Manchester to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Thu 15 Oct
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Oct

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Transport for WalesG38892
    18:303h25
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    21:55Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesW44838
    19:303h31
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    23:01Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesW44831
    20:303h48
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    0:18Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £221One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38868
    7:303h19
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    10:49Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £531One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryW29895+Transport for WalesG39630
    15:033h58
    Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    19:01Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £591One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Manchester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains 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.

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 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
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

Live departures

Manchester to Cardiff train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Northern RailG86203+Avanti West CoastW34268+Transport for WalesW44838
On time
18:16 Deansgate (DGT)
4h45
23:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38892
On time
18:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h25
21:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesW44838
On time
19:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h31
23:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesW44831
On time
20:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h48
0:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Thursday 15 October
CrossCountryG00997 · G010925:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h14
9:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG00997+Transport for WalesG388645:11 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h33
8:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33932+Transport for WalesG388665:54 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h58
9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG388666:27 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h25
9:52 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG388687:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h19
10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Northern RailG86189+Avanti West CoastW34265+Transport for WalesG388738:16 Deansgate (DGT)
4h28
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Transport for WalesG388708:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h08
11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01144+Great Western RailwayW346189:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Northern RailG86192+Avanti West CoastW33903+Transport for WalesG388749:16 Deansgate (DGT)
4h37
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Transport for WalesG388739:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3887410:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h23
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29871+Great Western RailwayW3462411:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01018 · G0110911:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h00
15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG3887711:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29877+Transport for WalesG3962212:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h57
16:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG3887812:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h15
15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29882+Great Western RailwayW3463013:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h35
16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryG01024 · G0111413:25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
4h01
17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG3888013:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3888214:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h14
17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29895+Great Western RailwayW3463715:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h34
18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
CrossCountryW29895+Transport for WalesG3963015:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h58
19:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG3888515:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h16
18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01159+Transport for WalesG3963516:03 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
3h56
19:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Northern RailG86197+Avanti West CoastW00587+Transport for WalesG3889016:16 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

Why should you book Manchester to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Manchester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Cardiff.

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 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 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.

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester and Cardiff from £12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transport for Wales

About
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.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 5m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£30
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 9m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£24
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Manchester to Cardiff covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 3h 5m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Manchester to Cardiff is 231 km.
The first train from Manchester to Cardiff leaves at 2:37.
The last train from Manchester to Cardiff departs at 23:57.
Trains from Manchester to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Manchester to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Manchester and Cardiff. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Manchester to Cardiff.
The train station in Manchester that goes to Cardiff is Manchester Piccadilly (MAN), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Manchester to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Manchester to Cardiff offers views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the Welsh border landscapes, which many travellers find appealing.
Yes, you can take the train from Manchester to Cardiff.

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.

Departure train stations in Manchester
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Manchester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Manchester to Cardiff leave from Manchester Piccadilly. The station is 1 km from Manchester city centre at Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom.
Manchester PiccadillyPiccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre

Bus201, 203, 202, 205 · 1m · £2 · every ~56 min
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line, Yellow Line · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min

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.

Manchester AirportManchester Airport station, Malaga Avenue, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M90 3RRWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre

Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLiverpool Lime Street - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Crewe, Blackpool North - Manchester Airport, Barrow-in-Furness - Manchester Airport, Windermere - Manchester Airport, Manchester Piccadilly - Wilmslow, Manchester Piccadilly - Manchester Airport, Millom - Manchester Airport, Lancaster - Manchester Airport, Manchester Oxford Road - Manchester Airport, Corkickle - Manchester Airport, Preston - Manchester Airport · 17m · £5 · every ~9 min
BusUk980, Uk076, Uk074, Uk072, Ukn23 · 30m · £1 · every ~2 min
43, 103 · 1h 2m · £2 · every ~29 min
43, 103 · 1h 6m · £2 · every ~29 min
TramNavy Line · 51m · £4 · every ~16 min
Navy Line · 54m · £4 · every ~8 min

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.

DeansgateDeansgate station, Whitworth Street West, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 4LGParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Deansgate from Manchester city centre

Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainManchester Airport - Corkickle, Manchester Airport - Blackpool North, Manchester Airport - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Barrow-in-Furness, Manchester Airport - Windermere, Wilmslow - Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Airport - Preston, Stockport - Blackpool North · 5m · £1 · every ~7 min
Bus33, 255, 30 · 5m · £2 · every ~22 min
T1 · 1h 6m
TramBlue Line, Red Line, Pink Line, Purple Line · 6m · £2 · every ~38 min

Deansgate train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

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