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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £39. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £39, and a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£69 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 50m Average total duration 5h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £65 but you can travel from only £39 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 11:42, the last at 17:37. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 3h 31m.
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 £39
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £65 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 11:42 |
Last train 17:37 |
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 £39
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) from £25. 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 46m
Cheapest Price
£67
Transport for Wales frequency
5 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
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 55m
Cheapest Price
£39
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
£203
Cross Country frequency
11 a day
FAQs: Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £65, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 3h 31m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is 231 km.
The first train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) leaves at 11:42.
The last train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) departs at 17:37.
Trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN). The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
To get from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) is by coach, costing approximately £39.
Booking trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street to Manchester Piccadilly offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns, making it a moderately scenic route.
A day trip from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester Piccadilly is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 31m each way. The frequency is 7 trains per day, and the distance is 231 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cardiff
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Queen Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Queen Street for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
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
LockersParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car RentalInformation 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 Queen Street (CDQ)
More options for your journey from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ)
Most popular train connections to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
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