4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV)
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£58
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£81
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
3 h 24 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
3 h 57 m
Trains on 17 Sept
3
Distance
232 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) 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 Victoria (MCV) will cost around £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
On Thu 17 Sept, we found 3 trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV), including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 3 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 24 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.
20:354h24Cardiff Central (CDF)0:59Manchester Victoria (MCV)£581One-way0 changes- 15:513h24Cardiff Central (CDF)19:15Manchester Victoria (MCV)£781One-way0 changes
- 16:164h02Cardiff Central (CDF)20:18Manchester Victoria (MCV)£1061One-way0 changes
- 15:513h24Cardiff Central (CDF)19:15Manchester Victoria (MCV)£781One-way0 changes
- 16:164h02Cardiff Central (CDF)20:18Manchester Victoria (MCV)£1061One-way0 changes
- 20:354h24Cardiff Central (CDF)0:59Manchester Victoria (MCV)£581One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 51m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £35, while a train costs an average of £74.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£74 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 6m Average total duration 6h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV):
A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) costing on average £74.
Other travel options to Manchester Victoria (MCV) take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 36m.
You'll arrive about 27m sooner (3h 21m by train vs 3h 48m by car). Tickets start at around £74 compared to roughly £47 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 19:15 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h02 | 20:18 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h24 | 0:59 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 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 Victoria (MCV) by train
Compare 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.
17 Sept
18 Sept
19 Sept
20 Sept
21 Sept
22 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV).
- 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.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £60 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 15:16, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 18m.
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £60 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 18m |
First train 15:16 |
Last train 19:00 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Victoria (MCV) from £22. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) 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 Victoria (MCV), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Victoria (MCV)
Most Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV) trains use the Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Victoria (MCV) 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 Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff Central (CDF)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Central (CDF) to Manchester Victoria (MCV)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester Victoria (MCV) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Most popular train connections to Manchester Victoria (MCV)
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