4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Chester
Cheapest price on Sep 17
€7
Average ticket price on Sep 17
€18
Fastest journey on Sep 17
55 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
55 m
Trains on Sep 17
49
Distance
54 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Chester will cost around €18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €7.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 49 trains from Manchester to Chester, including 24 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 the direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 55 m .
On Thu, Sep 17 the slowest trains will take 55 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.
G890809:06 AM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)10:01 AMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers- G8590210:10 AM1h29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:39 AMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G890768:06 AM0h56Manchester Victoria (MCV)9:02 AMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G859009:10 AM1h27Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:37 AMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G890982:06 PM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)3:01 PMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G890809:06 AM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)10:01 AMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G890982:06 PM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)3:01 PMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G891023:06 PM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)4:01 PMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G8908611:06 AM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)12:01 PMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
- G890736:16 AM0h55Manchester Victoria (MCV)7:11 AMChester station (CTR)€71One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Manchester to Chester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of €8 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 30m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €8, while a bus costs an average of €27.
Distance: 54 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€8 Average price Cheapest | €27 Average price | €13 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Chester:
A train is €19 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Chester costing on average €27.
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 1m.
Live departures
Manchester to Chester train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Chester trains for today, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W34277 · W33928 | Delayed 2:54 PM 3:54 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h11 | 4:37 PM 4:37 PMChester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
 G00997+ G38432 | 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h07 | 6:18 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| W33932+G38617 | 5:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h09 | 7:03 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G85884 | 6:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 7:39 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38390+ W84643 | 6:11 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h38 | 7:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89073 | 6:16 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 7:11 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38866 · G38619 | 6:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h17 | 7:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| P24187 · G89074 | 6:32 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h37 | 8:09 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38390 | 6:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 7:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89076 | 8:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h56 | 9:02 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85894 | 8:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 9:37 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86189+G38399 | 8:16 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1h33 | 9:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38870 · G38623 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h14 | 9:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
G89080+ C04439 | 8:41 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h20 | 10:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38399 | 8:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 9:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89080 | 9:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 10:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85900 | 9:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 10:37 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86192+G38403 | 9:16 AM Deansgate (DGT) | 1h33 | 10:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38873 · G38625 | 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h14 | 10:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89084+C04444 | 9:41 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h20 | 11:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38403 | 9:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 10:49 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89084 | 10:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 11:01 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85902 | 10:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h29 | 11:39 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38405+W84661 | 10:11 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h40 | 11:51 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38874 · G38627 | 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h14 | 11:44 AM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89086+C21804 | 10:41 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h20 | 12:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38405 | 10:48 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h03 | 11:51 AM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89086 | 11:06 AM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 12:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85906 | 11:10 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 12:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38409+W84667 | 11:11 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h38 | 12:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38877 · G38629 | 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h14 | 12:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89092+C21812 | 11:41 AM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h20 | 1:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89098 | 2:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 3:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85297 | 2:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 3:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38417+W84686 | 2:11 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h38 | 3:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38882 · G38637 | 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h14 | 3:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89102+C21591 | 2:41 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h20 | 4:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38417 | 2:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 3:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G89102 | 3:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0h55 | 4:01 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85921 | 3:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 4:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38389+W84692 | 3:11 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h38 | 4:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89105 | 4:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1h03 | 5:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85925 | 4:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h30 | 5:40 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G86197+G38393 | 4:16 PM Deansgate (DGT) | 1h33 | 5:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38886 · G38641 | 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h14 | 5:44 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89075+C21593 | 4:41 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h28 | 6:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G38393 | 4:48 PM Manchester Oxford Road (MCO) | 1h01 | 5:49 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34285 · W33906 | 4:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h12 | 6:06 PM Chester station (CTR) | 1 transfer | |
| G89075 | 5:06 PM Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 1h03 | 6:09 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G85934 | 5:10 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1h27 | 6:37 PM Chester station (CTR) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Chester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Why should you book Manchester to Chester trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Manchester 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 Northern Rail with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Chester.
Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Chester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Chester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Chester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Chester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €3 if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 55m.
Distance 54 km |
Average train duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price €3 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 55m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Northern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern Trains Limited from Manchester to Chester trainsNorthern Rail, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern Trains Limited trains will get you between Manchester and Chester from €3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Northern Rail
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Northern Trains Limited
Trains from Manchester to Chester: Journey Details
Direct trains from Manchester to Chester are provided by Arriva Trains Wales and Northern Rail, and depart at least once per hour throughout the week. It is also possible to take a CrossCountry train to Crewe, and then change onto a Virgin Trains service to Chester, adding only 10 minutes onto the journey time. Direct trains take 1 hour to travel between the two cities. The earliest departure is just after 5 a.m., and the final departure of the day is after midnight. At weekends, the earliest train is slightly later, and there are fewer services available.
Taking the Train from Manchester
All trains from Manchester to Chester depart from Manchester Piccadilly Station, which is located to the east of the city centre. Getting to Piccadilly from the centre is easy, as the station is well connected to other parts of Manchester via the city's extensive tram network, as well as free local buses in the central district. To get to Piccadilly from the University, travellers should catch the 147 bus, while those journeying from local towns like Rochdale or Oldham can use local trains to connect with services to Chester. Manchester has a night bus network, but to be sure of making your train, a taxi is recommended for late night services.
Getting into Chester by Train
Chester was once one of the major cities in Roman Britain, and remains an important north-western hub. With its racecourse, a clutch of museums and galleries, restaurants and beautiful architecture; it's a charming place for a day-trip from Manchester. All trains from Manchester to Chester arrive at the town's station, which can be found to the north-east of the historic centre. From there, catch the 40 bus to reach the city centre, which takes around 10 minutes. There is also a special Zoo Bus link from the station.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Chester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Chester
Most Manchester to Chester trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Chester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Manchester station do trains to Chester leave from?
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 Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria 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 Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: 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.
Which Chester station do trains from Manchester arrive at?
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester train station facilities and services
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Chester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chester and Manchester
Most popular train connections to Chester
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