Manchester to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for May 01

Cheapest price

$90

Average price

$90

Fastest journey

4 h 14 m

Average duration

4 h 14 m

Trains per day

Distance

231 km

Cheap tickets

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

P11845 · P11987

05:11AM4h14

Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

09:25AMCardiff Central (CDF)

$901One-way

1 transfer

Live departures

Manchester to Cardiff train times

Showing trains for today, Wednesday, April 30

Last updated at 4:04 AM

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Transfers
P11845 · P11987	On time 4:11 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	4h14	8:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	1 transfer
W18790	On time 5:27 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h20	8:47 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19060	On time 6:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h19	9:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19115	On time 7:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h08	10:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
P12047+Y21967	On time 8:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h33	11:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	1 transfer
W19058	On time 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h15	11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19057	On time 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h19	12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
P12057+Y21971	On time 10:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h33	1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	1 transfer
W19100	On time 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h14	1:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19091	On time 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h13	2:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19114	On time 12:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h16	3:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
P12075+Y21977	On time 1:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h32	4:35 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	1 transfer
W18789	On time 1:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h14	4:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W18787	On time 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h15	5:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W18922	On time 3:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h14	6:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
P12094+W18732	On time 4:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h56	7:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	1 transfer
W19111	On time 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h24	7:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19075	On time 5:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h22	8:52 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W20997	On time 6:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h34	10:04 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect
W19053	On time 7:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)	3h51	11:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)	0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

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

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

Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Manchester to Cardiff.

Trains

from $87

Buses

from $17

More than 1,000 travel companies trust us to sell their tickets all in one place.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Cardiff

United Kingdom

Trains from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€28) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) 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 $16 (€13)

Distance

143 miles (231 km)

Average train duration

3h 31m

Cheapest ticket price

$33 (€28)

Trains per day

Direct trains

Train providers

Fastest train

3h 5m

First train

05:11

Last train

20:30

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Bus from $16 (€13)

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

Find the best trains to Cardiff from Manchester with Omio's travel partners Transport for Wales and CrossCountry from $50 (€42). We can find you the best deals, schedules and tickets when comparing and booking the best route.

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.

Transport for Wales from Manchester to Cardiff train information:

Average Duration: 3 h 5 min
Cheapest Price: $53

Cross Country trains are a UK-based train operator that provides services across the country including trains to Cardiff from Manchester. They offer a range of services, from express services to local services, and have a variety of ticket types to suit different needs. Their express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and CrossCountry XC Trains, offer a fast and comfortable journey, with onboard facilities such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Their local services, such as the CrossCountry Regional and CrossCountry Regional Express, provide a more leisurely journey, with stops at smaller stations along the way. They also offer a range of ticket types, such as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak tickets, to suit different budgets and travel needs. The most popular routes for Cross Country trains include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.

CrossCountry from Manchester to Cardiff train information:

Average Duration: 3 h 35 min
Cheapest Price: $50

Train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff: when to book to save $

Time	Price	Savings
1 week earlier	34 €
2 weeks earlier	31 €	10%
3 weeks earlier	29 €	17%
1 month before	32 €	6%
2 months earlier	30 €	13%
3 months earlier	30 €	13%

All train ticket offers

Discover

Train companies often offer promotional prices and offers—by buying in advance—you can get access the best prices for trains in the U.S., Canada, and the major European railroad operators. Search on Omio to check prices and cheap train tickets from Manchester - Cardiff. Easily find the most attractive rates and choose the your preferred route for your journey. Book and choose your mobile ticket: avoid the queues at the station and the added stress of printing your ticket.

The rule of buying in advance to save money is not only valid when booking a flight but also for train travel. Train tickets are generally on sale 6 months before the departure date. Some train booking tips from us:

Buying your train ticket from Manchester - Cardiff 3 weeks in advance means you can save on average up to 17% compared to the price available on the day of departure.
If you book a ticket Manchester - Cardiff with 2 months in advance you save up to about 13% compared to the initial price.
By booking 3 months in advance, you could save up to 13%.
On Omio you can find all offers, train times and prices for train travel in Europe, the U.S., and Canada.

FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Cardiff

FAQs: Travel by train from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Manchester to Cardiff.

Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff can start from as little as $44 (€36) when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Cardiff is $75 (€62); however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.

On average the Manchester to Cardiff train time is 3 h 12 min covering the 143 mile (231 km) long route, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.

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

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

Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Cardiff without having to change trains with Transport for Wales. There are 3 direct trains from Manchester to Cardiff each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.

Take the Manchester to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales or CrossCountry. However, it's always good to check out all possible train providers for the journey from Manchester to Cardiff as there might be differences in the amenities they offer.

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

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

A trip to Cardiff from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 12 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.

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

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

Popular train stations from Manchester to Cardiff

Manchester

Cardiff

The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.

Manchester Piccadilly Wifi