4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
3 h 55 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) on Wed, Aug 05, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 3 h 55 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.
8:34 AM3h55Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)12:29 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$741One-way0 transfers
- 8:34 AM3h55Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)12:29 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$741One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $23, and a train costs an average of $35.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$68 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 42m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN):
A bus is $37 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) costing on average $68.
Other travel options to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 20m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (3h 27m by train vs 3h 42m by car). Tickets start at around $68 compared to roughly $62 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:34 AM Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 3h55 | 12:29 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 Queen Street (CDQ) 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.
Aug 05
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Aug 10
Aug 11
Why should you book Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $35 but you can travel from only $23 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:32, the last at 16:42. The fastest train covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 5:32 AM |
Last train 4:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from $23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Most Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains use the Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ)
Most popular train connections to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
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