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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Showing times and prices for Dec 21
Cheapest price
$80
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 22 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
232 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.
Fast trains
Of the 18 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) on Sun, Dec 21, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 3 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 19 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 3 h 26 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
L6481502:55PM3h19
Cardiff Central (CDF)06:14PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$801One-way
0 transfers
L6481804:41PM3h34
Cardiff Central (CDF)08:15PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$801One-way
0 transfers
L6481201:51PM3h24
Cardiff Central (CDF)05:15PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$801One-way
0 transfers
L6482005:55PM3h20
Cardiff Central (CDF)09:15PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$891One-way
0 transfers
L6481603:55PM3h19
Cardiff Central (CDF)07:14PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$931One-way
0 transfers
L6481502:55PM3h19
Cardiff Central (CDF)06:14PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$801One-way
0 transfers
L6481603:55PM3h19
Cardiff Central (CDF)07:14PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$931One-way
0 transfers
L6482005:55PM3h20
Cardiff Central (CDF)09:15PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$891One-way
0 transfers
L6481201:51PM3h24
Cardiff Central (CDF)05:15PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$801One-way
0 transfers
L6480409:45AM3h26
Cardiff Central (CDF)01:11PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)
$1061One-way
0 transfers
Cardiff Central (CDF) - Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)Compare Transport for Wales, CrossCountry
$53
3h 15m
6 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
$64
3h 39m
6 a day
Power plugs
Wifi
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €21, and a train costs an average of €35.
Distance: 144 miles (232 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€72 Average price | €41 Average price Cheapest |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 52m Average total duration 5h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains for today, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:21 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L64809 | On time 10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 L23183+ C75305 | On time 11:20 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 2:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L64792 | On time 11:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L65717+C74909 | On time 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L23184+C74909 | On time 12:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L64813 | On time 12:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L65723+C74911 | On time 1:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L23185+C74911 | On time 1:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L64794 | On time 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L65728+C74913 | On time 2:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L23186+C74913 | On time 2:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L64819 | On time 2:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 6:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L23188+C75306 | On time 3:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 6:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L64796 | On time 3:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 7:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L64833+ L02246 | On time 4:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 7:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L23189+C74915 | On time 4:23 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 7:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
| L64822 | On time 4:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 8:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L64798 | On time 5:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 9:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L64824 | On time 6:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 10:20 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L64801 | On time 8:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 11:43 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L64779 | On time 8:42 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 12:14 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L64804 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h26 | 1:11 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) by train or bus
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and Cross Country offer trains services from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Transport for Wales tickets can be bought on Transport for Wales's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and Cross Country to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) but you can travel from only $26 (€21) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 19:10. The fastest train covers the 144 miles (232 km) distance in 3h 15m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $26 (€21)
Distance 144 miles (232 km) |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€35) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 05:46 |
Last train 19:10 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $26 (€21)
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from $26 (€21). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
$53 (€42)
Transport for Wales frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 39m
Cheapest Price
$64 (€52)
CrossCountry frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
$279 (€224)
Cross Country frequency
11 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is 144 miles (232 km).
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 15m. There are 13 trains per day covering a distance of 144 miles (232 km).
Yes, the train journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly is scenic, offering views of the Welsh countryside, the rolling hills of the Borders, and glimpses of historical towns along the route.
The train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) takes 3h 15m and runs 13 per day.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $44 (€35), while the average price is around $90 (€72).
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 7:10 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is by bus, with a cost of around $26 (€21).
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 5:46 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN). This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cardiff
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your journey to Manchester from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transit options for Manchester Piccadilly
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most popular train connections to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomTrain Times to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train
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