Manchester to Chester train with Northern Rail (3)

Sat, 21 Mar
+ Add return
Northern Rail (3)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
first_transpennine_express
2,000+ travel companies
Northern Rail (3)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
first_transpennine_express
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Chester

Showing times and prices for 21 Mar

Cheapest price

$11

Average price

$20

Fastest journey

54 m

Average duration

55 m

Trains per day

24

Distance

54 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Manchester to Chester will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $11.

Fast trains

Of the 24 trains that leave Manchester for Chester every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 54 km distance in an average of 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 54 m .

The slowest trains will take 55 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.

Northern Rail (3)Y25282 · Y25406
08:00AM1h02
Deansgate (DGT)
09:02AMChester station (CTR)
$111One-way
1 change
Northern Rail (3)Y25406
08:06AM0h56
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
09:02AMChester station (CTR)
$111One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y25638
09:06AM0h55
Manchester Victoria (MCV)
10:01AMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y25101
09:10AM1h27
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
10:37AMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 changes
Northern Rail (3)Y25064
11:10AM1h27
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:37PMChester station (CTR)
$151One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Manchester to Chester

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $3. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $3, and a coach costs an average of $24.

Distance: 54 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

$11

Average Price

Cheapest

$32

Average Price

1h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 28m

Average total duration

1h 58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Manchester to Chester train times

The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Chester trains for tomorrow, Friday, 20 March. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:20 pm
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
northern_railY25282 · Y25406
On time
8:00 am Deansgate (DGT)
1h02
9:02 am Chester station (CTR)
1 change
northern_railY25406
On time
8:06 am Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h56
9:02 am Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY252808:10 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h27
9:37 am Chester station (CTR)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64719 · L64290
On time
8:30 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h12
9:42 am Chester station (CTR)
1 change
transport_for_walesL64236
On time
8:48 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
1h00
9:48 am Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY25638
On time
9:06 am Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h55
10:01 am Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY25101
On time
9:10 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h27
10:37 am Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64721 · L642939:30 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h12
10:42 am Chester station (CTR)1 change
transport_for_walesL64241
On time
9:48 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
1h00
10:48 am Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY2540810:06 am Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h55
11:01 am Chester station (CTR)0 changesdirect
northern_railY2528310:10 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h28
11:38 am Chester station (CTR)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64723 · L6429510:30 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h12
11:42 am Chester station (CTR)1 change
transport_for_walesL64246
On time
10:48 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
1h00
11:48 am Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY25639
On time
11:06 am Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h55
12:01 pm Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY2506411:10 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h27
12:37 pm Chester station (CTR)0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64725 · L6429711:30 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h14
12:44 pm Chester station (CTR)1 change
transport_for_walesL64251
On time
11:48 am Manchester Oxford Road (MCO)
1h00
12:48 pm Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
avanti_west_coastW02840 · L02184
On time
11:54 am Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h12
1:06 pm Chester station (CTR)
1 change
northern_railY25409
On time
12:06 pm Manchester Victoria (MCV)
0h54
1:00 pm Chester station (CTR)
0 changesdirect
northern_railY2518712:10 pm Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1h27
1:37 pm Chester station (CTR)0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Manchester to Chester 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.

Sat
21 Mar
Sun
22 Mar
Mon
23 Mar
Tue
24 Mar
Wed
25 Mar
Thu
26 Mar
Fri
27 Mar
Sat
28 Mar
Sun
29 Mar
Mon
30 Mar
Tue
31 Mar
Wed
01 Apr
Thu
02 Apr
Fri
03 Apr
Sat
04 Apr
Sun
05 Apr
Mon
06 Apr
Tue
07 Apr
Wed
08 Apr
Thu
09 Apr
Fri
10 Apr

Why should you book Manchester to Chester trains with Omio?

Northern Rail (3) as well as Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express and more offer trains services from Manchester to Chester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Chester.

Why book with Omio vs Northern Rail (3)?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Northern Rail (3), but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry or first_transpennine_express to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Chester.
  • 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 Northern Rail (3) with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Chester.

Why book with Omio over Trip, Wanderu or Raileurope?

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

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

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Chester is 2 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Chester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Chester 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 Manchester to Chester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Chester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester to Chester run on average 9 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $3 if you book in advance.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:46. The fastest train covers the 54 km distance in 55m.

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
Distance
54 km
Average train duration
1h 0m
Cheapest ticket price
$3
Trains per day
9
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
55m
First train
00:07
Last train
23:46
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

Train companies: Northern Rail (3), Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express from Manchester to Chester trainsNorthern Rail (3), Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express trains will get you between Manchester and Chester from $3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Northern Rail (3)

About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
55m
Cheapest Price
$3
Northern Rail (3) frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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
57m
Cheapest Price
$13
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
1h 12m
Cheapest Price
$22
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

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
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
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

first_transpennine_express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 17m
Cheapest Price
$42
first_transpennine_express frequency
8 a day

FAQs: Manchester to Chester train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Chester can start from as little as $3 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Chester is $11; 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 Manchester to Chester is 55m to travel the 54 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 Manchester to Chester leaves at 12:07 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Manchester to Chester leaves at 11:46 pm.
Yes, there are 6 direct trains a day from Manchester to Chester with Northern Rail (3), Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Manchester to Chester, you can count on Northern Rail (3), Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, first_transpennine_express, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Chester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Manchester and Chester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Chester from Manchester is worth doing with a journey time of 55m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Chester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Chester including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Chester

Manchester
Chester
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Chester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
  • Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
  • Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Manchester AirportWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
13 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
  • Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: No cycle storage
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Manchester VictoriaParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: on platform and approach
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Manchester Victoria
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.​​​​​​​

More options for your journey from Manchester to Chester

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

HomeTrainsManchester to Chester train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone