How to travel from Manchester to Holyhead, United Kingdom

The distance between Manchester and Holyhead is around 199km (123 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 5m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Manchester to Holyhead by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

💰 Cheapest
1
train
+

Train

Take the train to Holyhead.

  • Duration2h 45m
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    £68($80)
Operated by

Transport for Wales

1 similiar route

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to Holyhead.

  • Duration2h 5m
  • Distance199km (124 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Manchester and Holyhead

There are several options for getting from Manchester to Holyhead by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around £68 ($80) and will take around 2h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 5m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately £35 ($41).

The distance between Manchester and Holyhead is around 199km (123 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 159km (99 miles)

It takes around 2h 45m to get from Manchester and Holyhead by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 5m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Manchester to Holyhead is to drive which takes around 2h 5m and will set you back approx £35 ($41).

The cheapest way to travel between Manchester and Holyhead, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around £68 ($80) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Manchester and Holyhead. It typically takes around 2h 45m and departs once daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Manchester and Holyhead with no changeovers required. The train runs once daily and takes 2h 45m.

Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast run train services between Manchester and Holyhead. Trains depart once daily and will take around 2h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Manchester and Holyhead. We recommend that you drive to Holyhead. instead which will take 2h 5m.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Manchester to Holyhead. We recommend that you take the train to Holyhead. instead which will take 2h 45m.

The closest major airport to Holyhead is Isle of Man Airport (IOM) (IOM) which is approximately 86km (54 miles) from Holyhead. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL) (LPL) and Manchester Airport (MAN) (MAN) 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 Holyhead. The distance is around 199km (124 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 5m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Manchester to Holyhead is to take the train which takes, on average, 2h 45m and will usually cost around £68 ($80).

How do I get from Manchester to Holyhead

Compare travel optionsbetween Manchester and Holyhead

Transport options from Manchester to Holyhead
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train + 1 similar
2h 45m
£68($80)
every 20 mins199km (123 miles)
Train via Chester2h 50m
£68($80)
hourly199km (124 miles)
Drive
2h 5m
£35($41)
on demand199km (124 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Manchester and Holyhead

Train operators

Airports near Holyhead

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

IOM
Isle of Man Airport (IOM)
Domestic Airport
Distance
86km (54 miles) from Holyhead
LPL
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL)
International Airport
Distance
118km (73 miles) from Holyhead
MAN
Manchester Airport (MAN)
International Airport
Distance
157km (97 miles) from Holyhead