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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Dec 26
Cheapest price
€31
Average price
€55
Fastest journey
2 h 59 m
Average duration
3 h 36 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
227 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Manchester will cost around €55 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €31.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Bristol for Manchester on Fri, Dec 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Dec 26 the direct trains cover the 227 km distance in an average of 3 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .
On Fri, Dec 26 the slowest trains will take 4 h 6 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.
11:00AM2h59
Bristol01:59PMManchester
€311One-way
0 transfers
09:02AM4h11
Bristol01:13PMManchester
€611One-way
0 transfers
04:38PM4h44
Bristol09:22PMManchester
€611One-way
0 transfers
06:39PM3h58
Bristol10:37PMManchester
€611One-way
0 transfers
02:08PM4h07
Bristol06:15PMManchester
€611One-way
0 transfers
08:00AM2h59
Bristol10:59AMManchester
€911One-way
0 transfers
11:00AM2h59
Bristol01:59PMManchester
€311One-way
0 transfers
06:39PM3h58
Bristol10:37PMManchester
€611One-way
0 transfers
08:13AM4h00
Bristol12:13PMManchester
€611One-way
0 transfers
09:07AM4h06
Bristol01:13PMManchester
€621One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bristol to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. 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 bus costs an average of €9, and a train costs an average of €31.
Distance: 227 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€60 Average price | €20 Average price Cheapest |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 40m Average total duration 4h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bristol to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester trains for today, Thursday, December 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 5:49 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:27 AM Bristol | 3h46 | 12:13 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:07 AM Bristol | 4h06 | 1:13 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 12:00 PM Bristol | 2h59 | 2:59 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:23 PM Bristol | 3h50 | 8:13 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:39 PM Bristol | 3h58 | 10:37 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Manchester by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Dec 26
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Manchester?
The best time to book your train from Bristol to Manchester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bristol to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bristol 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 Bristol to Manchester.
Trains
from €84Buses
from €16Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Manchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €31 but you can travel from only €9 by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:07, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 2h 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
Bus from €9
Distance 227 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 56m |
First train 04:07 |
Last train 23:36 |
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
Bus from €9
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Rail, Cross Country from Bristol to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Rail, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Manchester from €9. 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 Duration
2h 58m
Cheapest Price
€31
CrossCountry frequency
5 a day
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
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
€33
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
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 Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
€139
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
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
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 27m
Cheapest Price
€137
Great Western Rail frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 54m
Cheapest Price
€200
Cross Country frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.
Cheap train tickets from Bristol to Manchester can start from as little as €23 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bristol to Manchester is €65; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The train time from Bristol to Manchester is on average 2 h 58 min for the 226 km long journey, but the time it takes to go between Bristol and Manchester by train can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 04: 07. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 21: 00.
There are 6 trains a day from Bristol to Manchester which require at least one change with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast or Great Western Rail. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
For the best Bristol to Manchester train to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast or Great Western Rail. However, it's always good to check all possible train companies with services between Bristol and Manchester to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 21: 00.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Bristol Temple Meads, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre.
A trip to Manchester from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2 h 58 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Bristol to Manchester is November.
You have options as you can travel from Bristol to Manchester 2 different ways: coach or train.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bristol to Manchester
Bristol
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Bristol is Bristol Temple Meads. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol Temple Meads for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Upper Crust
- Pumpkin Café
- Hart's Bakery
Taxis
- Taxi: The taxi rank is available on the station forecourt. If you require an accessible taxi please approach a member of staff for assistance. To reach the station forecourt; exit through the ticket barriers, turn left and exit through the main doors. You can find more information about local taxi services here.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
WC
- Toilets Location: Ladies, Gents and Baby Change are located in the Passenger Subway. The Baby Change is located next to the Ladies Toilets. An additional Baby Change facility is also located in the Accessible Toilet on Platform 13/15. Accessible Toilets are located on Platform 3 by the Help Desk and on Platform 13/15.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Radar Key available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The main storage location for bikes is at The Friary at Temple Quay, just to the right of the ramped exit from the long stay car park. A limited bike storage location can be found on Station Approach by Queen Anne's Gate. There is no longer any bike storage inside the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance.
Public transit options for Bristol Temple Meads
- Bus lines: A1, 1, 2, 8, 39/349/X39, 70, 73, 178, 376
- Train lines: CrossCountry, Great Western Main Line, Severn Beach Line
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station front. Alternative: the lower approach road, outside the front of Bristol & Exeter House
Montpelier
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform
- Accessible taxis: No
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Montpelier
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Cheltenham Road
Bristol, Airport
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
11 kmWifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7 with short-term and long-term parking options available. Access via the A38 road.
Dining
- Dexters
- Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Taxis
- Outside the main terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £1
Hotel
- Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport
- Holiday Inn Bristol Airport
- Winford Manor Hotel
Shower
- Cost £10
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main terminal
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main terminal
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Main Terminal: check-in desks, security, and departure gates
- Arrivals Hall: baggage claim and customs
- Parking: short-term and long-term options available
Public transit options for Bristol, Airport
- Bus: Airport Flyer Express
- Train: Bristol Temple Meads station is the nearest major train station, connected by bus services
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your journey to Manchester from Bristol.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transit options for Manchester Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Address
Manchester Victoria station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M3 1WYTicket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Manchester Victoria
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
Most popular train connections from Bristol
More options for your journey from Bristol to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Bristol
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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