- 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.
Cheapest price
£36
Average price
£72
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 19 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
231 km
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 £72 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Of the 21 trains that leave Cardiff for Manchester every day 8 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 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.
G00900 · G00866
G00941 · G00861
G38975
G38943
Y62730
G38967
G38983
G38950
G38975
G38953Omio recommends booking the train 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 £13. 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 £13, and a train costs an average of £28.
Distance: 231 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration 5h 33m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester trains for today, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G66721+ W35167 | Delayed 7:11 7:23Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 10:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00854+ G15041 | Delayed 8:09 8:18Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 11:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38967 | On time 8:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 12:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39027+ W34040 | On time 9:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 12:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38950 | On time 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 13:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66735+ W35178 | Delayed 10:09 10:18Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38975 | 10:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39032+ W34179 | On time 11:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 14:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00900 · G00866 | On time 11:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 15:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38953 | On time 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00872+ G15046 | Delayed 12:09 12:18Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 15:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38983 | On time 12:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 16:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35434+ G00876 | On time 13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 16:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G00905 · G00879 | On time 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38955 | On time 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 17:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G00883+ W35188 | Delayed 14:09 14:18Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 17:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38991 | On time 14:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 18:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39037+ W33873 | On time 15:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 18:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38957 | On time 15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 19:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y63472+ W33863 | On time 16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h28 | 19:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
W35435+ G00894 | On time 16:21 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 19:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38999 | On time 16:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 20:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39040+ W34022 | On time 17:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 20:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G66837 · G00901 | On time 17:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h44 | 21:29 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
G38959 | On time 17:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 21:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39004 | On time 18:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h28 | 22:21 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y62764 | On time 20:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h27 | 23:37 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39013+ G90053 | On time 21:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h51 | 1:17 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 18 August | |||||
G38943 | 4:33 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 8:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
V07523+ W34204 | 5:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h26 | 8:45 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
Y62730 | 5:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h25 | 9:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
G66716+ W35161 | 5:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h06 | 9:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Manchester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 3 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 19m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 2:37 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 7 days |
Discover the best of Manchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Manchester trip today.
Major science and industry museum on historic railway land, with galleries on textiles, transport and Manchester’s role in modern innovation.
Large university museum with natural history, archaeology and cultural collections, plus changing exhibitions in a prominent Oxford Road building.
Leading art museum with British and European paintings, design, costume and craft collections in a landmark city-centre building.
Historic canal-side warehouse district with restored brick buildings, waterside walks, bars, galleries and one of the city’s most atmospheric settings.
Lively central square framed by major civic buildings and event space, ideal for architecture, seasonal markets and city-centre orientation.
Characterful Northern Quarter street known for independent shops, record stores, creative spaces and eye-catching street art.
A flaky shortcrust pie filled with spiced minced beef, potato and onion. It is closely associated with Oldham and Greater Manchester chip shops.
A hearty hotpot of slow-cooked lamb or mutton with onions and sliced potatoes. A long-standing North West comfort dish served across Manchester pubs.
A rich tripe stew cooked with onions, milk and stock. It was a classic working-class Manchester meal linked to the city’s historic tripe trade.
Refined modern British tasting menus in an intimate city-centre setting. Best for a special meal with seasonal ingredients and polished service.
Historic Victorian dining room known for oysters, seafood and classic British dishes. Traditional atmosphere with one of Manchester’s best-known interiors.
Casual northern favourite serving Bury black pudding, pies and hearty breakfasts. Good for trying regional staples in a relaxed market setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels can be pricey at peak times, but dining, pubs and local transport are usually cheaper than London.
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.
Official public transport app
Manchester Piccadilly -> Piccadilly Gardens, 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.
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.

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.
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.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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.
Manchester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple food outlets and cafes available.
Free public Wi-Fi available in the station. ATMs are several ATMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Manchester.
Available at Manchester: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Manchester: Step-free access throughout the station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need