4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Manchester
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 $18. 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 $18, and a train costs an average of $38.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$79 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $64 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 $48 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester costing on average $79 (€64).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 33m.
Travel optionsfrom Cardiff to Manchester
How to get from Cardiff to Manchester by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Cardiff to Manchester is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus · FlixBus6:45 AM5h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)12:05 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$371One-way1 transfer
Cheapest
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:45 AM5h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)12:05 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$371One-way1 transfer
Fastest
- G389862:55 PM3h18Cardiff Central (CDF)6:13 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$711One-way0 transfers
Other options
- G389428:42 AM3h32Cardiff Central (CDF)12:14 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$481One-way0 transfers
- G3896910:43 AM3h32Cardiff Central (CDF)2:15 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$591One-way0 transfers
- G3897411:40 AM3h35Cardiff Central (CDF)3:15 PMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$591One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:45 AM5h30Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)3:15 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$371One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:45 AM5h55Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)3:40 PMManchester, Shudehill Interchange$371One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus12:15 PM5h20Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)5:35 PMManchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East$381One-way1 transfer
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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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FAQs: Travel from Cardiff to Manchester
Travel 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Manchester:
A bus is $48 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester costing on average $79 (€64).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 33m.
- Around 18 buses per day.
- Around 8 trains per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cardiff and Manchester as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Buses mostly depart from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens and arrive in Manchester, Coach Station.
- Travel with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales to go to Manchester by train.
- Travel with Megabus, National Express, FlixBus to go to Manchester by bus.
- 3 direct trains per day with Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
- 0 direct buses per day with Megabus.
Travelling from Cardiff to Manchester: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
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