- Must visit
Science and Industry Museum
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Cheapest price
Kč694
Average price
Kč2231
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 19 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
231 km
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.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around Kč2231 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only Kč694.
Of the 21 trains that leave Cardiff for Manchester on Mon, Aug 24, 9 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 3 h 20 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.
G00900 · G00866
G38943
Y62730
G38983
G38945
G38967
G38983
G38947
G38950
G38975Omio 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 Kč375. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 1m. 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 Kč375, and a train costs an average of Kč661.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
Kč1209 Average price | Kč608 Average price Cheapest | Kč1346 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 35m Average total duration 5h 5m 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 Kč601 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester costing on average Kč1209.
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 5m.
Tickets start at around Kč1209 compared to roughly Kč1346 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about Kč136. The journey takes 4h 1m versus 3h 49m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 24. 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 | |
V11680+ W34204 | 5:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h26 | 8:45 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
Y62730 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 9:13 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35160+ G66716 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h06 | 9:59 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
G39024+ W34273 | 7:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 10:44 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
G39027+ W34040 | 9:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 12:44 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 | |
G39032+ W34179 | 11:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 2:44 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
G00900 · G00866 | 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 3:29 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 transfer | |
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 | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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 4h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at Kč661 but you can travel from only Kč375 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 18m.
Distance 143 miles (231 km) |
Average train duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price Kč661 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 2:37 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
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.
Leading museum of science, industry, transport, and computing on a historic railway site. Essential for understanding Manchester's global impact.
Major art museum with Pre-Raphaelite works, design, and changing exhibitions. A central cultural stop with broad appeal.
The University of Manchester museum spans dinosaurs, Egypt, nature, and anthropology. Recently renewed and excellent for varied interests.
Historic canal-side district with Roman remains, warehouses, and walkable towpaths. One of Manchester's most atmospheric urban areas.
Central square framed by grand civic buildings, museums, and monuments. A classic starting point for exploring the city centre.
Creative quarter of street art, music history, indie shops, and nightlife. It is one of Manchester's most characterful neighborhoods.
A flaky pastry pie filled with spiced potatoes, onion and often chickpeas. Created by Manchester’s South Asian community and now a city staple.
A comforting Northern pudding of suet pastry filled with beef and onion, traditionally steamed and served with gravy. Common in Greater Manchester pubs.
Manchester’s classic order of battered fish with chips, often served with mushy peas and curry sauce. A long-standing local takeaway favourite.
Iconic market bakery and café known for Manchester tarts, Eccles cakes and hearty lunches. Casual, busy and deeply rooted in local food culture.
Refined modern British fine dining in a restored townhouse. Known for tasting menus, polished service and one of Manchester’s top culinary reputations.
Lively Indian restaurant famous for bold curries, grills and chaat. A long-established Rusholme favourite with a casual, energetic atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than London, while dining and transit are manageable for tourists with many mid-range options.
Service may be included. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafe tipping is optional.
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.
Manchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need