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Manchester to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Thu, 13 Feb
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Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 14 Feb

Cheapest

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.

Cheapest
Transport for WalesW19115
08:303h08
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
£531One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesW19057
10:303h19
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
13:49Cardiff Central (CDF)
£601One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesW19058
09:303h15
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:45Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesW19100
11:303h14
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
14:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
Cross CountryP12047
09:033h33
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1101One-way
1 change

Manchester to Cardiff train times

Showing trains for tomorrow, Friday 14 February
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChangesTickets
Transport for Wales
W19115
Transport for WalesW19115
08:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3h08 11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesDirect
Cross Country
P12047
Cross CountryP12047
09:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3h33 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for Wales
W19058
Transport for WalesW19058
09:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3h15 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesDirect
Transport for Wales
W19057
Transport for WalesW19057
10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3h19 13:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesDirect
Cross Country
P12057
Cross CountryP12057
11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3h33 14:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for Wales
W19100
Transport for WalesW19100
11:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)3h14 14:44 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

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Manchester to Cardiff is days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Manchester to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Manchester to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Manchester to Cardiff.

Train times from Manchester to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 14 Feb

Fastest Journey

3 h 8 m

Average

3 h 20 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

231 km

Of the 6 trains that leave Manchester for Cardiff every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

Fastest
Transport for WalesW19115
08:303h08
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
11:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
£531One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesW19100
11:303h14
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
14:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesW19058
09:303h15
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:45Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesW19057
10:303h19
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
13:49Cardiff Central (CDF)
£601One-way
0 changes
Cross CountryP12047
09:033h33
Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
12:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1101One-way
1 change

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Cardiff

Trains from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £12 by bus.
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 £12
Distance
231 km
Average train duration
3h 39m
Cheapest ticket price
£24
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
3
Train providers
2
Fastest train
3h 8m
First train
00:26
Last train
23:51
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 £12

Train companies: Transport for Wales and CrossCountry trains Manchester to Cardiff

Travel between Manchester and Cardiff from £36 with Omio’s train partners Transport for Wales and CrossCountry! You can find the best timetables and tickets when comparing and booking the most convenient route for you.

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.

Train information from Manchester to Cardiff with Transport for Wales:

  • Average Duration: 3 h 5 min
  • Cheapest Price: £39

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

FAQs: Travel by train from Manchester to Cardiff easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Manchester to Cardiff.
FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff can start from as little as £32 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Manchester to Cardiff is £55; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Manchester to Cardiff is 3 h 12 min   to travel the 143 mile long journey, with around there are 6 trains per day. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 03: 04. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The last train from Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 23: 36.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Manchester to Cardiff without having to change trains with Transport for Wales. There are 3 direct trains from Manchester to Cardiff each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the best Manchester to Cardiff train to buy, you can travel safely and comfortably with Transport for Wales or CrossCountry. However, it's always good to check all possible train providers with services to Cardiff from Manchester to compare what amenities they may offer.
No, there are no night trains, the latest train for this route is 23: 36.

Passengers board the train most frequently from Manchester Piccadilly, which is located around 0.5 miles (767 m) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cardiff Central, located 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre.

A trip to Cardiff from Manchester is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3 h 12 min each way. Check with Omio app   the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Manchester to Cardiff is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Manchester and Cardiff including taking a coach or train.

Important Stations and Airports in Manchester and Cardiff

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
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Caffè Nero
  • Carluccio’s
  • Hotel Chocolat
  • Starbucks
  • The Pasty Shop
  • Costa Coffee
  • Pret a Manger
  • Upper Crust
  • McDonald's
  • & more
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
  • Premier Inn Manchester City
  • Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
  • Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
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 Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Manchester.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
  • 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)
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Manchester to Cardiff train

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