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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 an average ticket price of $38 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $38, while a train costs an average of $88.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$88 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 26m Average total duration 5h 56m 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 $50 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester costing on average $88 (€74).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 26m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (3h 24m by train vs 3h 49m by car). Tickets start at around $88 (€74) compared to roughly $62 (€52) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
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 train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
G00854+G395988:10 AM3h49Cardiff Central (CDF)11:59 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$791One-way1 transfer
Cheapest
- G00854+G395988:10 AM3h49Cardiff Central (CDF)11:59 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$791One-way1 transfer
Fastest
- G389477:53 AM3h20Cardiff Central (CDF)11:13 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$881One-way0 transfers
Other options
- G389456:46 AM3h27Cardiff Central (CDF)10:13 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$791One-way0 transfers
G15041+G008548:18 AM3h41Cardiff Central (CDF)11:59 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1191One-way1 transfer- G15040+G667166:24 AM3h35Cardiff Central (CDF)9:59 AMManchester Piccadilly (MAN)$1441One-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
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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 $50 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Manchester costing on average $88 (€74).
Other travel options to Manchester take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 26m.
- Around 19 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, North Road (Friary Gardens) and arrive in Manchester, Coach Station.
- Travel with National Express, FlixBus to go to Manchester by bus.
- Travel with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry to go to Manchester by train.
- 4 direct trains per day with Transport for Wales.
Travelling from Cardiff to Manchester: related information
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