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Watford (Hertfordshire), Hertfordshire to Manchester, Greater Manchester from $43: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Watford (Hertfordshire), United Kingdom
to
Manchester, United Kingdom

How to Get from Watford (Hertfordshire) to Manchester: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$43 - PlaneBest price
240.24 kmDistance
2h 4m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Watford (Hertfordshire) to Manchester with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Avanti West Coast
Train
Average Duration
2h  4m
Estimated price
$75-200
Recommended
Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  9m
Estimated price
$43-194
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 240.24 km
Duration: 2h 4m

See more options

Company
Various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  14m
Estimated price
$57-209
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  8m
Estimated price
$60-90
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
2h  37m
Estimated price
$75-247
Company
Various
Train
Average Duration
3h  42m
Estimated price
$96-288
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Traveling From Watford (Hertfordshire) to Manchester

The journey from Watford to Manchester offers you a shift from the serene charm of Hertfordshire to the vibrant, bustling energy of one of the UK’s cultural hotspots.

Best Neighbourhoods in Manchester

Manchester boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct vibe and charm.

Northern Quarter
• Known for its independent shops and street art.
• Home to trendy bars and live music venues.
Spinningfields
• A hub for upscale dining and shopping options.
• Offers stunning modern architecture and waterfront views.
Didsbury
• Features a picturesque village feel with parks.
• Popular for its cafes and family-friendly atmosphere.

Best Times To Visit Manchester's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Manchester by choosing the right times to visit its attractions.

Manchester Art Gallery
Visit on weekdays in the morning for a quieter experience.
The Museum of Science and Industry
Early afternoon during the week tends to be less crowded.
Old Trafford
Consider booking a tour during off-peak days, like Mondays.

Manchester Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Manchester experiences a temperate maritime climate, characterized by mild summers and cool, wet winters. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn, as pleasant weather enhances your exploration of this vibrant city.

Dining Recommendation in Manchester

Try the acclaimed ‘Ramsbottom’ at The Oast House, a vibrant venue that highlights Manchester’s love for robust flavors and local ingredients; this contrasts wonderfully with Watford’s more traditional fare. The lively atmosphere and innovative dishes create a dining experience that's not just about food but also about immersing yourself in the city’s energetic spirit.

Watford (Hertfordshire) - Manchester operators

Explore transport companies operating between Watford (Hertfordshire) and Manchester, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Watford Junction to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
2h 4m
Estimated price
$75-200

Train from Watford Junction to Milton Keynes Central

Average Duration
19m
Estimated price
$15-80

Train from Milton Keynes Central to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$60-170

Train from Watford Junction to Coventry

Average Duration
54m
Estimated price
$35-120
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Coventry to Manchester Piccadilly

Average Duration
1h 59m
Estimated price
$60-170
Contact phone
+44 333 311 0039
Website
https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/

Train from Watford Junction to Milton Keynes Central

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
0-0

Train from Watford Junction to Coventry

Average Duration
1h 36m
Estimated price
0-0
Plane
Website
https://www.britishairways.com

Plane from London Heathrow to Manchester

Average Duration
1h 3m
Estimated price
$50-300
Website
https://www.easyjet.com

Plane from London Luton to Manchester

Average Duration
3h 38m
Estimated price
$40-220

Plane from London Luton to Manchester

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$40-220

Plane from London Luton to Manchester

Average Duration
3h 32m
Estimated price
$40-220
Website
https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from London Luton to Manchester

Average Duration
3h 33m
Estimated price
$22-150

Watford (Hertfordshire) to Manchester: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Watford (Hertfordshire) and Manchester offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Watford to Manchester, spanning a distance of 299.3 km. 💰 Plan your budget accordingly for this road trip, with prices ranging from £47 to £71 for the journey from Watford to Manchester. 🌇 In approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes of driving time, you will arrive in Manchester ready to explore its rich cultural heritage, bustling city center, and lively atmosphere.
Average price
£47 - £70
There's a direct service operated by Avanti West Coast departing from Watford Junction and arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, taking approximately 2 hours and 4 minutes.
Departure Point
Watford Junction station
Arrival Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary by operator, but typically, Avanti West Coast offers a catering service called 'The Avanti Café,' which includes a selection of hot and cold snacks, sandwiches, and drinks. You can also pre-order a dining service if you're in First Class, allowing for a more extensive meal selection delivered to your seat.
• For your trip, Avanti West Coast provides several seating options. First Class offers spacious, comfortable seats with complimentary refreshments and access to a quiet carriage. Standard Class (Economy) is also available, featuring standard seating with less legroom but still providing a comfortable ride. Be sure to reserve your seats in advance for the best experience.
• Several operators run trains from Watford to Manchester, primarily Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk) and London Northwestern Railway (londonnorthwesternrailway.co.uk). Check their websites for updated schedules and ticket prices to find the best option for your trip.
• Upon arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, you will find a range of facilities, including luggage storage services at the station, where you can leave your bags if needed. There are also restrooms available, but shower facilities are not typically provided at this station.
• To get from Manchester Piccadilly to the city center efficiently, hop on the Metrolink tram. Tram line 2 (towards Altrincham) or line 1 (towards MediaCityUK) will take you directly. The journey is approximately 10-15 minutes, and trams run frequently, ensuring a smooth transfer into the heart of Manchester.
🛫 Take a quick direct flight from London Heathrow Airport to Manchester Airport with British Airways, lasting just 1 hour. 🛄 Traveling by plane from Watford to Manchester takes approximately 6 hours and 9 minutes. 💸 Flight prices between Manchester and Watford range from £34 to £153, providing budget-friendly options for every traveler.
Departure Point
London Heathrow Airport
Arrival Point
Manchester Airport
🚌 Route 1: Starting from Watford you can reach Manchester in 6 hours and 44 minutes covering a distance of 297 km. Take the bus towards Glasgow which takes approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes with FlixBus. 🚌 Route 2: Another option is a 7 hours and 12 minutes journey from Watford to Manchester, spanning 374 km with a transfer. First, board the bus towards Heathrow Airport which takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes with Green Line from Watford Junction Railway Station. 🚌 For the second leg of the journey, a bus towards Liverpool will take approximately 5 hours and 10 minutes. The megabus M15N operates this route from London Heathrow Airport T2 and T3 to Manchester Shudehill Interchange, providing a convenient transfer option for travelers.

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