Cardiff to Manchester Airport train with Transport for Wales

Sat 10 Oct
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Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct

Cheapest price on 10 Oct

£52

Average ticket price on 10 Oct

£68

Fastest journey on 10 Oct

3 h 59 m

Average journey duration on 10 Oct

4 h 27 m

Trains on 10 Oct

3

Distance

218 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

On Sat 10 Oct, we found 3 trains from Cardiff to Manchester Airport, including 3 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 218 km distance in an average of 4 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 59 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 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.

  • Transport for Wales
    8:544h21
    Cardiff
    13:15Manchester Airport
    £521One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    8:155h00
    Cardiff
    13:15Manchester Airport
    £591One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    9:533h59
    Cardiff
    13:52Manchester Airport
    £931One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Manchester Airport run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:46, the last at 10:48. The fastest train covers the 218 km distance in 3h 2m.

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 £18
Distance
218 km
Average train duration
3h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
£34
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 2m
First train
5:46
Last train
10:48
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
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 £18

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester Airport train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester Airport trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for Wales7:53 Cardiff
4h22
12:15 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
Transport for Wales8:53 Cardiff
3h51
12:44 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
Transport for Wales9:53 Cardiff
4h22
14:15 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect
CrossCountry10:18 Cardiff
4h18
14:36 Manchester Airport0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester Airport trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Cardiff to Manchester Airport trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and Manchester Airport from £18. 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 Transport for Wales Duration
3h 2m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£34
Transport for Wales frequency
4 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 CrossCountry Duration
3h 38m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£53
CrossCountry frequency
2 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

FAQs: Cardiff to Manchester Airport train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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 Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester Airport can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester Airport covers a distance of 218 km and takes approximately 3h 2m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Manchester Airport is 218 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Manchester Airport leaves at 5:46.
The last train from Cardiff to Manchester Airport departs at 10:48.
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester Airport run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Manchester Airport 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 to Manchester Airport offers glimpses of the picturesque Welsh countryside and the rolling landscapes of the English Midlands, though it is primarily a functional route rather than a notably scenic one.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Manchester Airport.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester Airport

Most Cardiff to Manchester Airport trains use the Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Manchester Airport 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 Manchester
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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.

CorytonCoryton station, Park Road, Coryton, Cardiff, CF14 7BW+44 333 321 1202ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Coryton from Cardiff city centre

Coryton is 5 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPenarth - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Coryton · 15m · £3 · every ~4 min
Penarth - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Coryton · 19m · £3 · every ~4 min
Bus23, 136 · 23m · £2 · every ~8 min
21, 136, 23 · 33m · £2 · every ~14 min
21, 136, 23 · 39m · £2 · every ~14 min

Coryton train station facilities and services

Coryton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Coryton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Coryton: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Coryton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Coryton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B3. Access to the platform from Park Avenue is via a moderate ramp however there is no dropped kerb on the pavement. Access is also available via steps, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
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 · £0.89 · 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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester Airport

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Manchester Airport and Cardiff

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