Bristol to Manchester train with CrossCountry

Sun, 28 Jun
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Manchester

Showing times and prices for 28 Jun

Cheapest price

41S$

Average price

93S$

Fastest journey

2 h 56 m

Average duration

2 h 58 m

Trains per day

27

Distance

227 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Bristol to Manchester will cost around 93S$ if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only 41S$.

Fast trains

Of the 27 trains that leave Bristol for Manchester every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 227 km distance in an average of 2 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 56 m .

The slowest trains will take 2 h 58 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Great Western RailwayC48822+Transport for WalesG38986
    2:15 PM3h58
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    6:13 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    41 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG66550 · G00917
    8:32 PM2h56
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    11:28 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    60 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryW29792 · G00885
    3:31 PM2h58
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    6:29 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    60 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00668+Transport for WalesG38969
    10:22 AM3h53
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    2:15 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    61 S$1One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38966+Great Western RailwayC47824
    9:05 AM4h06
    Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
    1:11 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    61 S$1One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Bristol to Manchester

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from 9S$. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of 9S$, and a train costs an average of 27S$.

Distance: 227 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

59S$

Average Price

18S$

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 20m

Average total duration

3h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Bristol to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Manchester trains for today, Saturday, 27 June. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00853
On time
9:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
11:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42699+Transport for WalesG38952
On time
9:25 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h48
1:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG66731
On time
9:59 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h00
12:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG66736
On time
11:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42701+Transport for WalesG38954
On time
11:25 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h48
3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG01070+Avanti West CoastC01373+Transport for WalesG38954
On time
11:33 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h40
3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
CrossCountryG00864
On time
12:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
2:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00870
On time
1:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00877
On time
2:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00882
On time
3:00 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
2h59
5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42708+Transport for WalesG38958
On time
3:27 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h46
7:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG01081+Avanti West CoastW33796+Transport for WalesG38958
On time
3:33 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
3h40
7:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayY41815 · W34631+Transport for WalesG39011+Avanti West CoastW33500
On time
3:38 PM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)
4h06
7:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Manchester by train or coach

Compare train and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Sun
28 Jun
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Why should you book Bristol to Manchester trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country and more offer trains services from Bristol to Manchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bristol to Manchester.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Manchester.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Bristol to Manchester is 35 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bristol to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bristol to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bristol to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Bristol to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bristol to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at 27S$ but you can travel from only 9S$ by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 227 km distance in 2h 58m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 9S$
Distance
227 km
Average train duration
3h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
27S$
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
2h 58m
First train
3:40 AM
Last train
11:36 PM
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from 9S$

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country from Bristol to Manchester trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country trains will get you between Bristol and Manchester from 9S$. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 58m
Cheapest Price
27S$
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
39S$
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest Price
139S$
Avanti West Coast frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 27m
Cheapest Price
137S$
Great Western Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 56m
Cheapest Price
210S$
Cross Country frequency
16 a day

FAQs: Bristol to Manchester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol to Manchester by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Bristol to Manchester can start from as little as 27S$ when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bristol to Manchester is 59S$; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Bristol to Manchester is 2h 58m to travel the 227 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 3:40 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Bristol to Manchester leaves at 11:36 pm.
Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Bristol to Manchester with CrossCountry, Cross Country. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Bristol to Manchester, you can count on CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Cross Country for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Bristol and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Bristol is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 58m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Bristol to Manchester is October.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Bristol and Manchester including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Manchester

Bristol
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Bristol is Bristol Temple Meads. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol Temple Meads for your trip from Bristol to Manchester.
Bristol Temple MeadsWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Starbucks
  • Upper Crust
  • Pumpkin Café
  • Hart's Bakery
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: The taxi rank is available on the station forecourt. If you require an accessible taxi please approach a member of staff for assistance. To reach the station forecourt; exit through the ticket barriers, turn left and exit through the main doors. You can find more information about local taxi services here
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Ladies, Gents and Baby Change are located in the Passenger Subway. The Baby Change is located next to the Ladies Toilets. An additional Baby Change facility is also located in the Accessible Toilet on Platform 13/15. Accessible Toilets are located on Platform 3 by the Help Desk and on Platform 13/15
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: Radar Key available from station staff
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
  • Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: The main storage location for bikes is at The Friary at Temple Quay, just to the right of the ramped exit from the long stay car park. A limited bike storage location can be found on Station Approach by Queen Anne's Gate. There is no longer any bike storage inside the station
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the main entrance
Public transport options for Bristol Temple Meads
  • Bus lines: A1, 1, 2, 8, 39/349/X39, 70, 73, 178, 376
  • Train lines: CrossCountry, Great Western Main Line, Severn Beach Line
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station front. Alternative: the lower approach road, outside the front of Bristol & Exeter House
Bristol, AirportWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
ShowerShower
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 24 hours Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
11 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7 with short-term and long-term parking options available. Access via the A38 road
Dining
Dining
  • Dexters
  • Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main terminal
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps
WC
WC
  • £1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport
  • Holiday Inn Bristol Airport
  • Winford Manor Hotel
Shower
Shower
  • Cost £10
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main terminal
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Avis
  • Europcar
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main terminal
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Main Terminal: check-in desks, security, and departure gates
  • Arrivals Hall: baggage claim and customs
  • Parking: short-term and long-term options available
Public transport options for Bristol, Airport
  • Bus: Airport Flyer Express
  • Train: Bristol Temple Meads station is the nearest major train station, connected by bus services
MontpelierParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: No
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform
  • Accessible taxis: No
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: platform
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Montpelier
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Cheltenham Road

More options for your journey from Bristol to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsBristol to Manchester train

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