The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport
Cheapest price
£61
Average price
£61
Fastest journey
4 h 22 m
Average duration
4 h 22 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
219 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Manchester Airport every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 4 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 22 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.


Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 219 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 12m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration 4h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 07:45, the last at 07:54. The fastest train covers the 219 km distance in 4h 7m.
Distance 219 km |
Average train duration 3h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price £55 |
Trains per day 10 |
Fastest train 4h 7m |
First train 07:45 |
Last train 07:54 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Airport from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Manchester Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Airport
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport
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