4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 13 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
232 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
Of the 26 trains that leave Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 3 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
C72478 · C75254C72472 · C75248C72466 · C75053C72475 · C75251C75166 · C75260
L64720L64732L64726L64722L64728
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£70 Average Price | £33 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Thursday 15 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L64720 | On time 08:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
C72660+ P22624 | On time 09:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C72660+L65703 | On time 09:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 12:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64722 | On time 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72665+L65708 | On time 10:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 13:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64724 | On time 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 16 January | |||||
| C72466 · C75053 | On time 05:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h14 | 09:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:26, the last at 19:33. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 3m.
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 3h 3m |
First train 05:26 |
Last train 19:33 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
FAQs: Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- 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
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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 Piccadilly (MAN)
More options for your journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 Piccadilly (MAN)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
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