Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) train with Transport for Wales

Sat 20 Dec
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Rail
Deutsche Bahn
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA)

Showing times and prices for 21 Dec

Cheapest price

£68

Average price

£85

Fastest journey

4 h 10 m

Average duration

4 h 16 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

219 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) 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 (MIA) will cost around £85 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £68.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Manchester Airport (MIA) every day 4 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 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 20 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.

Transport for Wales
08:394h20
Cardiff Central (CDF)
12:59Manchester Airport (MIA)
£681One-way
0 changes
Transport for Wales
09:434h20
Cardiff Central (CDF)
14:03Manchester Airport (MIA)
£811One-way
0 changes
Transport for Wales
08:384h10
Cardiff Central (CDF)
12:48Manchester Airport (MIA)
£821One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
11:204h15
Cardiff Central (CDF)
15:35Manchester Airport (MIA)
£1081One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA)

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £16, and a train costs an average of £47.

Distance: 219 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£73

Average Price

£22

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 14m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 44m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 52m

Average total duration

5h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 01:16
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
cross_country07:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h15
12:00 Manchester Airport (MIA)0 changesdirect
transport_for_wales07:54 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h21
12:15 Manchester Airport (MIA)0 changesdirect
transport_for_wales19:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h10
23:20 Manchester Airport (MIA)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Sun
21 Dec
Mon
22 Dec
Tue
23 Dec
Wed
24 Dec
Thu
25 Dec
Fri
26 Dec
Sat
27 Dec

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:32, the last at 12:45. The fastest train covers the 219 km distance in 3h 57m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £16
Distance
219 km
Average train duration
3h 44m
Cheapest ticket price
£47
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 57m
First train
03:32
Last train
12:45
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £16

Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Airport (MIA) from £16. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 34m
Cheapest Price
£21
Transport for Wales frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) 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 (MIA), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester Airport is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 57m. There are 8 trains per day for this route, and the distance is 219 km.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Airport offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Welsh countryside, passing through the valleys and rolling hills, as well as glimpses of bustling towns and cities along the route.
Booking trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £73.
To get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train distance from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) is 219 km.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) is by coach, costing approximately £16.
The train journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) covers a distance of 219 km and takes approximately 3h 57m. Trains run 8 per day.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) leaves at 3:32.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA).
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) departs at 12:45.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA).
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) run approximately 8 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA).
There is no night train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Airport (MIA)

Cardiff
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 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
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
  • 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)

More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA)

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Manchester Airport (MIA) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

HomeTrainsCardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Airport (MIA) train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone