- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Macclesfield
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Nov
- Cheapest price on 02 Nov
- £61
- Average ticket price on 02 Nov
- £61
- Fastest journey on 02 Nov
- 3 h 20 m
- Average journey duration on 02 Nov
- 3 h 20 m
- Trains on 02 Nov
- 1
- Distance
- 210 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Macclesfield is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Macclesfield will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
Fast trains
On Mon 02 Nov, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Macclesfield, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 210 km distance in an average of 3 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 20 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.
7:45 3h20 Cardiff 11:05 Macclesfield £61 1 One-way 0 changes
7:45 3h20 Cardiff 11:05 Macclesfield £61 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Macclesfield
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Cardiff to Macclesfield and enjoy the approximately 210 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:30, the last at 20:46.
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 |
First train 5:30 |
Last train 20:46 |
Cheapest Month May |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Macclesfield trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
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.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
Live departures
Cardiff to Macclesfield train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Macclesfield trains for today, Sunday 1 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 8:42 Cardiff | 3h57 | 12:39 Macclesfield | 2 changes | |
| 9:45 Cardiff | 3h39 | 13:24 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 10:43 Cardiff | 3h41 | 14:24 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 11:40 Cardiff | 3h44 | 15:24 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
 | 11:45 Cardiff | 3h19 | 15:04 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 12:39 Cardiff | 3h45 | 16:24 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 13:45 Cardiff | 3h19 | 17:04 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 13:51 Cardiff | 3h34 | 17:25 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 14:55 Cardiff | 3h30 | 18:25 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 15:45 Cardiff | 3h19 | 19:04 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 15:55 Cardiff | 3h40 | 19:35 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 16:41 Cardiff | 4h01 | 20:42 Macclesfield | 2 changes | |
| 16:41 Cardiff | 4h02 | 20:43 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 17:45 Cardiff | 3h19 | 21:04 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 17:55 Cardiff | 3h20 | 21:15 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 18:42 Cardiff | 3h42 | 22:24 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 19:45 Cardiff | 3h19 | 23:04 Macclesfield | 1 change | |
| 21:11 Cardiff | 9h03 | 6:14 Macclesfield | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Cross Country, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Macclesfield trainsCross Country, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Macclesfield. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£183
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£76
Transport for Wales frequency
15 a day
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Macclesfield
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Macclesfield.
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.
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.
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 · £1 · 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.
Train stations for Cardiff to Macclesfield
Check train stations information for Cardiff and Macclesfield, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Macclesfield is Cardiff Central, and it arrives at Macclesfield.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
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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