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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Showing times and prices for 20 Feb
Cheapest price
£108
Average price
£108
Fastest journey
4 h 2 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Trains per day
36
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 £108 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £108.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) you need to make at least 2 changes.
L64782+
L08909+
VT97060004:334h52
Cardiff Central (CDF)09:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
C74966 · C72297+VT98430006:404h25
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:05Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
P22809+C74914+VT97370015:184h17
Cardiff Central (CDF)19:35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
P22805+C74910+VT97310013:184h27
Cardiff Central (CDF)17:45Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
L64785+L08685+VT97090005:494h36
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
L64836+W02509 · VT98770018:234h02
Cardiff Central (CDF)22:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
L64834+W02515 · VT98710016:164h09
Cardiff Central (CDF)20:25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
P22791+C74899+VT97100006:244h11
Cardiff Central (CDF)10:35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
P22793+C74901+VT97130007:234h12
Cardiff Central (CDF)11:35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 changes
P22811+C72347+VT97400016:214h14
Cardiff Central (CDF)20:35Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
2 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 £12. 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 £12, and a train costs an average of £30.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£62 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, Thursday 19 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 17:18
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C75000 · C72359+VT987600 | On time 17:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 22:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64799+L08686+VT974500 | On time 17:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 22:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64836+W02509 · VT987700 | 18:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h02 | 22:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74984 · C72368+VT987900 | 18:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 23:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64825+L08894+VT974800 | 18:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 23:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64800+L08725+VT993000 | On time 20:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h35 | 00:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| Friday 20 February | |||||
| L64782+L08909+VT970600 | 04:33 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h52 | 09:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64785+L08685+VT970900 | 05:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h36 | 10:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| P22791+C74899+VT971000 | 06:24 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h11 | 10:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74966 · C72297+VT984300 | On time 06:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h25 | 11:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64787+L08926+VT971200 | 06:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h29 | 11:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| P22793+C74901+VT971300 | On time 07:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h12 | 11:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74994 · C74876+VT984600 | 07:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 12:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64789+L11299+VT971500 | 07:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 12:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74968 · C74878+VT984900 | On time 08:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 13:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64807+L11304+VT971800 | On time 08:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 13:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C75008 · C74879+VT985200 | On time 09:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 14:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64791+L11302+VT972100 | On time 09:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 14:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74997 · C72316+VT985500 | 10:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 15:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64810+L11291+VT972400 | 10:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 15:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74972 · C74880+VT985800 | On time 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h30 | 16:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64793+L11288+VT972700 | On time 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h32 | 16:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C75006 · C72328+VT986100 | On time 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h30 | 17:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64814+L11330+VT973000 | 12:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h31 | 17:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| P22805+C74910+VT973100 | 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h27 | 17:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64795+L11308+VT973300 | On time 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 18:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| P22807+C74912+VT973400 | 14:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h17 | 18:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C75003 · C72340+VT986700 | On time 14:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 19:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64817+L11341+VT973600 | 14:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h25 | 19:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| P22809+C74914+VT973700 | 15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h17 | 19:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74978 · C72344+VT987000 | On time 15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 20:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64797+L11334+VT973900 | On time 15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h24 | 20:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64834+W02515 · VT987100 | On time 16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h09 | 20:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| P22811+C72347+VT974000 | 16:21 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h14 | 20:35 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| C74981 · C74882+VT987300 | 16:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h20 | 21:05 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
| L64823+L08936+VT974200 | 16:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h22 | 21:15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 2 changes | |
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 Piccadilly (MAN) by train or coach
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Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales and more 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, 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 £30 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:10, the last at 20:10. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 19m.
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 £12
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 19 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 08:10 |
Last train 20:10 |
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 £12
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 £12. 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 19m
Cheapest Price
£33
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
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 Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
£30
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 40m
Cheapest Price
£210
Cross Country frequency
7 a day
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) covers a distance of 232 km and takes approximately 3h 19m. Trains run 19 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 8:10.
The last train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) departs at 20:10.
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run approximately 19 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 9 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
To get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is by coach, costing approximately £12.
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.
A day trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 19m. There are 13 trains per day, covering a distance of 232 km.
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)
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
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
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)
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your journey to Manchester from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
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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