4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
€65
Average price
€84
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 13 m
Trains per day
28
Distance
232 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around €84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €65.
Of the 28 trains that leave Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) for Cardiff Central (CDF) on Tue, Aug 25, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 3 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
G388853:30 PM3h16Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)6:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers- G3887410:30 AM3h23Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1:53 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- W448387:30 PM3h43Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:13 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- G388801:30 PM3h16Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)4:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- G388708:30 AM3h08Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:38 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- G388708:30 AM3h08Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:38 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- G3887711:30 AM3h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)2:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€761One-way0 transfers
- G388822:30 PM3h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)5:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- G388739:30 AM3h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)12:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
- G388864:30 PM3h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)7:45 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€651One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €26.
Distance: 144 miles (232 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€55 Average price | €27 Average price Cheapest | €52 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 24m Average total duration Fastest 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF):
A bus is €27 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) costing on average €55.
Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 52m.
Tickets start at around €55 compared to roughly €52 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-2.32. The journey takes 3h 54m versus 3h 41m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 G00997+G38864 | On time 5:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h33 | 8:44 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
 G90093+G38907 | On time 5:23 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h55 | 9:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38866 | 6:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 9:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38868 | 7:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 10:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38870 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 11:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01144+ W34618 | 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38873 | 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
 W34090+G38921 | 9:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h21 | 1:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38874 | 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29871+W34624 | 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| W29871 · G01109 | 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h22 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38877 | 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W33975+G38925 | 11:54 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h22 | 3:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38878 | 12:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38880 | 1:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34191+G38927 | 1:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 5:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38882 | 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38885 | 3:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W34277+G38928 | 3:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 7:20 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38886 | 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29908+G14944 | 5:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38890 | 5:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 8:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| C01296+G38934 | 5:54 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h29 | 9:23 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38892 | 6:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 9:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W44838 | 7:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h43 | 11:13 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W44831 | 8:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h59 | 12:29 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W44841 · G38935 | 9:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h16 | 1:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?
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 or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
- 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €26 but you can travel from only €16 by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:27, the last at 19:30. The fastest train covers the 144 miles (232 km) distance in 3h 7m.
Distance 144 miles (232 km) |
Average train duration 3h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price €26 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 5:27 AM |
Last train 7:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from €16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
FAQs: Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Most popular train connections from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
More options for your journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
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