- Must visit
The Silk Museum
Town museum covering Macclesfield's silk heritage, local history and changing exhibitions in a restored industrial setting.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Macclesfield
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Macclesfield among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £138 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £138, while a train costs an average of £138.
Distance: 210 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£138 Average Price Cheapest | £45 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Macclesfield is a train with an average price of £138.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Macclesfield is by train with an average journey time of 3h 12m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Macclesfield.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 1h 9m sooner (3h 12m by train vs 4h 21m by car). Tickets start at around £138 compared to roughly £45 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.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Macclesfield 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Macclesfield trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
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, Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
- 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, Cross Country or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Macclesfield
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Macclesfield run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £77 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 20:46. The fastest train covers the 210 km distance in 3h 15m.
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
Distance 210 km |
Average train duration 3h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £77 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 15m |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 20:46 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country from Cardiff to Macclesfield trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff and Macclesfield from £77. 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 20m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£62
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
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 43m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£100
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£187
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
Complete guide to Macclesfield
Things to do in Macclesfield
Discover the best of Macclesfield — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Macclesfield trip today.
- Must visit
Paradise Mill
Working Jacquard silk mill with looms and guided visits that show how Macclesfield became a centre of silk production.
Macclesfield Bus Station Heritage Centre
Small local museum and archive space preserving the history of Macclesfield's once busy bus and transport network.
- Must visit
Tegg's Nose Country Park
Popular hilltop country park on the edge of town with woodland walks, panoramic views and links to local history.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market area with independent shops, civic buildings and regular markets at the heart of Macclesfield.
- Recommended
Macclesfield Canal
Peaceful canal-side walking route with locks, mills and waterside views that reveal the town's industrial heritage.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Cheshire Cheese
A crumbly Cheshire cow’s milk cheese with a fresh, tangy taste. It is one of the county’s best-known traditional foods and long associated with local farming.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Blue Cheshire
A strong, salty blue cheese traditionally made in Cheshire. It reflects the county’s dairy heritage and is a classic regional cheese board choice.
- Vegetarian
Eccles Cake
A rich fruit cake from nearby Eccles, often eaten across Greater Manchester and Cheshire. It is packed with currants and commonly served sliced with tea.
Chestergate Bistro
Modern British dining in a polished town-centre setting. Known for seasonal menus, careful cooking and a relaxed but smart atmosphere.
Shalimar Restaurant
Popular Indian restaurant serving classic curries, tandoori dishes and grills in a lively, dependable setting close to the town centre.
Amore Mio
Casual Italian spot serving pizza, pasta and straightforward comfort food. Friendly and family-oriented, it is a well-known local choice.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than Manchester or London, while local buses and cafés remain fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis. Café tipping is optional, usually just small change.
D&G app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- /n
To the city centre
Macclesfield Railway Station -> Macclesfield Town Hall, Macclesfield
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Macclesfield railway station is within the town centre, so many central destinations are walkable from the station.
- For bus fares and service-specific tickets, Cheshire East directs passengers to check the individual operator fare pages before travel.
FAQs: Cardiff to Macclesfield train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Macclesfield can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £77, while the average price tends to be around £138.
The train journey from Cardiff to Macclesfield covers a distance of 210 km and takes approximately 3h 15m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Macclesfield is 210 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Macclesfield leaves at 5:30.
The last train from Cardiff to Macclesfield departs at 20:46.
Trains from Cardiff to Macclesfield run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
To travel from Cardiff to Macclesfield, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Macclesfield is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Macclesfield station (MAC).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Macclesfield is by train, costing approximately £77.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Macclesfield in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Typically, spending two to three days in Macclesfield allows visitors to explore key attractions like the Silk Museum, Macclesfield Forest, and the nearby Peak District National Park, while enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Macclesfield
Most Cardiff to Macclesfield trains use the Cardiff Central to Macclesfield station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Macclesfield 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 Macclesfield
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Macclesfield station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Macclesfield arrive at Macclesfield. Macclesfield is from Macclesfield city centre.
MacclesfieldMacclesfield station, Waters Green, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK11 6JP
City-centre transport
Getting to Macclesfield from Macclesfield city centre
Bus391 · 3m · every ~1 min
Macclesfield train station facilities and services
Macclesfield has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Macclesfield.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Macclesfield.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Macclesfield.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Macclesfield: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Macclesfield: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Macclesfield: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Macclesfield
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Macclesfield and Cardiff
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