How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?

The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester start at $74. The average price for this train route is around $122. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from Cardiff to Manchester?

The average train trip from Cardiff to Manchester takes 3h 45m and covers 228 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 19m and is operated by Transport for Wales .

Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Manchester route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 11 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales , CrossCountry .

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

The earliest train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 7:23am. The latest train departs at 11:47pm.

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 44 reviews.

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.

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.

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.

Train Cardiff to Manchester from $81

Next train departures

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on December 12
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	8:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	7:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13am	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	9:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	1:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on December 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	8:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	8:54am	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	7:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13am	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	8:54am	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	9:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	1:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on December 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:41pm	Cardiff Central	3h 34m	8:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	3:55pm	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	7:14pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	8:42am	Cardiff Central	3h 32m	12:14pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	11:45am	Cardiff Central	3h 44m	3:29pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	9:45am	Cardiff Central	3h 26m	1:11pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:51pm	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	7:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	7:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13am	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	9:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	1:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on December 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13am	Manchester Piccadilly	CheapestFastest
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	9:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	1:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	3:51pm	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	7:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on December 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 21m	8:14pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	7:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13am	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	8:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	9:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	1:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 7:26 PM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Cardiff to Manchester

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 3 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just $31, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 30mAverage Duration

232 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$24 - $119	Average Duration7h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$74 - $305	Average Duration3h 45m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$31 - $61	Average Duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e

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

Cardiff

A
Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central, UK
Visit page

Manchester

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

Train companies

Transport for Wales

3.5/58 reviews

Staff5

Timeliness5

Cleanliness5

Wifi5

CrossCountry

4.5/544 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi4.1

GB train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, RegioJet, FlixTrain, Amtrak Acela

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.

How much is the train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?
The cheapest train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester start at $74. The average price for this train route is around $122. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Cardiff to Manchester?
The average train trip from Cardiff to Manchester takes 3h 45m and covers 228 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 19m and is operated by Transport for Wales.
Which train operators serve the Cardiff to Manchester route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 11 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Cardiff to Manchester?
The earliest train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 7:23am. The latest train departs at 11:47pm.
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 44 reviews.
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.
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.
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

12-09

$117

12-10

$193

Today

$196

12-12

$95

12-13

$119

12-14

$107

12-15

No data

12-16

$96

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on Dec 12, 2025 with a price of $95

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 $95 to $295 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 $95 which is on 2025-12-12.