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Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester train ticket prices
£26.72
On Thu 21 May
Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester train timetable
The journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester on the fastest train in 2h 58m, usually 4h 5m. Each day, 47 trains leave from Bristol Temple Meads, starting at 05:53 and ending at 22:58. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:38 Bristol Temple Meads | 4h 6m, 3 change | 21:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
17:57 Bristol Temple Meads | 4h 24m, 1 change | 22:21 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:00 Bristol Temple Meads | 3h 29m, 1 change | 21:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
18:10 Bristol Temple Meads | 4h 11m, 2 change | 22:21 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
18:32 Bristol Temple Meads | 3h 49m, 2 change | 22:21 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
CrossCountry trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester
Is CrossCountry First Class worth it?
You’ll get larger reclining seats, more legroom and table space, and complimentary at-seat catering on weekday services (although as this is subject to availability, it is not guaranteed). Booking First Class Advance tickets will let you enjoy this comfort upgrade for less; Anytime First Class tickets may not feel worth it for the price difference compared to other operators.
Will my luggage fit on CrossCountry trains?
If you have a large suitcase, Coaches D and J have been modified with extra floor-level luggage stacks for big suitcases. Only small handbags or rucksacks will fit in the underseat space due to the foot pedestals. Please bear in mind that CrossCountry recommends not bringing more than one large item of luggage, with maximum dimensions of 90 x 70 x 30 cm.
Can I charge my phone on CrossCountry trains?
Refurbished Voyager trains feature power options at every seat, with 3-pin and USB A & C sockets available. This means you’ll no longer need to watch your phone battery drain if you’re not sitting at a table seat on these trains!
Train travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester
Travelling from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester by train is a breeze when you know what to expect. That’s where our handy guide comes in, so you can travel with complete peace of mind.
Departing from Bristol Temple Meads
If you’re arriving at Bristol Temple Meads from the centre, you can easily walk the distance, taking just 2–5 minutes from Temple Quay. Most local buses also stop at Temple Gate, the main road outside the station.
- Finding your platform: Manchester trains most frequently depart from Platforms 6, 8 or 10. Access is via a central tunnel. Follow the signs for your platform number and take the stairs or lift up to your platform.
- The Snack Run: Stock up on snacks in case your service doesn’t have catering available. You’ll find a WHS Smith, West Cornwall Pasty and Cafe Local in the station for drinks, sandwiches and pastries.
Onboard trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester
As this train passes through the heart of West England, the Midlands and towards the North West, you’ll get a taste of many different scenic areas of England.
- Look out for: The Cotswolds just after Bristol and the Peak District as you approach Manchester offer stunning landscape views. As you enter the Greater Manchester region, you’ll see the classic red brick architecture that defined the Industrial Revolution.
- The best side? This journey has lots of twists and turns, so you’ll get to appreciate the rolling scenery from either angle throughout this 3-hr journey.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Most trains arrive on the platform level, making it easy to continue to your next destination. However, Platforms 13 and 14 trains arrive on a high-level island, so you’ll need to factor in an extra 5 minutes to reach the main hall if you’re planning for a connection.
- Exit via the Main Station Exit at the far end of the main concourse, past the ticket barriers for platforms 1–12, if you’re walking to Canal Street, catching the free bus, or heading to Piccadilly Gardens and the main shopping districts.
- Exit via Fairfield Street (Lower Level) by taking the escalators/lifts near Platforms 10/11 down two levels. You should head this way if you are getting a taxi or heading to the University of Manchester or the O2 Apollo.
Take the escalators or lift to the basement level if you’re looking for the Metrolink. This will take you to destinations in Greater Manchester, such as Old Trafford or Etihad Campus.
Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester train travel guide
The train journey from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Bristol Temple Meads, you can get to Manchester in just 2h 58m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
Ticket prices from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester average around £26.72, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester by train?
What is the fastest train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
The fastest train journey time from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester is 2h 58m. Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
Are there direct trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
No, there are no direct trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip
Is it worth taking a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
Typically, you can book UK train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is when the cheapest Advance tickets are usually released by train operators. To secure the best price, we strongly recommend booking as early as possible.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Which train companies operate the Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester route?
The route from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester is operated by Avanti West Coast. To find the operator for any other journey, perform a search for your route on this page; the operator's name will be listed with each travel option.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Discounts are available for young travellers based on age: Travellers under 5 usually travel free, children aged 5–15 get a 50% discount, and 16 to 17-year-olds can use a 16-17 Saver Railcard to get 50% off.
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Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier. Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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