Next train departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Manchester Piccadilly | Heath High Level | Cheapest | ||||
| Train | Manchester Piccadilly | Cardiff Central | Fastest | ||||
| Train | Manchester Piccadilly | Heath High Level | No tags | ||||
| Train | Manchester Piccadilly | Heath Low Level | No tags | ||||
| Train | Manchester Piccadilly | Heath High Level | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 4:11 AM GMT.
Compare 3 ways to go from Manchester to Cardiff
Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as the good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 2 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just $24, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Manchester and Cardiff?
Train Companies
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff by train
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary 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 $44. The average price for this train route is around $86. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Manchester to Cardiff?
The average train ride duration from Manchester to Cardiff is 3h 30m, covering a distance of 144 miles (232 km). The quickest train can get you there in 3h 5m and is operated by Transport for Wales.
Which train operators service the Manchester to Cardiff route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 17 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Manchester to Cardiff?
The earliest train departs from Manchester to Cardiff at 7:30am. And the latest train departs at 11:42pm.
What 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 44 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 best Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.
Which train operator has the most timely service from Manchester to Cardiff?
According to Busbud traveller reviews, the most timely 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.
The cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on Dec 19, 2025 with a price of $75To 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 $75 to $209 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 $75 which is on 2025-12-19.
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