Bristol Temple Meads to Manchester Trains From £22.30*

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!

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.