How to get from Manchester to Watford

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What is the best way to travel from Manchester to Watford?

Looking for a trip? Check and compare all the available Trains, Flights and Buses to Watford from Manchester. Look at different modes of transportation, search for the cheapest tickets, fastest rides and most popular stations, and see all 6 available companies to find your perfect trip!
Train is the cheapest, while Flight is the fastest way on this route
Transport type
Travel time
Cheapest price
Average price
Daily departures
Train
2h 1m
£8
£57
38
Flight
1h 0m
£97
£166
39

What is the cheapest way to reach Watford from Manchester?

You can reach Watford with just £8 by taking a Train from Northern, but there are many more cheap offers: we have selected the best ones for you for the next few days here.

Friday
from £44
Saturday
from £35
Sunday
from £42
Monday
from £8
Tuesday
Wednesday
from £13
Thursday
from £97

    Cheapest Trains Friday

  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 3m
    0
    08:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:58
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £44
  • Northern
    3h 41m
    0
    09:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:47
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £59
  • East Midlands Railway
    3h 8m
    0
    08:39
    Manchester
    Oxford Road Station
    11:47
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    East Midlands Railway
    Economy
    from £86
  • TransPennine Express
    3h 17m
    0
    09:09
    Manchester
    Oxford Road Station
    12:26
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    TransPennine Express
    Economy
    from £96

    Cheapest Trains Saturday

  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 1m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    07:56
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £35
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 23m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    08:18
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £38
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 22m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    08:17
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £38
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 28m
    0
    05:05
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    07:33
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £85

    Cheapest Trains Sunday

  • Northern
    4h 18m
    0
    08:09
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:27
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £42
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 45m
    0
    08:05
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:50
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £84
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 43m
    0
    08:05
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:48
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £84
  • CrossCountry
    3h 9m
    0
    08:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:35
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £84

    Cheapest Trains Monday

  • Northern
    4h 27m
    0
    17:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    21:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £8
  • Northern
    4h 27m
    0
    07:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £18
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 18m
    0
    13:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £25
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 19m
    0
    15:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    17:34
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £25

    Cheapest Trains Wednesday

  • Northern
    4h 27m
    0
    09:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £13
  • Northern
    4h 27m
    0
    12:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    16:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £13
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 18m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £41
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 33m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:48
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £41

    Cheapest Flights Thursday

  • British Airways
    1h 0m
    0
    16:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    17:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £97
  • British Airways
    1h 0m
    0
    14:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    15:00
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £99
  • British Airways
    1h 0m
    0
    19:40
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:40
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £99
  • British Airways
    1h 10m
    0
    07:50
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    09:00
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £132

What are the fastest trips from Manchester to Watford?

You can get to Watford from Manchester in just 1h 0m with a Flight from British Airways. But this is just one option, click on any of the offers below to compare it with the other available modes of transportations.

Friday
from 3h 3m
Saturday
from 2h 1m
Sunday
from 2h 43m
Monday
from 2h 18m
Tuesday
Wednesday
from 2h 18m
Thursday
from 1h 0m

    Fastest Trains Friday

  • Avanti West Coast
    3h 3m
    0
    08:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:58
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £44
  • East Midlands Railway
    3h 8m
    0
    08:39
    Manchester
    Oxford Road Station
    11:47
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    East Midlands Railway
    Economy
    from £86
  • CrossCountry
    3h 9m
    0
    09:03
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    12:12
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £232
  • TransPennine Express
    3h 17m
    0
    09:09
    Manchester
    Oxford Road Station
    12:26
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    TransPennine Express
    Economy
    from £96

    Fastest Trains Saturday

  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 1m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    07:56
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £35
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 13m
    0
    05:05
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    07:18
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £85
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 22m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    08:17
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £38
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 23m
    0
    05:55
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    08:18
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £38

    Fastest Trains Sunday

  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 43m
    0
    08:05
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:48
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £84
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 45m
    0
    08:05
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    10:50
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £84
  • CrossCountry
    3h 7m
    0
    08:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:33
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £84
  • CrossCountry
    3h 9m
    0
    08:26
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    11:35
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    CrossCountry
    Economy
    from £84

    Fastest Trains Monday

  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 18m
    0
    13:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    15:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £25
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 19m
    0
    15:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    17:34
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £25
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 18m
    0
    17:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    20:48
    Watford
    Bushey Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £27
  • Northern
    4h 27m
    0
    17:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    21:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £8

    Fastest Trains Wednesday

  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 18m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £41
  • Avanti West Coast
    2h 33m
    0
    12:15
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    14:48
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Avanti West Coast
    Economy
    from £41
  • Transport for Wales
    3h 21m
    0
    13:30
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    16:51
    Watford
    High Street Station
    0
    Transport for Wales
    Economy
    from £42
  • Northern
    4h 27m
    0
    09:06
    Manchester
    Piccadilly Train Station
    13:33
    Watford
    Junction Station
    0
    Northern
    Economy
    from £13

