How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff?

The cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff start from R 713. The average price for this train route is around R 1 431. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

How long is the train journey from Manchester to Cardiff?

The average train journey time from Manchester to Cardiff is 3h 30m, covering a distance of 232 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 5m and is operated by Transport for Wales .

Which train operators serve the Manchester to Cardiff route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 14 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales , CrossCountry .

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Manchester to Cardiff?

The earliest train from Manchester to Cardiff departs at 07:30. And the latest train departs at 23:42.

Which is the best train operator from Manchester to Cardiff?

According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is CrossCountry , with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 46 reviews.

Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Manchester to Cardiff?

Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Transport for Wales has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

Which train operator offers the most punctual service from Manchester to Cardiff?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Transport for Wales , with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Manchester to Cardiff?

According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Transport for Wales , with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Train Manchester to Cardiff from R 679

Next train departures

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 30 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 24m	20:54	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 31 January
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 17m	10:47	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 6m	11:36	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 1 February
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 46m	13:16	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	16:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	19:46	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	4h 27m	13:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:27	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 38m	13:05	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	10:30	Manchester Piccadilly	4h	14:30	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 2 February
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	19:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 31m	23:01	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 19m	10:49	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	12:45	Cardiff Central	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 3 February
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	CheapestFastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	10:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	14:12	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	15:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	19:20	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 4 February
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	10:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	14:12	Heath High Level	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:46 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Manchester to Cardiff

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 3 hours and with fares starting at just R 424, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3hAverage duration

232 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 265 - R 1 840	Average duration7h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 713 - R 3 784	Average duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average priceR 424 - R 428	Average duration3h	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Manchester and Cardiff?

Manchester

A
Shudehill
Shudehill Interchange, Stand G, Manchester M60
Visit page

Cardiff

A
Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central, UK
Visit page

Train Companies

Transport for Wales

3.5/58 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

WiFi5

CrossCountry

4.5/546 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness4

Cleanliness3.9

WiFi3.9

GB train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, Amtrak Acela, CrossCountry

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Cardiff by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff?
The cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff start from R 713. The average price for this train route is around R 1 431. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Manchester to Cardiff?
The average train journey time from Manchester to Cardiff is 3h 30m, covering a distance of 232 km. The quickest train can get you there in 3h 5m and is operated by Transport for Wales.
Which train operators serve the Manchester to Cardiff route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 14 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Manchester to Cardiff?
The earliest train from Manchester to Cardiff departs at 07:30. And the latest train departs at 23:42.
Which is the best train operator from Manchester to Cardiff?
According to Busbud customers, the highest-rated train operator on this route is CrossCountry, with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 46 reviews.
Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Manchester to Cardiff?
Based on reviews on Busbud, the train operator Transport for Wales has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which train operator offers the most punctual service from Manchester to Cardiff?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most punctual train operator on this route is Transport for Wales, with a punctuality rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.
Which train operator has the cleanest trains from Manchester to Cardiff?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the train operator with the cleanest trains on this route is Transport for Wales, with a cleanliness rating of 5.0 out of 5 stars.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

28/01

R 2 305

29/01

R 1 369

Today

R 1 256

31/01

R 1 123

01/02

R 1 402

02/02

R 1 105

03/02

R 1 119

04/02

R 1 116

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on 02 Feb 2026 with a price of R 1 105

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 1 105 to R 3 696 for a train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 105, which is on 2026-02-02.