- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 15 Oct
£22
Average ticket price on 15 Oct
£73
Fastest journey on 15 Oct
3 h 8 m
Average journey duration on 15 Oct
3 h 13 m
Trains on 15 Oct
28
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 £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £22.
On Thu 15 Oct, we found 28 trains from Manchester to Cardiff, including 13 direct services.
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.
G38892
W44838
W44831
G38868
W29895+
G39630
G38870
G38873
G38877
G38882
G38878Trains from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 22m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 but you can travel from only £12 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 5m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 22m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 2:37 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday 14 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G86203+ W34268+ W44838 | On time 18:16 Deansgate (DGT) | 4h45 | 23:01 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G38892 | On time 18:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 21:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W44838 | On time 19:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h31 | 23:01 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W44831 | On time 20:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h48 | 0:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 15 October | |||||
G00997 · G01092 | 5:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h14 | 9:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G00997+ G38864 | 5:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h33 | 8:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33932+ G38866 | 5:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h58 | 9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38866 | 6:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38868 | 7:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h19 | 10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G86189+ W34265+ G38873 | 8:16 Deansgate (DGT) | 4h28 | 12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G38870 | 8:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01144+ W34618 | 9:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G86192+ W33903+ G38874 | 9:16 Deansgate (DGT) | 4h37 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G38873 | 9:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38874 | 10:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29871+ W34624 | 11:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01018 · G01109 | 11:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h00 | 15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38877 | 11:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29877+ G39622 | 12:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h57 | 16:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38878 | 12:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29882+ W34630 | 13:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h35 | 16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G01024 · G01114 | 13:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h01 | 17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38880 | 13:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38882 | 14:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W29895+ W34637 | 15:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W29895+ G39630 | 15:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h58 | 19:01 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G38885 | 15:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01159+ G39635 | 16:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h56 | 19:59 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G86197+ W00587+ G38890 | 16:16 Deansgate (DGT) | 4h38 | 20:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, 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.
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.
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.

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.
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 options include: Burger King, Caffè Nero, Carluccio’s, Hotel Chocolat, Starbucks, The Pasty Shop, Costa Coffee, Pret a Manger, Upper Crust, McDonald's, & more
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.
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 storage is operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Manchester Piccadilly: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester Piccadilly: There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly, Premier Inn Manchester City, Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly.
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Manchester Airport.
Wi-Fi is available at Manchester Airport. ATMs are available at Manchester Airport.
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.
Available at Manchester Airport: Parking, WC.
Available at Manchester Airport: Bike Parking.
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.
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff Bay is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need