4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Manchester
Cheapest price
£39
Average price
£70
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 20 m
Trains per day
19
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 £70 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £39.
Of the 19 trains that leave Cardiff for Manchester every day 9 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 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 19 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.
G3895613:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)17:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£391One-way0 changes- G3899514:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)18:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£391One-way0 changes
G00899 · G0086811:453h44Cardiff Central (CDF)15:29Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£411One-way1 change- G389529:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)13:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- G3897910:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)14:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- G389718:543h19Cardiff Central (CDF)12:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£691One-way0 changes
- G389529:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)13:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- G3897910:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)14:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
- G3895613:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)17:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£391One-way0 changes
- G3898712:533h20Cardiff Central (CDF)16:13Manchester Piccadilly (MAN)£461One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Manchester
Omio 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
Compare train with
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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Manchester train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Manchester trains for today, Friday 3 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 G15041+G00854 | On time 8:18 Cardiff 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 | |
| W35432+G66730 | On time 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h40 | 12:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38950 | On time 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 13:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35178+G66735 | On time 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 13:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38975 | On time 10:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 14:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15045+G00865 | On time 11:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 14:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38953 | On time 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 15:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15046+G00872 | On time 12:18 Cardiff 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 | |
| G38955 | On time 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 17:14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W35188+G00883 | On time 14:18 Cardiff 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 | |
| G15049+G00888 | On time 15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 18:59 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
| G38957 | On time 15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h22 | 19:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y63472+ W33814 | 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 | |
| G38959 | On time 17:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 21:13 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y63476+W34129 | On time 18:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 21:44 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 1 change | |
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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Why should you book Cardiff to Manchester trains with Omio?
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, Cross Country or 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 Transport for Wales 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 CrossCountry, Cross Country or 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.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Manchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 |
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 £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Cross Country
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.
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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
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.
Which Manchester station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Manchester Piccadilly from Manchester city centre
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.
Getting to Manchester Airport from Manchester city centre
Manchester Airport is 13 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
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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