How to travel from Manchester to Chester, United Kingdom

The distance between Manchester and Chester is around 63km (39 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi which takes around 49min.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Manchester to Chester by train, bus, taxi and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out ChesterManchester if you're planning a return trip.

1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Chester.

  • Duration58min
  • Departsevery 30 mins
  • Typical cost
    £18($21)
Operated byNorthern Rail+ 1 others
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Chester.

  • Duration1h 20m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    £6($7)
🚀 Fastest
3
taxi
+

Taxi

Take a taxi to Chester.

  • Duration49min
  • Departson demand
  • Typical cost
    £135($160)
Operated by

STS Cars Manchester

+ 6 others
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Chester.

  • Duration49min
  • Distance72km (45 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Manchester and Chester

There are several options for getting from Manchester to Chester by train, bus, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around £6 ($7) and will take around 1h 20m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and arrive in approximately 49min, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £135 ($160).

The distance between Manchester and Chester is around 63km (39 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 54km (33 miles)

It takes around 58min to get from Manchester and Chester by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 49min to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Manchester to Chester is to take a taxi which takes around 49min and will set you back approx £135 ($160).

The cheapest way to travel between Manchester and Chester, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around £6 ($7) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Manchester and Chester. It typically takes around 58min and departs hourly.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Manchester and Chester with no changeovers required. The train runs hourly and takes 58min.

Northern Rail run train services between Manchester and Chester. Trains depart hourly and will take around 58min, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Manchester and Chester. It typically takes around 1h 20m and departs twice daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Manchester and Chester with no changeovers required. The bus runs twice daily and takes 1h 20m.

National Express run regular bus services between Manchester and Chester. Buses run twice daily and take around 1h 20m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Manchester to Chester. We recommend that you take the train to Chester. instead which will take 58min.

The closest major airport to Chester is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) (LPL) which is approximately 16km (10 miles) from Chester. Manchester Airport (MAN) (MAN) and Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA) (LBA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Manchester and Chester. The distance is around 72km (45 miles) by road and it will take around 49min in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Manchester to Chester is to take the train which takes, on average, 58min and will usually cost around £18 ($21).

How do I get from Manchester to Chester

Compare travel optionsbetween Manchester and Chester

Transport options from Manchester to Chester
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
58min
£18($21)
every 30 mins63km (39 miles)
Bus
1h 20m
£6($7)
twice daily68km (42 miles)
Taxi
49min
£135($160)
on demand72km (45 miles)
Drive
49min
£8($10)
on demand72km (45 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Manchester and Chester

Train operators

Bus companies

Airports near Chester

The following major airports near Chester offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United Kingdom and internationally.

LPL
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
International Airport
Distance
16km (10 miles) from Chester
MAN
Manchester Airport (MAN)
International Airport
Distance
45km (28 miles) from Chester
LBA
Leeds Bradford Airport (LBA)
International Airport
Distance
111km (69 miles) from Chester