Cardiff to Manchester train with Transport for Wales

Fri 02 Oct
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Manchester

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 02 Oct

Cheapest price on 02 Oct

£31

Average ticket price on 02 Oct

£73

Fastest journey on 02 Oct

3 h 18 m

Average journey duration on 02 Oct

3 h 19 m

Trains on 02 Oct

42

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 £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £31.

Fast trains

On Fri 02 Oct, we found 42 trains from Cardiff to Manchester, including 16 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 19 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 20 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.

  • CrossCountryG66815 · G00934
    19:504h23
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    0:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £311One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38945
    6:463h27
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    10:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £331One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesY62764
    20:103h27
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    23:37Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £391One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG66797 · G00891
    15:453h44
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £411One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38957
    15:513h22
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
    £461One-way
    0 changes

Live departures

Cardiff to Manchester train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester trains for today, Thursday 1 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG38983
On time
12:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h18
16:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG00876+Transport for WalesY62070
Delayed
13:40 13:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
16:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35434+CrossCountryG00876
On time
13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
16:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG00905 · G00879
On time
13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38955
On time
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
17:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35188+CrossCountryG00883
On time
14:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
17:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38991
On time
14:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h24
18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15049+CrossCountryG00888
On time
15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
18:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38957
On time
15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h22
19:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY63472+Avanti West CoastW33863
On time
16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h28
19:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35435+CrossCountryG00894
On time
16:21 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
19:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Transport for WalesG38999
On time
16:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h18
20:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38959
On time
17:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
21:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY63476+Avanti West CoastW34129
On time
18:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h21
21:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
CrossCountryG66813 · G00912
On time
18:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h45
22:30 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
1 change
Transport for WalesG39004
On time
18:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h28
22:21 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62764
On time
20:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
23:37 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)
0 changesdirect
Friday 2 October
Transport for WalesG389434:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h39
8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY627305:48 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h25
9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35160+CrossCountryG667165:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h06
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesW45135+CrossCountryG667166:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15040+CrossCountryG667166:24 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h35
9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389456:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h27
10:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61953+CrossCountryG667217:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35167+CrossCountryG667217:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389477:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
11:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG39598+CrossCountryG008548:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15041+CrossCountryG008548:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG66712 · G008558:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
12:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389678:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h18
12:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61973+CrossCountryG667309:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35432+CrossCountryG667309:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h40
12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG389499:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
13:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY61994+CrossCountryG6673510:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayW35178+CrossCountryG6673510:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3897510:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15045+CrossCountryG0086511:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
14:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
CrossCountryG00900 · G0086611:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h44
15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Transport for WalesG3895311:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesY62071+CrossCountryG0087212:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
15:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15046+CrossCountryG0087212:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h41
15:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester trains with Omio?

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

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
  • 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Manchester.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Manchester.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Manchester

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £23 but you can travel from only £11 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 1m.

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 £11
Distance
231 km
Average train duration
3h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
£23
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
3h 1m
First train
2:37
Last train
23:57
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Fri
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 £11

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Cardiff to Manchester trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and Manchester from £11. 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 1m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£32
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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 11m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£23
CrossCountry frequency
3 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 Manchester

Things to do in Manchester

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

  • Must visit

Science and Industry Museum

Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.

  • Must visit

Manchester Museum

Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.

  • Must visit

Manchester Art Gallery

Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.

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
£70+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is good and not already added. Round up taxi fares; cafés usually do not require tips.

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £23, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester covers a distance of 231 km and takes approximately 3h 1m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Manchester is 231 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 2:37.
The last train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 23:57.
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Manchester.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Manchester. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Manchester.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Manchester is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Manchester Piccadilly (MAN).
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 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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Manchester.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Manchester

Most Cardiff to Manchester trains use the Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly station pair, with some services arriving at Manchester Airport. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Manchester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Manchester
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

CorytonCoryton station, Park Road, Coryton, Cardiff, CF14 7BW+44 333 321 1202ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Coryton from Cardiff city centre

Coryton is 5 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPenarth - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Coryton · 15m · £3 · every ~4 min
Penarth - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Coryton · 19m · £3 · every ~4 min
Bus23, 136 · 23m · £2 · every ~8 min
21, 136, 23 · 33m · £2 · every ~14 min
21, 136, 23 · 39m · £2 · every ~14 min

Coryton train station facilities and services

Coryton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Coryton.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Coryton: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Coryton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Coryton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B3. Access to the platform from Park Avenue is via a moderate ramp however there is no dropped kerb on the pavement. Access is also available via steps, 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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Manchester

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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