    Fastest Flights Thursday

  • British Airways
    1h 0m
    0
    16:25
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    17:25
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £97
  • British Airways
    1h 0m
    0
    14:00
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    15:00
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £99
  • British Airways
    1h 0m
    0
    19:40
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    20:40
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £99
  • British Airways
    1h 10m
    0
    07:50
    Manchester Airport
    Manchester Airport
    09:00
    London Heathrow Airport
    London Heathrow Airport - Central Bus Station
    0
    British Airways
    Economy
    from £132
Here you will find all operators and timetables for a Bus from Manchester to Watford

What are the most popular stations in Manchester and Watford?

In Manchester, you will usually depart from Victoria Station, Piccadilly Train Station or Shudehill Interchange, while in Watford you will be arriving at Bushey Station, Gap or Carpenders Park Station, but there are many more stops to explore in both locations.

How do I decide? Some tips and tricks from our experience

Are you having trouble deciding on how to get to Watford from Manchester? With 5 connections between 6 Train, Flight and Bus operators, it can be difficult to find the one ride that will make you happy. But we have some tips that can help you make the best informed decision. First of all, the best trip is always the one that meets all your needs, so make a list of all the things that you want from this journey and look for something that will satisfy all of them. Here we will go through some of the factors mostly commonly taken into consideration.

Look for the lowest price

Ticket price is usually the main concern: even if you can afford to pay more, why do it if there are cheaper options? Saving on the trip means that you can spend more on the vacation itself! Between Manchester and Watford, you can pay as low as £8 with a Train from Northern.

Travel duration

Time is also an important factor. An earlier departure may allow you to see a beautiful sunset or relax before an important event. And remember, time is money, so paying more for a shorter trip may be well worth it. For longer distances, flights are without doubt the best options, but be mindful of airport times and possible delays: a high-speed train may end up cheaper and faster! Here the quicker option is definitely the Flight from British Airways: you will get to Watford in just 1h 0m.

Comfort makes all the difference

You should always take into account what your personal travelling preferences are. Is one hand luggage enough, or are you trasporting more? Would you like to have a snack during the journey? Can you relax in a busy compartment, or do you need space for yourself? Even among the same mode of transportation, different companies will offer you varying levels of comfort and amenities. The main operators connecting Manchester and Watford are Avanti West Coast, Northern and British Airways, but be sure to check what they have to offer!

Save money with deals, and always compare

One last tip? Even if you live in Manchester and Watford is your only destination, it may be wise to check the offers from and to nearby cities or, if you are flyng, nearby airports. Check the trips from Salford or to Bushey, and look at flights from Liverpool Airport, and landing at Farnborough Airport. Comparing different routes may allow you to find deals or promotions you were not aware of. Consider also signing up to CheckMyBus to see even more exclusive promotions!

Which companies offer a trip from Manchester to Watford?

The most popular companies between Manchester and Watford, are Avanti West Coast, Northern and British Airways. Be sure to check their seat class offers and the amenities that they provide.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Northern, CrossCountry and 3 more.

Airlines: British Airways, Ryanair, EasyJet Airline and 3 more.

All you need to know when you travel from Manchester to Watford

Check all information on comfort and services on all modes of transports from Manchester to Watford. See which seat classes are available, and what amenities are other advantages offered by the operators on your journey.

FAQs about the trip from Manchester to Watford

How can I reach Watford from Manchester?

Every day, there are on average 5 connections between Train, Flight and Bus, with which you can get to Watford from Manchester.

How far is Watford from Manchester?

The distance between Manchester and Watford is 238.5 km.

What is the most ecofriendly mode of transport between Manchester and Watford?

Trains and buses are by far the greenest options, with trains surpassing buses on longer routes. Planes will always be the worst polluters, especially in shorter flights, were the emissions from the takeoff and landing are less offset by the distance. On this particular route, a bus will emit, per person, a total of 6 kgs of CO2, a train 8 kgs, a car 41 kgs, and a flight 59 kgs.

What is the cheapest mode of transport from Manchester to Watford?

You can get to Watford with just £8 by taking a Train from Northern.

What is the fastest way to get from Manchester to Watford?

While a plane is travelling fastest boarding and transfer to airport consumes a lot of time. Usually, high speed trains are better than flights if pure train travel time is below 4 hours. For this particular route, you can get to Watford in just 1h 0m with a Flight from British Airways.

More routes to Manchester and to Watford

Looking for more options? Here you can see the most popular routes to Manchester and to Watford. Simply click on a connection, and you’ll find all the details about the route!

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