No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Manchester to Watford train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
£13.20
On Tue 20
Live timetable and departures
From Manchester to Watford, take the fastest train in 2h 2m, typically 2h 39m. Daily, 20 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 06:07 and the last at 22:14. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
18:54 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 2m, Direct | 20:56 Watford Junction | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
19:06 Manchester Piccadilly | 4h 41m, 2 change | 23:47 Watford Junction | LNR & WMR | Find tickets |
19:14 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 19m, 1 change | 21:33 Watford Junction | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
19:14 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 23m, 1 change | 21:37 Watford Junction | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
19:54 Manchester Piccadilly | 2h 3m, Direct | 21:57 Watford Junction | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Manchester to Watford
- LNR & WMR
- Avanti West Coast
- Northern
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
-
Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
-
Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
-
Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
-
Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
-
Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Arriving in Watford
Top Things to Do:
Awaken your inner wizard as you dive into Harry Potter film sets at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Unwind in Cassiobury Park, the sprawling grounds of a grand old country estate
Wave to narrowboats passing through the locks as you stroll along the Grand Union Canal
Popular Areas in Watford:
The town centre for shopping and dining, The Parade for dinner and drinks, and Oxhey Village for independent shops and pubs by the green
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Watford: If you're a Harry Potter fan, you'll want to know this: tickets to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour need to be booked well ahead of time as they're advance-only and cannot be purchased on the day. Most people spend three to four hours on the tour, so pick a morning slot, and you'll still have the afternoon free to explore Watford."
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Manchester to Watford
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
-
How much is a train from Manchester to Watford?
Tickets from Manchester to Watford typically cost £89.08, but can be as cheap as £13.20 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
-
How long is the train from Manchester to Watford?
The journey should take, on average, 2h 39m, though it can be as quick as 2h 2m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
-
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Watford?
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Watford. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
-
How far in advance can I book my train from Manchester to Watford?
You can typically book tickets from Manchester to Watford up to 12 weeks before departure.
-
Do Manchester to Watford trains offer Wi-Fi?
Although WiFi is becoming increasingly present on rail services, it can still depend on who provides your specific route. For instance, Merseyrail and older Northern models do not offer WiFi currently; all other providers do, however.
-
How far is Manchester from Watford?
The distance between Manchester and Watford is approximately 147 miles (237km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
-
How frequent are trains from Manchester to Watford?
There is 20 train running from Manchester to Watford per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
-
How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Manchester to Watford?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
-
How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
-
Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack