The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price
£49
Average price
£49
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 10 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
232 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester Victoria (MCV) 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 Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) will cost around £49 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £49.
Of the 1 trains that leave Manchester Victoria (MCV) for Cardiff Central (CDF) every day 1 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 4 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 10 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 10 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 coach and train for Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£73 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 21m Average total duration 6h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains for today, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 20:06 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h28 | 00:34 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 2 December | |||||
![]() | 06:06 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h10 | 10:16 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 Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
02 Dec
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08 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Trains from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 07:32, the last at 14:30. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 3m.
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 3h 3m |
First train 07:32 |
Last train 14:30 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Manchester Victoria (MCV) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester Victoria (MCV) 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 Victoria (MCV) and Cardiff Central (CDF)
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:30 - 22:00 Sunday 08:00 - 22:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A station, Scooter Friendly Station - Step free access around the whole station via use of lifts between platforms 3-6, connection with Manchester Metrolink using ramps
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located near the ticket office.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: A key is available in the Duty's Manager's office.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: on platform and approach
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick up point is on Station Approach (M3 1WY) directly outside the station main entrance, outside the M & S shop.
- 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 Victoria (MCV)
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