How to travel from Manchester to Cardiff

There are 2 options to travel between Manchester and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.

The cheapest way to travel from Manchester to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $28.

This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Cardiff:

A bus is $30 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cardiff costing on average $57.

The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 4h 33m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 37m.

The distance from Manchester to Cardiff is approximately 143 miles (231 km).

The average frequency per day from Manchester to Cardiff is:

• Around 19 buses per day.
• Around 7 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Manchester and Cardiff as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Manchester to Cardiff:

• Trains mostly depart from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF).
• Buses mostly depart from Manchester, Coach Station and arrive in Cardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens).

If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:

• Travel with Megabus, FlixBus, National Express to go to Cardiff by bus.
• Travel with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales to go to Cardiff by train.

Yes, there are direct services available from Manchester to Cardiff with the following travel companies:

• 0 direct buses per day with Megabus.
• 4 direct trains per day with Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.

Omio customers who travel from Manchester to Cardiff often also extend their vacation to go to London, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Swansea. Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Cardiff and these popular destinations at a great price.

Most travelers need at least three days in Cardiff to see the main sights at a comfortable pace. If you want day trips or a slower itinerary, consider adding extra time.

In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.

A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.