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Watford Junction to Manchester train times and prices
Plan your journey from Watford Junction to Manchester 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.
Price*
From €18.87
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
2h 4m
Distance
147 miles (237km)
First/last train
01:00 / 23:17
Frequency
45
Train operators
* 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
Travelling from Watford Junction to Manchester by train? Find fares from as low as €18.87. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
€18.87
On Tue 20
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Watford Junction to Manchester, the fastest train takes 2h 4m with an average travel time of 2h 34m. 45 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 01:00 and the last at 23:17. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
13:31 Watford Junction | 2h 34m, 1 change | 16:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
13:38 Watford Junction | 2h 27m, 1 change | 16:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
16:46 Watford Junction | 2h 58m, 1 change | 19:44 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
17:31 Watford Junction | 2h 34m, 1 change | 20:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
17:35 Watford Junction | 2h 30m, 1 change | 20:05 Manchester Piccadilly | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Watford Junction to Manchester
- Avanti West Coast
- LNR & WMR
- CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast will take you from London to Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and more on its high-speed service connecting England, Wales and Scotland via the West Coast Main Line. Its First Class service is among the best out there, and passengers love the intermediate tier on offer, Standard Premium, for that added comfort.
Standard
Excellent seat comfort, among the best for Standard class
Pendolinos slightly narrower, Evero trains particularly spacious.
Optional seat reservations.
Luggage
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Seat Facilities
First Class
Ideal for: Business travellers and premium leisure passengers.
Extra plush padding and wrap-around headrests.
xtra legroom, recline option and guaranteed table (2+1 layout).
Optional seat reservations.
Luggage
Special Services
Lounge Access
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Seat Facilities
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you’re upgrading your seat for a weekend trip and travelling to/from stations without lounges, Standard Premium might be a better option than First Class: weekend services have a more restricted menu compared to weekdays. And as the seats are the same on Standard Premium and First Class, you may prefer to bring some snacks on board and save the few extra pounds.
I always travel with my refillable water bottle on trains, which makes Avanti West Coast’s Water Refill Points especially handy for longer journeys. You’ll be able to top yours up at these stations, the onboard shop on Pendolino and Evero trains."
Essential onboard policies
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Departing from Watford Junction
Address:
Station Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD17 1EU
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Multiple local bus routes serve Watford Junction from stops on Station Road directly outside the main entrance, with frequent connections to Watford town centre and surrounding areas.
Taxi: There is a licensed taxi rank located outside the main station entrance on Station Road.
Car: A Saba-operated station car park is available at Watford Junction, with both short- and long-stay options.
Platforms:
12 Platforms with 10 in use, managed by London Northwestern Railway. Watford Junction serves the West Coast Main Line, the Overground Lioness Line to London Euston and the Abbey Line branch to St Albans. Step-free access is available throughout.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Watford Junction is the departure point for the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour shuttle bus – it runs regularly from right outside the station and gets you to the Harry Potter studios in around 15 minutes. For dinner before or after your train, St. Albans Road is just a short walk from the station and has an excellent selection of independent restaurants, including Calcutta Crravings for some great Indian food and Nana’s for Lebanese. Or if you fancy a drink, there are a couple of good pubs on Woodford Road, just a short walk from the station."
FAQs about Watford Junction Station
Is Watford Junction still in London?
Watford Junction is on the edge of the capital, around 17 miles from central London. It still lies, however, within the TfL fare zone network and has fast rail connections to London Euston in as little as 23 minutes, making it a popular commuter station.
Where do trains from Watford Junction go to?
Watford Junction is served by London Northwestern Railway and Avanti West Coast, with services to London Euston, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Glasgow on the West Coast Main Line. Local services also run to St Albans on the Abbey Line branch and to East Croydon.
Can I get the Tube to Watford Junction?
No Tube line serves Watford Junction directly. The nearest London Underground station is Watford, served by the Metropolitan line, which is a separate station around 10 minutes away by bus or taxi.
How do I get a train from Watford Junction to central London?
The fastest option is a London Northwestern Railway Express service to London Euston, taking as little as 17 minutes. The Overground Lioness line also runs to Euston, and takes up to 53 minutes, stopping at more stations along the way.
Arriving in Manchester
Top Things to Do:
Explore the Science and Industry Museum to discover Manchester’s industrial heritage and huge role in the development of modern transport.
Visit John Rylands Library for unique architecture and a truly impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts.
Wander through the Northern Quarter for independent shops, street art, coffee shops and some of the city’s best nightlife.
Discover Manchester Museum and Manchester Cathedral for two of the city’s best free cultural attractions.
Visit Old Trafford or the Etihad Stadium to experience Manchester’s world-famous football culture.
Popular Areas in Manchester:
Deansgate, Northern Quarter, Piccadilly Gardens, Ancoats, The Village (Canal Street)
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Visiting Manchester: Central Manchester has so much more to offer than just great shops. It’s compact and easy to explore on foot, with great areas such as Deansgate, Ancoats and the Northern Quarter all within a reasonable walk of each other. The tram is amazingly useful when heading further out, particularly towards Old Trafford, MediaCity, Etihad, and that kind of thing. Manchester’s weather can change quickly, so it is worth carrying a light waterproof even when the forecast looks reasonable. "
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Watford Junction to Manchester
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
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How much is a train from Watford Junction to Manchester?
Tickets from Watford Junction to Manchester typically cost €128.09, but can be as cheap as €18.87 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.
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How long is the train from Watford Junction to Manchester?
The journey should take, on average, 2h 34m, though it can be as quick as 2h 4m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Watford Junction to Manchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Watford Junction and Manchester. 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.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Watford Junction to Manchester?
You can typically book tickets from Watford Junction to Manchester up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Watford Junction to Manchester 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.
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How far is Watford Junction from Manchester?
The distance between Watford Junction and Manchester is approximately 147 miles (237km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Watford Junction to Manchester?
There is 45 train running from Watford Junction to Manchester per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Watford Junction to Manchester?
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!
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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.
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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.
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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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