Manchester to Bristol Trains From £31.50*

A direct journey from Manchester to Bristol takes approximately three hours on CrossCountry. The earliest train departs Manchester at approximately 8:26 am, while the last train leaves around 11 pm.

On your way, you’ll have a chance to survey the beautiful English countryside as you ride down through Greater Manchester, the Midlands, and through the splendidly endearing Cotswolds before pulling into Bristol.

CrossCountry operates a comprehensive network of train services that connect towns and cities up and down the UK mainland.

Departing from Manchester Picadilly

Manchester Piccadilly is Manchester’s busiest train station and is a key interchange for tourists and commuters alike. It’s very easy to find, however. Located right in Manchester City Centre, it’s serviced by Metrolink trams, buses, and taxis. Other train stations like Victoria and Oxford Road, are only a 25-minute walk, too.

Piccadilly provides various train services from all over the country, such as TransPennine Express, Northern, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, and Avanti West Coast. It also connects to the Manchester Airport shuttle train, making it an ideal starting point for your journey from Manchester to Bristol.

Main stops

Between Manchester Piccadilly and Bristol Parkway, there are several key stops. These typically include: Stockport, Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent, and Stafford.

Please note that the stops can occasionally vary due to train schedules or unforeseen events such as technical faults or adverse weather conditions. To ensure a smooth journey, it's advisable to verify your route prior to booking your tickets.

Arriving at Bristol Parkway

Bristol Parkway is located in Stoke Gifford, approximately 5 miles north of Bristol city centre. The station is well-serviced by public transport, with a taxi rank and bus stops conveniently situated nearby for easy access to the surrounding areas. Bristol Parkway also offers secure bike storage and long-term car parking facilities for travelers.

CrossCountry provides services to and from Manchester Piccadilly, while Great Western Railway operates routes from Bristol Parkway to destinations such as London Paddington, Cardiff, and beyond.

While visiting the area, you can explore nearby attractions in Bristol, including the famous street art by Banksy and Brunel’s SS Great Britain, a museum dedicated to one of Britain’s most renowned engineers and his significant contributions to maritime history.

CrossCountry train classes

• Standard Class: Onboard Wi-Fi, charging points, and tables. Snacks and drinks are available from the onboard shop.
• First Class: Manchester to Bristol First Class tickets provide 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 traveling.
• Children: Children receive cheaper tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs. Booking in advance using TrainPal helps ensure families can sit together.
• 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.