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Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
£2.70
On Sun 15 Mar
Chester to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
20:37 Chester | 1h 7m, 1 change | 21:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
20:52 Chester | 1h 2m, Direct | 21:54 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
20:55 Chester | 1h 29m, 1 change | 22:24 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
20:56 Chester | 1h 31m, Direct | 22:27 Manchester Piccadilly | Northern | Find tickets |
21:34 Chester | 1h 11m, 1 change | 22:45 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | 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
Taking the train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Chester, you can arrive at Manchester Piccadilly in just 1h 2m, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
The average fare from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly is approximately £2.70, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly by train?
What is the fastest train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly?
The fastest train journey time from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly is 1h 2m . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
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, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
To get the best price on UK train tickets, it is essential to book as early as you can. Train operators generally release their cheapest Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of the travel date, making early booking the most effective way to secure a lower fare.

Check timetables and during the journey
Are Chester to Manchester Piccadilly trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
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?
Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.
Do Chester to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.
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 Chester to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The train from Chester to Manchester Piccadilly is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
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
Children under 5 usually travel free. 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
You are welcome to bring up to 2 pets with you at no extra cost. Dogs must be kept on a lead and other animals in a suitable carrier. Please note that for the comfort of all passengers, pets are not allowed 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.
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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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