4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Manchester to Cardiff
- Cheapest price on Nov 12
- €38
- Average ticket price on Nov 12
- €72
- Fastest journey on Nov 12
- 3 h 8 m
- Average journey duration on Nov 12
- 3 h 13 m
- Trains on Nov 12
- 13
- Distance
- 231 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Manchester to Cardiff will cost around €72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €38.
On Thu, Nov 12, we found 13 trains from Manchester to Cardiff, including 9 direct services.
On Thu, Nov 12 the direct trains cover the 231 km distance in an average of 3 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 8 m .
On Thu, Nov 12 the slowest trains will take 3 h 15 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.
G388739:30 AM 3h14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €38 1 One-way 0 transfers- G38892
6:30 PM 3h25 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 9:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €45 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38885
3:30 PM 3h16 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €45 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38882
2:30 PM 3h14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €45 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38886
4:30 PM 3h15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €53 1 One-way 0 transfers
- G38870
8:30 AM 3h08 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 11:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) €68 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38873
9:30 AM 3h14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €38 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38882
2:30 PM 3h14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €45 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38877
11:30 AM 3h14 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €79 1 One-way 0 transfers - G38886
4:30 PM 3h15 Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) €53 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Manchester to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €27 but you can travel from only €13 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 5m.
Distance 231 km |
Average train duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price €27 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 3h 5m |
First train 2:37 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Live departures
Manchester to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, November 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W29908+ G14944 | On time 5:03 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38890 | On time 5:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h24 | 8:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38892 | On time 6:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h25 | 9:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, November 12 | |||||
| G38870 | 8:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h08 | 11:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G01144+W34618 | 9:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38873 | 9:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38874 | 10:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h23 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| W29871+W34624 | 11:03 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h34 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G01018 · G01109 | 11:25 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 4h00 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| G38877 | 11:30 AM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38882 | 2:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h14 | 5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38885 | 3:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h16 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| G38886 | 4:30 PM Manchester Piccadilly (MAN) | 3h15 | 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Manchester to Cardiff 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 to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
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Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Cardiff.
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Manchester to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Manchester and Cardiff 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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Manchester and Cardiff
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
FAQs: Trains from Manchester to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Manchester to Cardiff
Most Manchester to Cardiff trains use the Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Manchester and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Manchester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
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.
Getting to Deansgate from Manchester city centre
Deansgate is 1 km from Manchester city centre. Public transport options include:
Deansgate train station facilities and services
Deansgate has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Deansgate.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Deansgate.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Deansgate: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Deansgate: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Deansgate: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station From Whitworth Street, up a ramp (43 paces, 1:25 slope) and level access through the entrance into the foyer. Or from the junction of Chester Road, Whitworth Street and Deansgate, level access through the entrance, along the corridor and up 21 steps into the foyer. Then, to Manchester: Past the ticket office, via the lift in the foyer. Or up a ramp (34 paces), up 17 steps onto the platform. To Bolton, Warrington and Wigan : Via the lift in the foyer or along the subway (26 paces), up a ramp (32 paces) and up 18 steps onto the platform. Level access to Manchester platform also via overbridge from Metrolink G-Mex Metrolink stop. Lift available first to last train, currently 06:20 - 23:40 Monday to Saturday. 08:10 - 23:30 Sunday, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 Cardiff Bay from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Bay is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Cardiff Bay train station facilities and services
Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
More options for your journey from Manchester to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Manchester
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