Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train with Transport for Wales

Wed 14 Oct
+ Add return
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 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£39

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£63

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

3 h 8 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

3 h 13 m

Trains on 14 Oct

22

Distance

232 km

Cheap tickets

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 £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.

Fast trains

On Wed 14 Oct, we found 22 trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF), including 15 direct services.

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.

  • Transport for WalesG38882
    14:303h14
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    17:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £391One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38878
    12:303h15
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    15:45Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £391One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38880
    13:303h16
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    16:46Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £431One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38885
    15:303h16
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    18:46Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £431One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38868
    7:303h19
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    10:49Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £461One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 19 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.

There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:11, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 5m.

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 £10
Distance
232 km
Average train duration
3h 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
19
Direct trains
13
Fastest train
3h 5m
First train
4:11
Last train
20:30
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
28 days
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 £10

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, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryG00997+Transport for WalesG38864
On time
5:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h33
8:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38866
On time
6:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h25
9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38868
On time
7:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38870
On time
8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h08
11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01144+Great Western RailwayW34618
On time
9:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38873
On time
9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29866+Transport for WalesG39611
On time
10:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h58
14:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38874
On time
10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h23
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29871+Great Western RailwayW34624
On time
11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
CrossCountryW29871+Transport for WalesG39612
On time
11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h56
14:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38877
On time
11:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38878
On time
12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29882+Great Western RailwayW34630
On time
13:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h35
16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38880
On time
13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38882
On time
14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29895+Great Western RailwayW34637
On time
15:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38885
On time
15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38886
On time
16:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
19:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29908+Great Western RailwayG14944
On time
17:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
20:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38890
On time
17:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h24
20:54 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38892
On time
18:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h25
21:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesW44838
On time
19:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h31
23:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesW44831
On time
20:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h48
0:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

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 or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)?

The best time to book your train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £10. 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 5m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£29
Transport for Wales frequency
15 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 9m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£23
CrossCountry frequency
5 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

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£104
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 232 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 19 per day.
The train distance from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is 232 km.
The first train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) leaves at 4:11.
The last train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) departs at 20:30.
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run approximately 19 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF). The service operates 13 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 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 train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Peak District's rolling hills and the picturesque countryside of Cheshire and Shropshire. As the train approaches South Wales, the landscape transitions into the scenic valleys and river views, making parts of the journey quite visually appealing.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF)

Most Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services

Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.

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)

HomeTrainsTrains in United KingdomManchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train

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