, reconstructions and family-friendly displays that bring Deva’s military past to life.

  • Recommended

Cheshire Military Museum

Museum in a former mill on the River Dee, covering Chester’s social history, period rooms and local stories from Roman times onward.

  • Recommended

Dewa Roman Experience

Museum inside Chester Castle tracing regional regiments through uniforms, medals and campaigns in a compact but informative setting.

Pound sterling (£)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: York to Chester train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from York to Chester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £17, while the average price tends to be around £39.
The train journey from York to Chester covers a distance of 147 km and takes approximately 2h 10m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from York to Chester is 147 km.
The first train from York to Chester leaves at 0:58.
The last train from York to Chester departs at 23:45.
Trains from York to Chester run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from York to Chester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from York to Chester.
To get from York to Chester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from York to Chester.
The train station in York that goes to Chester is York station (YRK), and it arrives at Chester station (CTR).
The cheapest way to get from York to Chester is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from York to Chester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from York to Chester offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the rolling hills of the Pennines, providing passengers with a delightful mix of charming countryside and quaint villages.
A day trip from York to Chester is not feasible, as the journey takes 2h 10m. However, trains run 8 times per day. The distance is 147 km.
In Chester, you can visit Chester Zoo, one of the UK's largest zoos, or explore the Grosvenor Museum for local history and art. Enjoy a walk or boat trip along the River Dee, or experience cultural offerings at Storyhouse. The Cheshire Military Museum provides insights into military history. Don't miss the stunning Chester Cathedral, the historical Chester Roman Amphitheatre, and the well-preserved Chester City Walls for panoramic views. The Eastgate Clock and The Rows offer iconic sights and unique shopping experiences.
A stay of two to three days in Chester is typically sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as Chester Cathedral, the Roman walls, and the Rows, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from York to Chester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in York and Chester

Most York to Chester trains use the York to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare York and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in York
Arrival train stations in Chester

Which York station do trains to Chester leave from?

Trains from York to Chester leave from York. The station is 1 km from York city centre at York station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB.
YorkYork station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB+44 800 200 6060WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to York from York city centre

BusY12, Y14, 15, X15 · 4m · £3 · every ~4 min
37 · 7m
Cs · 28m · £4 · every ~5 min

York train station facilities and services

York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at York.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at York.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at York: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at York: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

More options for your journey from York to Chester

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