4.9
4.6
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Manchester to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Cardiff 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 26m. 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 $32.
Distance: 143 miles (231 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$80 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 39m 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 Manchester to Cardiff:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cardiff costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
Travel optionsfrom Manchester to Cardiff
How to get from Manchester to Cardiff by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Manchester to Cardiff is by taking a bus because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
FlixBus · FlixBus6:35 PM5h50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East12:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$411One-way1 transfer
Cheapest
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:35 PM5h50Manchester, Princess Road / Moss Lane East12:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$411One-way1 transfer
Fastest
- G388585:30 PM3h12Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)8:42 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$421One-way0 transfers
Other options
- G389324:30 PM3h13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)7:43 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$481One-way0 transfers
- G389386:30 PM3h17Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:47 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$701One-way0 transfers
- G388617:30 PM3h20Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:50 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$701One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:10 PM6h15Manchester, Shudehill Interchange12:25 AMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$421One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus7:10 AM5h55Manchester, Shudehill Interchange1:05 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$421One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus8:50 AM7h40Manchester, Shudehill Interchange4:30 PMCardiff, North Road (Friary Gardens)$441One-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 Manchester to Cardiff
Travel 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Cardiff:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Cardiff costing on average $80 (€65).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 44m.
- Around 18 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.
- Trains mostly depart from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF).
- Buses mostly depart from Manchester, Coach Station and arrive in Cardiff, Sophia Gardens.
- 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.
- 0 direct buses per day with Megabus.
- 4 direct trains per day with Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
Travelling from Manchester to Cardiff: related information
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