Chester is the perfect destination for shopaholics, weekend retreaters, and history buffs alike. This 2000-year-old city is home to the most complete set of city walls in the UK, the largest outlet centre in Britain, and the world-famous Chester Zoo. Visiting Chester by train works for the whole family.
Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet is the premier shopping destination in the UK when shopping for big brands, with up to 60% off of your favourites and 400,000 square feet of space. As well as the diverse selection of shops, Cheshire Oaks also offers a worldwide buffet of cafes and restaurants ranging from Lebanon to Japan to comfort home foods.
If local shops are more your thing, The Rows offers a great choice of independent shops located in 700 year-old buildings, or, test the new Modern Traditional Market where you can shop local and eat global.
Fancy travelling back in time? Visit any of Chester’s historic locations, like the racecourse, The Roodee, the oldest of its kind still in operation.
If racing doesn’t pique your interest perhaps a visit to the city walls, the cathedral or the Roman amphitheatre (the largest in Britain), will teach you everything you want to know about ancient and mediaeval Cheshire.
If you’re looking for a fun family day out, perhaps a trip to Chester Zoo, the most visited attraction outside of London, or a meander through the Blue Planet aquarium, the largest of its kind in the North-West of England.
Find trains to Chester and plan your journey with Northern today!
Popular trains to Chester
Leeds to Chester
Manchester Victoria to Chester
Manchester Piccadilly to Chester
Popular trains from Chester
Chester to Leeds
Chester to Manchester Piccadilly
Chester to Liverpool Lime Street
Chester train stations
Northern operates out of two stations within Cheshire. The first is Chester train station, which sees 3 million passengers a year, and is located next to Grosvenor Park. The other is Ince and Elton which is a small station servicing the towns and sees 2 trains a day.
Chester
From Chester station, Northern is able to run services to both Manchester Piccadilly and Leeds. Standing since 1875, the station’s beautiful Italianate facade has persevered through the years and the recent refurbishment in 2007. Visiting Chester by train couldn't be easier.
Learn more about Chester stationDid you know?
Chester’s city walls form a complete, walkable loop around the historic core. While other Northern cities retain fragments of walls, Chester is unique in integrating an unbroken defensive circuit into daily life.
Did you know?
Chester’s city walls form a complete, walkable loop around the historic core. While other Northern cities retain fragments of walls, Chester is unique in integrating an unbroken defensive circuit into daily life.
Cheap train tickets to Chester
Buy an Advance train ticket to Chester
Booking in advance is the best way to get our lowest fares, allowing you to save up to 60% compared to buying an Anytime or Off-Peak ticket on the day. Advance train tickets are released 12 weeks before travel and can be purchased up to 15 minutes before departure if tickets are still available.
Save by purchasing a Railcard
A Railcard is a discount card that lets you save up to one-third on train tickets. They are a great way to secure cheap rail fares. Purchasing a Railcard is easy and typically only costs £35 for a whole year.
Family tickets to and from Chester
Northern's family tickets offer plenty of journeys to and from the city of Chester. Find cheaper journeys with your family to large destinations like Manchester and Leeds, or head for a quiet day out to Hebden Bridge or Halifax. There are plenty of options available.
Discounted attractions and experiences
Make your visit even better with discounts on attractions, experiences and family days out across the region. Discover great value offers and start planning your next adventure.
Go Ape
Go Ape Delamere Forest is home to four awesome outdoor activities for adventurers of all ages.
Young children over 1m tall will have the best day out tackling Treetop Adventure.
Useful travel tips
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Live train times
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Swap on the day
Change of plans? Swap your Advance tickets.
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Trains to Chester FAQs
Save up to 60% on train tickets to Chester when you book in advance with Northern. Advance tickets allow you to book up to 12 weeks in advance of travel. Visit National Rail to find out the list of dates currently available for booking our Advance tickets.
Don't worry if your plans change – you can swap the departure time of your Advanced train ticket for another same-day Northern service in just a few steps for as little as £1.50.
Chester is the main train station, which operates as the hub for rail travel in the city.
Pets are welcome on Northern trains to Chester. Up to two pets per passenger can travel for free and dogs must be kept on the lead at all times or in a carrier. Find out more about taking your dog on a Northern train.
There are no specific luggage restrictions on Northern trains to Chester. However, we ask that passengers are mindful of how much luggage they bring and use the dedicated luggage space provided. Please do not block the train doors, walkways or use seats for luggage.
Peak times on Chester trains range from 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 19:00. For more information on peak and off-peak times head here.
If you lose an item on a Northern train to Chester or at a Chester station, we will do our best to find the item for you. To report a lost item, call 0800 200 6060 or find out more on specific stations here.
Chester train station does offer parking facilities, however, spaces may be limited, so it's best to check availability in advance.
Bicycles are allowed on Northern trains to Chester, however, space is limited and is first come, first served. We ask that those using bicycles not to block doorways and use the dedicated bike spaces. Find more about cycling with Northern here.
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Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.