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Manchester to Watford by train

First train

04:55

Last train

20:15

Departure station

Manchester

Arrival station

Watford

Journey time

From 2h 1m

Distance

148 miles (238 km)

Frequency

3 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Train operators

Avanti West Coast

Traveling from Manchester to Watford by train

Looking to travel from Manchester to Watford by train? You've come to the right place!

On average, it takes around 2 hours 21 minutes to travel from Manchester to Watford by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 2 hours 1 minute though. You'll usually find 3 trains per day running along the 238 km route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won't need to make any changes on your way to Watford.

Plan your trip ahead and book your train tickets in advance if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Just start a search in our Journey Planner to view the latest prices for trains from Manchester to Watford.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Watford by train, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times.

FAQs for Manchester to Watford

Want to know more about your journey from Manchester to Watford? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Manchester to Watford take?

The average journey time by train between Manchester and Watford is 2 hours and 21 minutes, with around 3 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Manchester and Watford by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Manchester to Watford is 2 hours and 1 minute.

Is there a direct train from Manchester to Watford?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Watford without having to change trains. There are 3 direct trains from Manchester to Watford each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Manchester to Watford leave?

The first train from Manchester to Watford leaves at 04:55. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Manchester to Watford leave?

The last train from Manchester to Watford leaves at 20:15. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Manchester and Watford by train?

Trains travelling from Manchester to Watford cover a distance of around 148 miles (238 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Watford to Manchester.

Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Watford

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Manchester to Watford is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

What are my ticket options for this journey?

If you're like us, you've probably seen the sheer number of ticket types available in the UK and wondered "Why are there so many?!" To help, we've put together a handy guide to the main UK ticket types, simply tap the one you’re interested in to find out more.

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