Cardiff to Manchester train with Transport for Wales

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Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jan 25

Cheapest

$73

Average

$78

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

Cheapest

W20878

12:53PM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

04:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$731One-way

0 transfers

Cheapest

W19102

01:53PM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

05:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$731One-way

0 transfers

W18189

09:53AM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

01:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$821One-way

0 transfers

W18589

08:54AM3h19

Cardiff Central (CDF)

12:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$821One-way

0 transfers

W18186

11:53AM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

03:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$821One-way

0 transfers

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester train times

Showing trains for today, Friday, January 24

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
Y22200	On time 08:18AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	3h41	11:59AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 transfer
P11660	On time 08:45AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	3h44	12:29PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 transfer
W18588	On time 08:53AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	3h20	12:13PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 transfersDirect
Y22202	On time 09:19AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	3h40	12:59PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 transfer
P11693_C65950	On time 09:45AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	3h44	01:29PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	1 transfer
W18188	On time 09:53AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	3h20	01:13PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	0 transfersDirect
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Manchester is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Manchester route.

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Manchester per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cardiff to Manchester.

Trains

from $69

Buses

from $25

Fastest train times from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times and prices for Jan 25

Fastest Journey

3 h 19 m

Average

3 h 20 m

Trains per day

Distance

231 km

Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Manchester every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Fastest

W18589

08:54AM3h19

Cardiff Central (CDF)

12:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$821One-way

0 transfers

W19089

10:53AM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

02:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$911One-way

0 transfers

W20878

12:53PM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

04:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$731One-way

0 transfers

W18189

09:53AM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

01:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$821One-way

0 transfers

W19102

01:53PM3h20

Cardiff Central (CDF)

05:13PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)

$731One-way

0 transfers

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Manchester

Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€32) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.

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 $13 (€11)

Distance

143 miles (231 km)

Average train duration

3h 40m

Cheapest ticket price

$36 (€32)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Train providers

Fastest train

3h 22m

First train

00:26

Last train

23:51

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $13 (€11)

Train providers: Transport for Wales and CrossCountry from Cardiff to Manchester trains

You can travel by train to Manchester from Cardiff with Transport for Wales and CrossCountry for as low as $45 (€40). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.

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.

Cardiff to Manchester train information with Transport for Wales:

Average Duration: 3 h 19 min
Cheapest Price: $45

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Manchester

FAQs: Travel by train from Cardiff to Manchester easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Manchester.

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester can start from as little as $36 (€32) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester is $68 (€62); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

The average journey time by train from Cardiff to Manchester is 3 h 22 min to travel the 143 mile (231 km) long trip, with around there are 7 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.

The first train from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 3: 04 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.

The last train from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 11: 36 PM.

Yes, there are 3 direct trains a day from Cardiff to Manchester with Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.

For the best Cardiff to Manchester train to purchase, you can travel safely and comfortably with Transport for Wales or CrossCountry. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services between Cardiff and Manchester to compare what amenities they may offer.

No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 11: 36 PM.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Cardiff Central, which is located around 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Manchester Piccadilly, located 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre.

A trip to Manchester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 22 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to Manchester is June.

You have options as you can travel to Manchester from Cardiff 2 different ways: bus or train.

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Manchester

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.

Cardiff Central Wifi

Amenities at train station

Wifi

Shopping

Parking

Dining

ATM

Taxis

Accessibility

Hotel

Lounge

Lost and Found Office

Ticket Office

Address

Central Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom

Phone Number

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.

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

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)