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 $89. 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 14 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 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 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 traveler 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 traveler 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 $42

Next train departures

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on January 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	7:45pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	4:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	7:45pm	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	3:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	7:20pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	4:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	8:20pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	5:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	9:20pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on January 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 24m	8:54pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12am	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57am	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	1:00pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on January 31
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12am	Heath High Level	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 6m	11:36am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57am	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	1:00pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	3:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	7:20pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on February 1
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 46m	1:16pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	4:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	7:46pm	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	4h 27m	1:57pm	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	9:27am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 38m	1:05pm	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	10:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	4h	2:30pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on February 2
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 31m	11:01pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 19m	10:49am	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38am	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	12:45pm	Cardiff Central	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on February 3
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57am	Heath Low Level	CheapestFastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12am	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	1:00pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	10:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	2:12pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	3:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	7:20pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on February 4
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57am	Heath Low Level	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 8m	11:38am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12am	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	1:00pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	10:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	2:12pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 11:51 AM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go 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 $27, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3hAverage Duration

144 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$17 - $114	Average Duration7h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$44 - $234	Average Duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$27 - $27	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 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 $89. 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 14 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 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 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 traveler 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 traveler 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

01/27

$142

01/28

$143

Today

$85

01/30

$78

01/31

$70

02/01

$87

02/02

$69

02/03

$69

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on Feb 2, 2026 with a price of $69

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 $69 to $228 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 $69 which is on 2026-02-02.