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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
Showing times and prices for 28 May
Cheapest price
£39
Average price
£39
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
231 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ) will cost around £39 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Fast trains
To travel from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) you need to make at least one change.
G01013 · G01107+
Y6151910:254h13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)14:38Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way2 changes- G01003 · G01098+Y615137:254h13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:38Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way2 changes
- G38866 · G387366:273h37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:04Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G38868 · Y622617:303h30Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:00Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G38873 · W439959:303h26Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)12:56Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G38870 · Y618108:303h22Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:52Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G38873 · W439959:303h26Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)12:56Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G38868 · Y622617:303h30Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:00Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G38866 · G387366:273h37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:04Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way1 change
- G01013 · G01107+Y6151910:254h13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)14:38Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)£391One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 28m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £29.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£60 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration 5h 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) trains for tomorrow, Thursday 28 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G38866 · G38736 | 6:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h37 | 10:04 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 1 change | |
| G01003 · G01098+Y61513 | 7:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h13 | 11:38 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 2 changes | |
| G38868 · Y62261 | 7:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h30 | 11:00 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 1 change | |
| G38870 · Y61810 | 8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h22 | 11:52 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 1 change | |
| G38873 · W43995 | 9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h26 | 12:56 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 1 change |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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.
Thu
28 May
28 May
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29 May
29 May
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30 May
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03 Jun
Why should you book Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry or Transport for Wales offer trains services from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ).
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ).
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 Queen Street (CDQ).
- 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 Queen Street (CDQ).
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 Queen Street (CDQ).
- 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 Queen Street (CDQ).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:27, the last at 09:48. The fastest train covers the 231 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 £18
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £29 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 33m |
First train 5:27 |
Last train 9:48 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Duration
3h 33m
Cheapest Price
£29
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 Duration
4h 12m
Cheapest Price
£38
CrossCountry frequency
4 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: Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street (CDQ), this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £60.
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 3h 33m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) is 231 km.
The first train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) leaves at 5:27.
The last train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) departs at 9:48.
Trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ).
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ). The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
To get from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ), you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ).
The cheapest way to get from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) is by coach, costing approximately £18.
Booking trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) 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 Queen Street offers a scenic experience, with views of the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside, picturesque valleys, and charming towns along the way.
A day trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Queen Street is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 33m. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 231 km.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ).
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
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 Queen Street. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Queen Street for your journey to Cardiff from Manchester.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Most popular train connections from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
More options for your journey from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) and Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
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