The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
Cheapest price
£40
Average price
£40
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h
Trains per day
1
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) will cost around £40 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 4 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 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.


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 £25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £25, and a train costs an average of £65.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 0m Average total duration Fastest 3h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 20m Average total duration 5h 50m 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)
Trains from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) to Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £65 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 11:42, the last at 11:42. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price £65 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 11:42 |
Last train 11:42 |
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
CrossCountry
Cross Country
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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
- 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)
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