- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Major museum on Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering, and transport, set on the historic Liverpool Road site.

Cheapest price
$59
Average price
$59
Fastest journey
9h 25m
Average duration
9h 25m
Buses per day
1
Distance
141 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$78 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 49m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Manchester:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester costing on average $78 (€64).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 33m.
You'll arrive about 22m sooner (3h 27m by train vs 3h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $78 (€64) compared to roughly $63 (€52) 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, 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38943 | 4:33 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 8:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Y62730 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 9:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15040+ G66716 | 6:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 9:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38945 | 6:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 10:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35167+ G66721 | 7:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 10:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38947 | 7:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 11:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15041+ G00854 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 11:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38967 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 12:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35432+ G66730 | 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 12:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38950 | 9:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 1:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35178+ G66735 | 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 1:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38975 | 10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 2:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38953 | 11:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 3:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15046+ G00872 | 12:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 3:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38983 | 12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 4:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35434+ G00876 | 1:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 4:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G38955 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 5:13 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35188+ G00883 | 2:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 5:59 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y62764 | 8:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 11:37 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39013+ G90053 | 9:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h01 | 1:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:37, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 143 miles (231 km) distance in 3h 19m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 2:37 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major museum on Manchester’s industrial heritage, science, engineering, and transport, set on the historic Liverpool Road site.
Large university museum with noted natural history, archaeology, and cultural collections; recently renewed and very popular.
Football museum with trophies, memorabilia, and interactive exhibits; one of the city’s best-known paid attractions.
Creative district known for street art, independent shops, music culture, and photogenic corners popular with younger visitors.
Historic canalside area with Roman origins, warehouses, waterside walks, and one of the city’s most scenic urban settings.
Important civic square framed by major buildings and transport links, often used as a central point for exploring the city.
A classic local dessert made with shortcrust pastry, raspberry jam, custard, coconut, and a cherry. It is one of Manchester’s best-known traditional sweets.
A famous pastry from Eccles in Greater Manchester, filled with currants, sugar, and spice. It is a long-established regional bake closely associated with the area.
A traditional blood sausage strongly linked with nearby Bury and widely eaten in Manchester, often served at breakfast. It is a staple of the region’s food culture.
A well-known casual spot celebrated for high-quality Neapolitan pizza, relaxed service, and consistently strong local reputation.
A popular casual venue for Indian street food and craft beer, known for lively atmosphere and strong vegetarian selection.
An established fine-dining restaurant in The Midland, known for polished modern British cooking and elegant historic surroundings.
Moderate by UK standards. Budget food is easy to find, but hotels and central dining cost more.
Service charge may be added in restaurants. If not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. Round up taxis. Tipping is not expected for pubs or counter service.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly, Manchester -> St Peter's Square, Manchester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Manchester trains use the Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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