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Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€31.76
On Fri 23
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester, the fastest train takes 2h 58m with an average travel time of 3h 32m. 22 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 07:00 and the last at 19:39. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
17:33 Bristol Temple Meads | 3h 32m, 3 change | 21:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
17:33 Bristol Temple Meads | 3h 40m, 2 change | 21:13 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:33 Bristol Temple Meads | 3h 56m, 1 change | 21:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
17:38 Bristol Temple Meads | 4h 6m, 3 change | 21:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
17:57 Bristol Temple Meads | 4h 24m, 1 change | 22:21 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester
- CrossCountry
- Great Western Railway
- Transport for Wales
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- 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 free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Bristol Temple Meads
Address:
Station Approach, off Bath Road, Bristol, BS1 6QF, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Routes 1, 2, 8, 70, 71 and 72 stop directly outside. Route 1 from Temple Gate runs to the city centre every 5 minutes. The A1 Airport Flyer runs 24/7 from the station forecourt.
Ferry: Bristol Ferry Boats run from the Temple Back East landing stage, reached via the Friary exit – a scenic alternative to reach the Harbourside and city centre.
Taxi: There is a licensed taxi rank on the station forecourt. Exit the barriers, turn left and walk through the main doors. Both drop-off and pick-up at the station entrance.
Platforms:
The station is fully gated with 13 platforms in use. Platforms are numbered 1-15, but platforms 2 and 14 are omitted. Platforms 3, 13 and 15 are the main departure platforms for GWR long-distance services to London Paddington.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Bristol Temple Meads is one of the six most important stations in the UK – a Grade I listed Gothic masterpiece designed by Brunel with fascinating architectural details at every turn. Look out for his statue in the forecourt. For the city centre and Cabot Circus, you’ll want the Friary exit. Just follow the signs for Temple Quay. Feeling peckish? Hart's Bakery outside does exceptional pastries and coffee. Turn left out of the main entrance and look for Arch 35."
FAQs about Bristol Temple Meads Station
Are there any hotels close to Bristol Temple Meads?
Yes, there is a selection of three- and four-star hotels within walking distance of the station, including Holiday Inn, Ibis, Novotel and Hilton Garden Inn.
Is Bristol Temple Meads in the city centre?
Not quite, the station sits about a mile southeast of Bristol city centre, roughly a 15-minute walk away. Turn right out of the main entrance and follow the Brunel Mile signs towards Cabot Circus.
How far is Bristol Temple Meads from the shops at Cabot Circus?
Cabot Circus, Bristol’s main shopping centre with over 100 stores, is approximately a 15-minute walk from the station. Take the Friary exit and follow the Temple Quay signs. It’s a straightforward, well-signposted route.
Is there a car park at Bristol Temple Meads?
Yes, there is an APCOA-operated car park with 309 spaces on Station Approach, open 24/7. Note that Bristol operates a Clean Air Zone – check whether your vehicle is affected before driving into the city.
Arriving in Manchester
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover Manchester’s industrial heritage and huge role in the development of modern transport.
Visit John Rylands Library for unique architecture and a truly impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Wander through the Northern Quarter for independent shops, street art, coffee shops and some of the city’s best nightlife.
Discover Manchester Museum and Manchester Cathedral for two of the city’s best free cultural attractions.
Visit Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium to experience Manchester’s world-famous football culture.
Popular Areas in Manchester:
Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Piccadilly Gardens, Ancoats, The Village (Canal Street)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Manchester: Central Manchester has so much more to offer than just great shops. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot, with great areas such as Deansgate, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter all within a reasonable walk of each other. The tram is amazingly useful when heading further out, particularly towards Old Trafford, MediaCity, Etihad, and that kind of thing. Manchester’s weather can change quickly, so it is worth carrying a light waterproof even when the forecast looks reasonable. "
FAQ
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How much is a train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
Tickets from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester typically cost €101.16, but can be as cheap as €31.76 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 32m, though it can be as quick as 2h 58m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Bristol Temple Meads and Manchester. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
You can typically book tickets from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
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How far is Bristol Temple Meads from Manchester?
The distance between Bristol Temple Meads and Manchester is approximately 141 miles (227km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
There is 22 train running from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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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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