4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
Cheapest price on 03 Sept
£33
Average ticket price on 03 Sept
£82
Fastest journey on 03 Sept
3 h 19 m
Average journey duration on 03 Sept
3 h 39 m
Trains on 03 Sept
8
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 £82 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.
On Thu 03 Sept, we found 8 trains from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF), including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 3 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 57 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.
G388666:273h25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:52Cardiff Central (CDF)£331One-way0 changes
G01003 · G010987:254h00Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:25Cardiff Central (CDF)£411One-way1 change- G388687:303h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:49Cardiff Central (CDF)£461One-way0 changes
- G01144+
W34618+
G158918:403h57Manchester Victoria (MCV)12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£1071One-way2 changes - W29871+W34624+G1589310:403h57Manchester Victoria (MCV)14:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£1071One-way2 changes
- G388687:303h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:49Cardiff Central (CDF)£461One-way0 changes
- G388666:273h25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:52Cardiff Central (CDF)£331One-way0 changes
- G38882+
G89098+
W3416014:063h38Manchester Victoria (MCV)17:44Cardiff Central (CDF)£1071One-way2 changes - G01144+W34618+G158918:403h57Manchester Victoria (MCV)12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£1071One-way2 changes
- W29871+W34624+G1589310:403h57Manchester Victoria (MCV)14:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£1071One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare 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 train, with an average ticket price of £53 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £53, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 232 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price Cheapest | £47 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Other travel options to Cardiff Central (CDF) take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 56m.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (3h 27m by train vs 3h 47m by car). Tickets start at around £53 compared to roughly £47 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
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, Wednesday 2 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W34160+G38882+G89098 | Delayed 13:43 14:06Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h38 | 17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C24610+W29908+G14944 | On time 16:40 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h57 | 20:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G16022+G38935+L89665 | On time 20:40 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 4h50 | 1:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| Thursday 3 September | |||||
| G38866 | 6:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01003 · G01098 | 7:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h00 | 11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38868 | 7:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G01144+W34618+G15891 | 8:40 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h57 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W29871+W34624+G15893 | 10:40 Manchester Victoria (MCV) | 3h57 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
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 train
Compare 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.
03 Sept
04 Sept
05 Sept
06 Sept
07 Sept
08 Sept
09 Sept
Why should you book Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains with Omio?
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 Victoria (MCV) 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.
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 Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF)
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 if you book in advance.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:25, the last at 20:30. The fastest train covers the 232 km distance in 3h 38m.
Distance 232 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 38m |
First train 6:25 |
Last train 20:30 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester Victoria (MCV) and Cardiff Central (CDF) from £33. 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 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)
Most Manchester Victoria (MCV) to Cardiff Central (CDF) trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Manchester Victoria (MCV) and Cardiff Central (CDF) train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Manchester Victoria from Manchester city centre
Manchester Victoria train station facilities and services
Manchester Victoria has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Victoria.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Victoria.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Victoria: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Victoria: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Victoria: 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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Most popular train connections from Manchester Victoria (MCV)
More options for your journey from Manchester Victoria (MCV) 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 Victoria (MCV)
Most popular train connections to Cardiff Central (CDF)
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
