Train from Cardiff to Manchester: Tickets & Schedules

Next train departures

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on April 25
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Transport for WalesTrain
Cardiff Central
Manchester PiccadillyCheapest
Transport for WalesTrain
Cardiff Central
Manchester PiccadillyFastest
Transport for WalesTrain
Cardiff Central
Manchester PiccadillyNo tags
Transport for WalesTrain
Cardiff Central
Manchester PiccadillyNo tags
Transport for WalesTrain
Cardiff Central
Manchester PiccadillyNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:25 PM BST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Cardiff to Manchester

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 7 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just COP 67,463, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

25bus per day
7h 30mAverage Duration
226 kmDistance
6kgCO₂ emissions
Average PriceCOP 67,463 - COP 220,757Average Duration7h 30m
6kg CO₂e
Average PriceCOP 162,260 - COP 847,417Average Duration3h 44m
6kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Manchester by train

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

  1. How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?

    The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester start at COP 162,260. The average price for this train route is around COP 259,098. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train ride from Cardiff to Manchester?

    The average train trip from Cardiff to Manchester takes 3h 44m and covers 230 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 18m and is operated by Transport for Wales.

  3. Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Manchester route?

    Several major train operators serve this route, with 12 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.

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

    The earliest train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 7:28am. The latest train departs at 7:51pm.

  5. What is the best train operator from Cardiff to Manchester?

    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.

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

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

  7. Which train operator has the best on-time performance from Cardiff to Manchester?

    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.

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

    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
04-22
COP 276,119
04-23
COP 337,568
Today
COP 337,240
04-25
COP 246,014
04-26
COP 215,800
04-27
COP 245,832
04-28
COP 245,832
04-29
COP 214,087
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on Apr 29, 2026 with a price of COP 214,087

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

You can expect to pay from COP 214,087 to COP 807,180 for a train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at COP 214,087 which is on 2026-04-29.

Usually CrossCountry will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.

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