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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Manchester
Showing times and prices for 04 Jan
Cheapest price
£69
Average price
£89
Fastest journey
3 h 26 m
Average duration
3 h 33 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
231 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around £89 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £69.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Manchester every day 4 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 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 26 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 40 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.
L6477908:423h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£691One-way
0 changes
L6480610:433h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)14:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£691One-way
0 changes
L6480409:453h26
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:11Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£781One-way
0 changes
L6480811:403h35
Cardiff Central (CDF)15:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1051One-way
0 changes
C74971 · C7232011:453h44
Cardiff Central (CDF)15:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
1 change
L6480409:453h26
Cardiff Central (CDF)13:11Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£781One-way
0 changes
L6477908:423h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)12:14Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£691One-way
0 changes
L6480610:433h32
Cardiff Central (CDF)14:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£691One-way
0 changes
L6480811:403h35
Cardiff Central (CDF)15:15Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1051One-way
0 changes
L16830+C7232412:203h40
Cardiff Central (CDF)16:00Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
£1081One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Manchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Manchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 27m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£69 Average Price | £27 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration 5h 39m 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
Cardiff to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester trains for today, Saturday 3 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 06:49
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L23178+C74904 | On time 08:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| L64805 | On time 08:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 12:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L23180+C74906 | On time 09:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| L64790 | On time 09:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 13:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L65705+C74908 | On time 10:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| L23182+C74908 | On time 10:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h39 | 13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| Sunday 4 January | |||||
| 06:38 Cardiff | 5h33 | 12:11 Manchester | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Manchester 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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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester?
The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Manchester is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Manchester route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Manchester 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 Cardiff to Manchester.
Trains
from £57Coaches
from £20Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:26, the last at 23:51. The fastest train covers the 231 km distance in 3h 17m.
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 £15
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
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 £15
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country from Cardiff to Manchester trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Cardiff and Manchester from £15. 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 Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
£43
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 Duration
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
£45
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 41m
Cheapest Price
£209
Cross Country frequency
11 a day
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester are provided by Arriva and CrossCountry. Arriva services run directly, with a journey time of around three to three and a half hours. CrossCountry services have one change, at Bristol Parkway, and last around three and a half hours. Trains from Cardiff to Manchester start very early in the morning, with services leaving just after 4:30 a.m. and continuing every 30 minutes to 1 hour throughout the day. The last service leaves before 10:00 p.m. Trains depart from Cardiff Central Train Station on Saunders Road, close to all major amenities. They arrive at Manchester Picadilly Station on Fairfield Street, close to the popular shopping area of the Northern Quarter.
FAQs: Cardiff to Manchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Manchester 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 Manchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
A day trip from Cardiff to Manchester is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 17m. However, with a frequency of 7 trains per day, there are multiple travel options available. The distance covered is 231 km.
In Manchester, you can explore Old Trafford, the iconic stadium of Manchester United, and the Northern Quarter, known for its independent shops and street art. Enjoy performances at the Manchester Opera House and experience the vibrant nightlife at Deansgate Locks. Relax at Heaton Park, one of Europe's largest municipal parks. Visit the Manchester Art Gallery and the Science and Industry Museum. Admire Manchester Cathedral's Gothic architecture and the John Rylands Library's rare collections. Stroll through Castlefield, with its Roman ruins and picturesque canals.
The train distance from Cardiff to Manchester is 231 km.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Manchester. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 3h 17m. Trains run 7 per day.
To get from Cardiff to Manchester, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The first train from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 0:26.
The last train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 23:51.
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run approximately 7 times per day.
A stay of 2 to 4 days in Manchester is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including museums, historical sites, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Manchester.
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester offers passengers scenic views, especially as it passes through the rolling countryside of the Welsh Marches and the picturesque landscapes of North West England.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Manchester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Manchester is by coach, costing approximately £15.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Manchester is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Manchester.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Manchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester
Cardiff
Manchester
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
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)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
The major train station for arrivals in Manchester is Manchester Piccadilly. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Manchester Piccadilly for your journey to Manchester from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
LockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Wifi
- Pay as you go Wi-Fi is available through BT Wi-Fi.
Lockers
- Operated by Excess Baggage Co. Llocated between Platforms 10 and 11 and open daily from 08:00 to 21:00.
Dining
- Burger King
- Caffè Nero
- Carluccio’s
- Hotel Chocolat
- Starbucks
- The Pasty Shop
- Costa Coffee
- Pret a Manger
- Upper Crust
- McDonald's
- & more
Accessibility
- There is step-free access throughout the station. Ramps for train access and wheelchairs are also available.
Hotel
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Manchester - Piccadilly
- Premier Inn Manchester City
- Staycity Aparthotels - Manchester Piccadilly
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 04:30 - 22:30
- Sun: 07:00 - 22:30
Information Desk
- Located near the Fairfield Street entrance on the mezzanine level.
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
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Sunday 06:30 - 22:30
Distance to city center
13 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts. The Ladies toilets are located at the end of Platform 3. The Gents toilets are located at the end of Platform 2. The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located at platform level, behind the lifts, at the end of Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: No cycle storage
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- 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
Public transport options for Manchester Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail Replacement bus services depart from stands L & M of the adjacent Bus Station which is situated close to the ticket office.
Manchester
information
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Manchester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Manchester
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