How much does a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester cost?

The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Manchester is $123. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from Cardiff to Manchester?

A train trip between Cardiff and Manchester is around 3h 35m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 19m. This is the time it takes to travel the 232 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Cardiff and Manchester?

The number of trains from Cardiff to Manchester can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 12. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Cardiff to Manchester by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Cardiff to Manchester?

When taking the train from Cardiff to Manchester, you can travel comfortably and safely with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.

Train Cardiff to Manchester from $83

Next train departures

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on November 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:28pm	Heath High Level	3h 53m	10:21pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	5:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	9:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	3:51pm	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	7:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	4:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	8:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	4:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	8:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:28pm	Heath High Level	3h 53m	10:21pm	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 November 20
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 November 21
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 November 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:53am	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	1:13pm	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	3:53pm	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	7:13pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:42am	Cardiff Central	3h 32m	12:14pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	3:55pm	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	7:14pm	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	9:45am	Cardiff Central	3h 26m	1:11pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	11:45am	Cardiff Central	3h 44m	3:29pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	10:43am	Cardiff Central	3h 32m	2:15pm	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures for Cardiff to Manchester on November 24
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

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:31 AM 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$25 - $117	Average Duration7h 40m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$76 - $311	Average Duration3h 35m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$31 - $62	Average Duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e

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, CrossCountry

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

Stops in Cardiff

A - Cardiff Central

Stops in Manchester

A - Shudehill

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Cardiff to Manchester by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester cost?
The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Manchester is $123. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from Cardiff to Manchester?
A train trip between Cardiff and Manchester is around 3h 35m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 19m. This is the time it takes to travel the 232 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between Cardiff and Manchester?
The number of trains from Cardiff to Manchester can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 12. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Cardiff to Manchester by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Cardiff to Manchester?
When taking the train from Cardiff to Manchester, you can travel comfortably and safely with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

11-16

$199

11-17

$193

Today

$83

11-19

$83

11-20

$94

11-21

$106

11-22

$106

11-23

$106

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on Nov 18, 2025 with a price of $83

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 $83 to $294 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 $83 which is on 2025-11-19.