4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£22
Average price
£61
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 13 m
Trains per day
20
Distance
231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Cardiff will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
Of the 20 trains that leave Manchester for Cardiff every day 14 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 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.
G388687:303h19Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)10:49Cardiff Central (CDF)£221One-way0 changes- G388666:273h25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)9:52Cardiff Central (CDF)£261One-way0 changes
G01039 · G0112618:254h04Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)22:29Cardiff Central (CDF)£361One-way1 change- W4483919:303h30Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)23:00Cardiff Central (CDF)£391One-way0 changes
- G3889218:303h25Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)21:55Cardiff Central (CDF)£461One-way0 changes
- G388708:303h08Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)11:38Cardiff Central (CDF)£521One-way0 changes
- G388739:303h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)12:44Cardiff Central (CDF)£521One-way0 changes
- G3887711:303h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)14:44Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way0 changes
- G3888214:303h14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)17:44Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way0 changes
- G3888616:303h15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)19:45Cardiff Central (CDF)£591One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Manchester to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Cardiff 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. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £23.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Manchester to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday 16 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G38870 | On time 8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01144+ W34618 | On time 9:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h33 | 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38873 | On time 9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38874 | On time 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W29871+W34624 | On time 11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38877 | On time 11:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38878 | On time 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W29882+W34630 | On time 13:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h35 | 16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01024 · G01114 | On time 13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h01 | 17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38880 | On time 13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38882 | On time 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38885 | On time 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38886 | On time 16:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 19:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W29908+G14944 | On time 17:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 20:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38890 | On time 17:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 20:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38892 | On time 18:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 21:55 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 to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff 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 to Cardiff.
- 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 to Cardiff.
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 to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:37, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 3h 8m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £23 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 8m |
First train 2:37 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester and Cardiff from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Trains from Manchester to Cardiff
Direct trains from Manchester to Cardiff are operated by Arriva Trains Wales with a journey time of approximately three and a half hours. The first departure of the day is at around 6:30 p.m. Trains then depart at hourly intervals until about 8:30 p.m. CrossCountry also provides trains from Manchester to Cardiff that have around the same journey time but require a connection at Bristol Parkway.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Manchester to Cardiff?
Departure Station:Trains from Manchester to Cardiff depart from Piccadilly Station which is to the south of the city. It is a large station with car parking, storage for bicycles and a taxi rank as well as stops for local buses. Regional trains run to Manchester Airport while Metrolink trams also connect Piccadilly to the airport, the city centre and the suburbs.
Arrival Station:Trains from Manchester to Cardiff arrive at Central Station. This is a busy hub in the heart of the city with a taxi rank, stops for local buses, a car park and bicycle stands.
FAQs: Manchester to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff 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, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Cardiff
Most Manchester to Cardiff trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Manchester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
Manchester Piccadilly train station facilities and services
Manchester Piccadilly has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi. ATMs are there are ATM machines on the main concourse, Platform 10 and on the mezzanine level.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30, Sun: 07:00 - 22:30. Information desks are located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Manchester Airport train station facilities and services
Manchester Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Airport. Information desks are information available from staff: ,Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 107 2149, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Airport: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: re Step free access is provided from the Ground Transport Interchange to all platforms via lifts or ramps. This station is staffed for all services. This station is Category A. Station staff can provide assistance from Meeting Point 1 (adjacent to the Station Booking Office) and throughout the railway station, and with boarding and alighting the train. Customers requiring assistance should make themselves known to station staff no less than 20 minutes prior to the departure time of their train. Customers requiring assistance to access other services or to connect with terminals should request this from their airline or Manchester Airport Group. Assistance can be requested in advance by contacting the TransPennine Express Assisted Travel Team on 0800 107 2149 (18001 prefix for TextRelay). Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible public telephones: In the station cafe on platforms 2 and 3, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Manchester Oxford Road from Manchester city centre
Manchester Oxford Road train station facilities and services
Manchester Oxford Road 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 Oxford Road.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Manchester Oxford Road.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Manchester Oxford Road: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Oxford Road: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - There are two lifts at the Piccadilly end of platform 4 and 2/3 which connect the concourse area platform 4 and 5 with 2/3. Note: there is no lift access to platform 1 at all, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, 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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Manchester
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