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Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
€3.28
On Mon 23 Mar
Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
From Chester to Manchester Piccadilly, take the fastest train in 1h 2m, typically 1h 17m. Daily, 85 trains depart from Chester, with the first at 03:51 and the last at 23:22. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:20 Chester | 1h 21m, 1 change | 09:41 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
08:32 Chester | 1h 12m, 1 change | 09:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
08:52 Chester | 1h 2m, Direct | 09:54 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
08:56 Chester | 1h 17m, 1 change | 10:13 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
08:56 Chester | 1h 29m, Direct | 10:25 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly 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.
Transport for Wales: Chester to Manchester Piccadilly trains
The journey from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly takes around one hour, as the two cities are only 33 miles apart. Transport for Wales runs the direct Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train. It also operates most train services within Wales and cross-border services into England.
Along the way, you’ll be able to glance at the countryside of Cheshire before skimming past the outskirts of Liverpool on Merseyside before arriving in the mighty city of Manchester.
Did you know that cities with ‘Chester’ in the name mean the Romans founded them? They must have surely loved settling in the North West!
Departing from Chester
Despite the service being run by Transport for Wales, Chester is actually located in the English county of Cheshire. The train station is on City Road, just on the edge of the city centre. It’s decorated in a wonderfully ornate classical Italian style.
The station is accessible by buses and taxis. It has a car park and is not too far from the bus interchange.
The station is a central transport hub for services heading to and from Wales. Several train franchises use this station including Transport for Wales, Northern, Merseyrail, and Avanti West Coast.
Main stops
There are usually six stops from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly: Helsby, Frodsham, Runcorn East, Warrington Bank Quay, Newton-Le-Willows, and Manchester Oxford Road.
However, this may be subject to change depending on the weather, or other factors such as engineering works. So, checking which stations will be on your route before you leave is your best bet.
Arriving at Manchester Picadilly
The Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train conveniently drops you off at Manchester's most well-connected train station. Situated in the city’s southeast, it offers easy access to buses, taxis, and Metrolink trams. Buying a discounted ‘Plusbus’ ticket and your train ticket allows unlimited travel throughout the city.
Manchester Victoria, Manchester Oxford Road, and Manchester Deansgate train stations are nearby if you have an onward rail connection. You can also get the direct train to Manchester Airport from Piccadilly, which reaches the airport in only 15 minutes. Manchester Piccadilly serves other major UK destinations, including Liverpool, York, Sheffield, and Leeds.
There’s lots to do around Manchester Piccadilly. For starters, there’s a whole host of exciting bars, restaurants and nightlife, as well as a platter of exciting shops and bougie boutiques in the city’s Northern Quarter right on your doorstep.
Transport for Wales train classes
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
- First Class: First class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, and exclusive dining options.
Transport for Wales train travel advice
- Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
- Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
- Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. It is strongly recommended that you book your ticket in advance to book a bike space. Booking early also lets you buy cheap train tickets, especially on sites like TrainPal.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
- Passenger Assist: Provide ramps for boarding and alighting trains, guide you through the station, help find and reserve seats, and assist with luggage.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
The train journey from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Chester, you can get to Manchester Piccadilly in just 1h 2m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
Ticket prices from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly average around €3.28, 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.
How do I find the best train route from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
What is the fastest train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
The quickest train journey from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly takes 1h 2m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Is it worth taking a train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, the train is always an excellent choice that balances convenience, comfort, and efficiency. It's more environmentally friendly and relaxing than driving, as you avoid traffic and parking. While coaches may be cheaper, the train provides superior comfort, more space, and greater scheduling flexibility. With the added benefit of arriving directly in the city centre, it's a very convenient way to travel.
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
How do I find Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train timetables?
While Chester to Manchester Piccadilly trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
Do Chester to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the Chester to Manchester Piccadilly 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?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by 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 Chester to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The Chester to Manchester Piccadilly route is operated by Avanti West Coast. For any journey, the easiest way to find the operator is to search for your route on this page. The operator's name will appear next to each travel option in the results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
You can bring up to three pieces of luggage for free, including satchels, backpacks, suitcases, and similar items.
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Bicycle
A free reservation is required for bikes on most journeys due to limited space. While standard bicycles and folding bikes are widely permitted, some operators have provisions for e-bikes and tandems. Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bike trailers are not allowed. As policies vary, it is essential to consult your specific train operator's website for their definitive cycle rules before you travel.
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Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
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Pets
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals 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 Chester to Manchester Piccadilly 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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