Manchester Airport to Chester Trains From €2.42*

Step back in time as you journey from Manchester Airport to Chester in around 1 hour and 30 minutes with a direct Transport for Wales train, and discover a city of Roman walls, timber-framed houses and timeless riverside charm.

Travelling from Manchester Airport to Chester, you’ll journey through Cheshire’s leafy villages, open fields and the woodlands of Delamere Forest before arriving into the historic walled city of Chester.

Transport for Wales operates an extensive rail and bus network linking towns and cities throughout Wales with major destinations across England, including Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester Airport, Birmingham New Street, Cheltenham and Bristol, providing swift and easy connections across the region and beyond.

Departing from Manchester Airport

Conveniently located within the airport complex, Manchester Airport station is just a short covered walk away from all terminals via the Skylink bridges, and is easily accessible by bus, taxi or car with pick-up and drop-off points, bus stops and taxi ranks right outside.

Managed by TransPennine Express, the station is fully step-free and equipped with modern facilities, including waiting areas, accessible toilets, ticket machines and customer help points. 

Regular services operated by TransPennine Express, Northern and Transport for Wales connect Manchester Airport station directly with Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Llandudno, Leeds, York and Newcastle, as well as destinations across North Wales, northern England, and Scotland.

Main stops

Travelling from Manchester Airport to Chester, you’ll call at East Didsbury and Manchester Oxford Road before passing through Warrington, Runcorn East, Frodsham and Helsby, then finally rolling into the historic, red-bricked heart of Chester.

Arriving at Chester

Step off the train at Chester station and you’re just a 10-minute walk from the heart of one of England’s most picturesque cities. With a taxi rank and bus stops conveniently located right outside the station, getting away from Chester station couldn’t be easier.

Managed by Transport for Wales, this beautifully restored Grade II listed station combines Victorian grandeur with modern facilities, including step-free access, ticket machines, waiting areas and cafés. Chester station is served by four main operators offering regular services across the country; Transport for Wales connects passengers to destinations across Wales and beyond, including Cardiff, Holyhead, Llandudno and Manchester Airport. Avanti West Coast runs fast intercity services to London Euston and North Wales, while Northern Trains provides regional routes to Manchester, Leeds and Stockport. For local travel, Merseyrail operates frequent trains to Liverpool Central via Birkenhead, with services running up to four times an hour.

Head into the city and uncover 2,000 years of history – from Chester’s Roman walls and medieval cathedral to the timber-framed elegance of The Rows and the riverside calm of the Dee. Wander its cobbled streets, explore its ancient Roman walls and amphitheatre, and admire grand Victorian landmarks like the Town Hall and Grosvenor Museum, as you soak up the city’s timeless charm.

Transport for Wales train classes 

• Standard Class: Relax aboard Transport for Wales’ standard class with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi on most services and plenty of storage space for your luggage and bike.
• First Class: There is no First Class service available on Transport for Wales trains between Manchester Airport and Chester. All passengers travel in Standard Class, which offers comfortable seating and onboard facilities suitable for regional journeys.  

Transport for Wales train travel advice

Get ready for your Manchester Airport to Chester train journey with this quick guide covering everything you need to know before you go – from travelling with luggage and bikes to children’s fares, pets and accessibility assistance.

• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to two large bags and one smaller item onboard Transport for Wales trains free of charge. Larger luggage should be stored in designated areas with smaller bags under your seat or in overhead racks.
• Bicycles: Standard bikes and e-bikes are welcome onboard with a free reservation via the Transport for Wales app. Space is limited, so booking ahead is recommended. Folding bikes can travel without a reservation, but e-scooters are not allowed.
• Children: Kids under the age of 11 travel free of charge when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, and during off-peak hours 11-15-year-olds can also travel for free. Families can save with a Family & Friends railcard, offering a third off adult fares and 60% of children’s tickets, while teenagers can access half-price fares with a 16-17 Saver railcard.
• Pets: Passengers can bring up to two small pets onboard Transport for Wales services free of charge, provided they are well-behaved and kept on a lead or transported in a secure carrier. All pets should be kept off seats.
• Passenger Assist: If you need help with boarding trains, handling luggage or finding your way around the station, you can book Passenger Assist up to two hours before departure or by asking a member of staff for help on the day of travel.