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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Showing times and prices for 16 Apr
Cheapest price
£53
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 13 m
Trains per day
26
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 £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
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 · C752549:254h00Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)13:25Cardiff Central (CDF)£531One-way1 change- C72676+
L6572112:033h56Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:59Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way1 change - C72670+L6571511:033h57Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:00Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way1 change
- C72656+L656978:033h56Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:59Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way1 change
- C72665+L6570810:033h56Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)13:59Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way1 change
- L647208:303h08Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:38Cardiff Central (CDF)£651One-way0 changes
- L6473214:303h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)17:44Cardiff Central (CDF)£651One-way0 changes
- L6472611:303h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)14:44Cardiff Central (CDF)£651One-way0 changes
- L647229:303h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)12:45Cardiff Central (CDF)£651One-way0 changes
- L6472812:303h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)15:45Cardiff Central (CDF)£651One-way0 changes
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 £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £32.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£63 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 56m Average total duration 5h 26m 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, Wednesday 15 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L64734 | On time 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 17:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64736 | On time 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 18:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64738 | On time 16:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 19:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72504 · C75275 | On time 17:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h10 | 21:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64740 | On time 17:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 20:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64744 | On time 18:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h32 | 22:02 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64747 | On time 19:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h50 | 23:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 16 April | |||||
| C72466 · C75053 | 4:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h14 | 8:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64716 | 5:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 8:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64718 | 6:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72656+L65697 | 7:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 10:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64720 | 7:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 10:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
C72660+ P22624 | 8:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 11:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C72660+L65703 | 8:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 11:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C72478 · C75254 | 8:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h00 | 12:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64722 | 8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72665+L65708 | 9:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 12:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64724 | 9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 12:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72670+L65715 | 10:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h57 | 14:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C72670+P22628 | 10:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 13:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64726 | 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 13:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72676+L65721 | 11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 14:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64728 | 11:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 14:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C72682+L65727 | 12:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 15:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L64730 | 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 15:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64732 | 13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 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 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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Why should you book Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry or Transport for Wales 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 Transport for Wales 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?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Transport for Wales 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).
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 15 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:27, 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 £12
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 6:27 |
Last train 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
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 £12
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 £12. 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 5m
Cheapest Price
£32
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 Duration
3h 34m
Cheapest Price
£41
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: 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) covers a distance of 232 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 15 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 6:27.
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 15 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 9 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
To get from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Central (CDF) is by coach, costing approximately £12.
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.
A day trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 5m. Trains run 11 times per day over a distance of 232 km.
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)
Manchester
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Public transport options for Manchester Piccadilly
- Bus lines: 1, 2, 3, 147
- Train lines: Northern, TransPennine Express, Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales
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
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar 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 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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