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Bristol to Manchester train ticket prices

For a train from Bristol to Manchester, Advance Tickets start at just £14.65*, with average fares around £27.95. Additionally, Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets are also great tips for saving money on train travel. Enjoy the cheapest and happiest journey with TrainPal. For more money-saving information, welcome to our UK cheap train ticket guide.

Bristol to Manchester train times

From Bristol to Manchester, take the fastest train in 2h 49m, typically 3h 33m. Daily, 51 trains depart from Bristol, with the first at 00:24 and the last at 22:08. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.

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DepartsArrivesStatusDurationOperator

06:04

Filton Abbey Wood

10:13

Manchester Piccadilly
On time

4h 9m

Great Western Railway
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06:44

Bristol Parkway

09:44

Manchester Piccadilly
On time

3h

CrossCountry
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07:09

Bristol Parkway

09:59

Manchester Piccadilly
On time

2h 50m

CrossCountry
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07:28

Bristol Parkway

11:13

Manchester Piccadilly
On time

3h 45m

Great Western Railway
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07:44

Bristol Parkway

10:44

Manchester Piccadilly
On time

3h

CrossCountry
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Bristol to Manchester Train journey information

Plan your journey from Bristol 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.

First train
00:24
Last train
22:08
Departure station
Bristol
Arrival station
Manchester
Distance
136 miles (219 km)
Journey time
From 2h 49m
Price
From £14.65
Train operators
Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway

CrossCountry: Bristol to Manchester trains

Getting from Bristol Parkway to Manchester Piccadilly with CrossCountry usually takes under three hours.

You'll begin your journey at Bristol Parkway, situated in Gloucestershire, and then travel up through the western flank of England, passing through Worcestershire, Warwickshire, and Staffordshire before arriving in the north's hotspot, Greater Manchester. The scenery will change on your journey, passing through twee English villages rich in green fields, antediluvian churches, and a palette of colourful forests and meadows to the industrial and modern buildings of today's Manchester.

CrossCountry offers an extensive railway network linking numerous towns and cities across England, Scotland, and Wales. This enables fast and easy travel to key British cities such as Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham.

Departing from Bristol Parkway

Despite its name, Bristol Parkway is located in Gloucestershire rather than Bristol. It serves the South Wales Mainline and is the busiest station in Gloucestershire and the third-most heavily used station in the West of England Combined Authority, after Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa. CrossCountry and Great Western Railway mainly serve Bristol Parkway.

Bristol Parkway Station is located along Station Approach Road, just off Hatchet Road, in the town of Stoke Gifford, north of Bristol. Although it's outside Bristol itself, it's still well-connected to local bus routes, and a taxi can drop you off at the station's entrance. It also houses a massive 1140-space car park that's in use all week round.

Main stops

There are seven stops between Bristol Parkway and Manchester Piccadilly: Cheltenham Spa, Birmingham New Street, Wolverhampton, Stafford, Stoke-On-Trent, Macclesfield, and Stockport.

These may change due to scheduling issues or other instances, like engineering work or poor weather. So, it's best to check in advance before you travel.

Adding a Railcard can help you get a cheaper ticket, but if you want to buy cheap train tickets, it's also a good idea to book your tickets early and use sites like TrainPal to find the cheapest fares.

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly

Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly puts you in the heart of Manchester City Centre, near Piccadilly Gardens, which means you’re in a prime position to explore the rest of the city.

It’s easy to get out and explore, too. Manchester Piccadilly is linked by taxis on the Fairfield Street side of the station, frequent local bus routes are accessible outside the station, and regular Metrolink trams depart from Piccadilly Tram Station. This makes reaching any destination in Manchester convenient, easy, and quick. If you need to get to Manchester Airport, a regular train departs from Piccadilly, which can take you to the airport in only fifteen minutes.

The Arndale Centre, Manchester Art Gallery, and the Northern Quarter are only a few minutes’ walk from Manchester Piccadilly. At the same time, places like The Lowry, Old Granada Studios, and the AO Arena are only a few minutes by taxi, bus or tram. Two other major railway stations, Victoria and Oxford Road, are also within walking distance.

Manchester Piccadilly is a busy and frequently used station that serves the west of the UK but also connects it to the East Coast Mainline through its route towards York. Consequently, UK rail operators like Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Northern, and East Midlands Railways all use this station.

CrossCountry train classes

  • Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
  • First Class: A CrossCountry Bristol to Manchester First Class ticket provides a more spacious and comfortable journey with larger seats and complimentary refreshments.

CrossCountry train travel advice

  • Luggage: A maximum of three items: one small item, one medium-sized bag, and one large suitcase.
  • Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small pets are free of charge. They must be well-behaved and do not disturb other passengers. Two pets per passenger.
  • Bicycles: Bicycle reservations are required before travelling.
  • Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
  • Passenger Assist: Provide assistance at stations and on trains, or during transfers, help with luggage, offer discounts for disabled passengers, and other services.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Save 1/3 with Railcards from Bristol to Manchester

 16-25 Railcard 16-25 Railcard

£18.63

With 16-25 Railcard

£27.95

Without
Buy 16-25 Railcard

 26-30 Railcard 26-30 Railcard

£18.63

With 26-30 Railcard

£27.95

Without
Buy 26-30 Railcard

 Family & Friends Railcard Family & Friends Railcard

£18.63

With Family & Friends Railcard

£27.95

Without
Buy Family & Friends Railcard

 Two Together Railcard Two Together Railcard

£18.63

With Two Together Railcard

£27.95

Without
Buy Two Together Railcard

 Senior Railcard Senior Railcard

£18.63

With Senior Railcard

£27.95

Without
Buy Senior Railcard

How to buy cheap Bristol to Manchester train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

<a href='/split-ticket'>Split tickets</a>

Split tickets

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/advance-train-tickets">Book in advance</a>

Book in advance

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/off-peak-and-super-off-peak-train-tickets">Off-Peak train tickets</a>

Off-Peak train tickets

Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
<a href='/railcard-guide'>Use a Railcard</a>

Use a Railcard

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/train-season-tickets">Save with Season Tickets</a>

Save with Season Tickets

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.
<a href="/train-ticket-types/groupsave-train-tickets">Travel in groups</a>

Travel in groups

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.
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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.
** Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.

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