4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
Cheapest price
£78
Average price
£78
Fastest journey
3 h 3 m
Average duration
3 h 10 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
231 km
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 £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.
Of the 5 trains that leave Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) for Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 3 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 13 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.
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 £27. 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 £27, and a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £28 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 today, Friday 9 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 12:44 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 13:49 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 10 January | |||||
| 06:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h20 | 09:47 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 10:45 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h03 | 11:33 Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ) | 0 changesdirect | |
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.
10 Jan
11 Jan
12 Jan
13 Jan
14 Jan
15 Jan
16 Jan
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 £58 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 08:25, the last at 09:25. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 3h 38m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £58 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 38m |
First train 08:25 |
Last train 09:25 |
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 £27. 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 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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) and Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
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
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Queen Street (CDQ)
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