4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price
£46
Average price
£74
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 19 m
Trains per day
29
Distance
232 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around £74 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £46.
Of the 29 trains that leave Cardiff Central (CDF) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) every day 16 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 3 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 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.
G389434:333h40Cardiff Central (CDF)8:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes- Y627305:483h25Cardiff Central (CDF)9:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- G389456:463h27Cardiff Central (CDF)10:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- Y6276420:103h27Cardiff Central (CDF)23:37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- G3897510:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)14:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£521One-way0 changes
- G389678:553h18Cardiff Central (CDF)12:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£591One-way0 changes
- G3898312:553h18Cardiff Central (CDF)16:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£521One-way0 changes
- G3899916:553h18Cardiff Central (CDF)20:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£521One-way0 changes
- G3897510:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)14:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£521One-way0 changes
- G389509:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)13:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£591One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£61 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 53m Average total duration 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains for today, Sunday 5 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G38942 | On time 8:42 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 12:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38966 | On time 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h26 | 13:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38969 | On time 10:43 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 14:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38974 | On time 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 15:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
 G00898 · G00867 | On time 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
 W35438+G00871 | On time 12:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 16:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38977 | On time 12:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 16:16 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35439+G00878 | On time 13:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 17:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38982 | On time 13:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 17:08 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35220+G00884 | On time 14:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 18:00 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38986 | On time 14:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h13 | 18:08 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38990 | On time 15:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 19:19 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38994 | On time 16:41 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h29 | 20:10 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35233+G00724 · G00897 | On time 16:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 20:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| G38998 | On time 17:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 21:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G39002 | On time 18:42 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h32 | 22:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C00139+G66550 · G00917 | On time 19:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h08 | 23:28 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| Monday 6 July | |||||
| G38943 | 4:33 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y62730 | 5:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15040+G66716 | 6:24 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 17m.
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 5:46 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Cross Country
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains use the Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most popular train connections to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
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