1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Manchester
Showing times and prices for Feb 17
Cheapest price
€39
Average price
€59
Fastest journey
3 h 20 m
Average duration
3 h 32 m
Trains per day
5
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Manchester will cost around €59 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €39.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Manchester on Tue, Feb 17, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Feb 17 the direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 20 m .
On Tue, Feb 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 54 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.
08:45AM4h14
Cardiff12:59PMManchester
€391One-way
0 transfers
07:53AM3h20
Cardiff11:13AMManchester
€501One-way
0 transfers
04:19AM3h54
Cardiff08:13AMManchester
€631One-way
0 transfers
09:45AM3h44
Cardiff01:29PMManchester
€651One-way
0 transfers
09:53AM3h20
Cardiff01:13PMManchester
€771One-way
0 transfers
09:53AM3h20
Cardiff01:13PMManchester
€771One-way
0 transfers
08:53AM3h20
Cardiff12:13PMManchester
€771One-way
0 transfers
07:53AM3h20
Cardiff11:13AMManchester
€501One-way
0 transfers
09:45AM3h44
Cardiff01:29PMManchester
€651One-way
0 transfers
04:19AM3h54
Cardiff08:13AMManchester
€631One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 bus with prices starting from €12. 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 bus costs an average of €12, and a train costs an average of €32.
Distance: 231 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€66 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 57m Average total duration 5h 27m 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, Monday, February 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 9:35 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:45 AM Cardiff | 3h44 | 1:29 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:53 AM Cardiff | 3h20 | 1:13 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, February 17 | |||||
| 4:19 AM Cardiff | 3h54 | 8:13 AM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:45 AM Cardiff | 4h14 | 12:59 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:53 AM Cardiff | 3h20 | 12:13 PM Manchester | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Manchester by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Tue
Feb 17
Feb 17
Wed
Feb 18
Feb 18
Thu
Feb 19
Feb 19
Fri
Feb 20
Feb 20
Sat
Feb 21
Feb 21
Sun
Feb 22
Feb 22
Mon
Feb 23
Feb 23
Tue
Feb 24
Feb 24
Wed
Feb 25
Feb 25
Thu
Feb 26
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02
Mar 02
Tue
Mar 03
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
Mar 04
Thu
Mar 05
Mar 05
Fri
Mar 06
Mar 06
Sat
Mar 07
Mar 07
Sun
Mar 08
Mar 08
Mon
Mar 09
Mar 09
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 €62Buses
from €22Journey 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 €32 but you can travel from only €12 by bus.
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 19m.
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
Bus from €12
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price €32 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 19m |
First train 02:37 |
Last train 23:57 |
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
Bus from €12
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 €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 Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest Price
€32
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 35m
Cheapest Price
€33
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
€226
Cross Country frequency
11 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Manchester
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.
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester can start from as little as €32 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Manchester is €66; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cardiff to Manchester is 3h 19m to travel the 231 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 2:37 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to Manchester leaves at 11:57 PM.
Yes,there are 4 direct trains a day from Cardiff to Manchester with Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Manchester, you can count on Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Manchester. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Manchester and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Manchester from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 19m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to Manchester is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Manchester including taking a bus and train.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to 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 transit 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)
Cathays
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation 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 transit 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
Ninian Park
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 transit 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 transit 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 transit 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
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
