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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Showing times and prices for 26 Nov
Cheapest price
£48
Average price
£60
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 14 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
219 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £60 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £48.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Manchester Airport (MIA) for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 219 km distance in an average of 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 40 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.
04:514h00
Manchester Airport (MIA)08:51Cardiff Central (CDF)
£481One-way
0 changes
08:254h27
Manchester Airport (MIA)12:52Cardiff Central (CDF)
£551One-way
0 changes
05:013h50
Manchester Airport (MIA)08:51Cardiff Central (CDF)
£691One-way
0 changes
17:254h40
Manchester Airport (MIA)22:05Cardiff Central (CDF)
£691One-way
0 changes
05:013h50
Manchester Airport (MIA)08:51Cardiff Central (CDF)
£691One-way
0 changes
04:514h00
Manchester Airport (MIA)08:51Cardiff Central (CDF)
£481One-way
0 changes
08:254h27
Manchester Airport (MIA)12:52Cardiff Central (CDF)
£551One-way
0 changes
17:254h40
Manchester Airport (MIA)22:05Cardiff Central (CDF)
£691One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 219 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 59m Average total duration Fastest 3h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 30m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Tuesday 25 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 02:41
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05:01 Manchester Airport (MIA) | 3h50 | 08:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:25 Manchester Airport (MIA) | 4h19 | 16:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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.
Wed
26 Nov
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov
27 Nov
Fri
28 Nov
28 Nov
Sat
29 Nov
29 Nov
Sun
30 Nov
30 Nov
Mon
01 Dec
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
02 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 14:25. The fastest train covers the 219 km distance in 3h 33m.
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 £15
Distance 219 km |
Average train duration 3h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 3h 33m |
First train 04:25 |
Last train 14:25 |
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 £15
Train companies: Transport for Wales, first_transpennine_express, Northern Rail (3) from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsTransport for Wales, first_transpennine_express, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Manchester Airport (MIA) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £15. 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 33m
Cheapest Price
£40
Transport for Wales frequency
7 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
Northern Rail (3)
About
Northern Trains is a publicly owned train operating company in the United Kingdom, headquartered in York. It runs local and commuter services across the north of England, connecting regions including the North East, North West, East Midlands, Staffordshire, Yorkshire, and the Humber coastline. As part of the National Rail network, Northern operates under a coordinated fare and ticketing system alongside other UK train companies.Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Anytime Day, single, return, and season tickets, with only one class option available: Standard. Onboard amenities may include comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and refreshments on select services. Popular routes include connections between major northern cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Leeds.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 8m
Cheapest Price
£76
Northern Rail (3) frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
See refund policy for ticket types
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most services with drinks and snacks. Some stations have cafes and shops
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking advance tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
first_transpennine_express
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 29m
Cheapest Price
£98
first_transpennine_express frequency
12 a day
FAQs: Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) 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 Cardiff Central (CDF), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
To get from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
A day trip from Manchester Airport to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 33m. Trains run 9 times per day over a distance of 219 km.
Booking trains from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £64.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The train journey from Manchester Airport to Cardiff Central offers a mix of urban and rural views, with sections through the picturesque Cheshire countryside and the scenic landscapes of South Wales, including glimpses of the Brecon Beacons in the distance.
The train distance from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 219 km.
The train journey from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 219 km and takes approximately 3h 33m. Trains run 9 per day.
The first train from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:25.
The last train from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 14:25.
Trains from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 9 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
There is no night train service from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Airport (MIA) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Manchester
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Airport. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Airport for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3
- Accessible ticket machines: There are 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Most popular train connections from Manchester Airport (MIA)
More options for your journey from Manchester Airport (MIA) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Central (CDF) and Manchester Airport (MIA)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
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