Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train with CrossCountry

Mon 05 Oct
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Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Oct

Cheapest price on 05 Oct

£52

Average ticket price on 05 Oct

£77

Fastest journey on 05 Oct

3 h 18 m

Average journey duration on 05 Oct

3 h 19 m

Trains on 05 Oct

42

Distance

232 km

Cheap tickets

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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

On Mon 05 Oct, we found 42 trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), including 16 direct services.

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.

  • Transport for WalesG38959
    17:533h20
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    21:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG00876+Transport for WalesY62070
    13:103h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00883+Transport for WalesW44760
    14:103h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00854+Transport for WalesG39598
    8:103h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    1 change
  • CrossCountryG00888+Transport for WalesY62022
    15:103h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    18:59Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £591One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 30 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:43, the last at 20:26. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 1m.

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 £10
Distance
232 km
Average train duration
3h 25m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
30
Direct trains
13
Fastest train
3h 1m
First train
5:43
Last train
20:26
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
56 days
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 £10

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 tomorrow, Monday 5 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG389434:33 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h40
8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY627305:48 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h25
9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15040+CrossCountryG667166:24 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h35
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00844 · G008496:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
10:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389456:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61953+CrossCountryG667217:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35167+CrossCountryG667217:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389477:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG39598+CrossCountryG008548:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15041+CrossCountryG008548:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG66712 · G008558:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389678:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h18
12:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61973+CrossCountryG667309:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35432+CrossCountryG667309:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h40
12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389499:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
13:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35178+CrossCountryG6673510:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00941 · G0086110:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
14:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3897510:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15045+CrossCountryG0086511:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
14:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3895311:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15046+CrossCountryG0087212:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
15:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00947 · G0087512:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
16:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3898312:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h18
16:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62070+CrossCountryG0087613:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
16:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35434+CrossCountryG0087613:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
16:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00905 · G0087913:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3895513:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
17:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesW44760+CrossCountryG0088314:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
17:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35188+CrossCountryG0088314:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
17:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3899114:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h24
18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62022+CrossCountryG0088815:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
18:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15049+CrossCountryG0088815:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
18:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG66797 · G0089115:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
19:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3895715:51 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h22
19:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY63472+Avanti West CoastW3386316:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h28
19:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35435+CrossCountryG0089416:21 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
19:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3899916:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h18
20:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3895917:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
21:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY63476+Avanti West CoastW3412918:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
21:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3900418:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h28
22:21 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY6276420:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
23:37 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG39013+Northern RailG9005321:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h01
1:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

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 or Avanti West Coast 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 or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast 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).

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is 56 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£23
CrossCountry frequency
12 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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 Transport for Wales Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£29
Transport for Wales frequency
18 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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 14m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£104
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) covers a distance of 232 km and takes approximately 3h 1m. Trains run 30 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is 232 km.
The first train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 5:43.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) departs at 20:26.
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run approximately 30 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN). The service operates 13 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Booking trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, passing through the picturesque landscapes of South Wales and the lush countryside of Cheshire, providing passengers with glimpses of rolling hills and charming towns along the route.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).

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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Manchester
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

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)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomCardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train

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