Trains tickets from Cardiff to Manchester

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TodayMay 3
from US$64
TomorrowMay 4
from US$73
MonMay 5
from US$64
TueMay 6
from US$64
WedMay 7
from US$64
ThuMay 8
from US$63
FriMay 9
from US$63
SatMay 10
from US$63

Train schedules for tomorrow

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Cheapest
    Departure time: May 4 at
    Departure city: Cardiff
    Departure location: Cardiff Central
    Arrival time: May 4 at
    Destination city: Manchester
    Destination location: Manchester Piccadilly
    Operated by: Transport for WalesTransport for Wales
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • This trip is recommended because it is the: Fastest
    Departure time: May 4 at
    Departure city: Cardiff
    Departure location: Cardiff Central
    Arrival time: May 4 at
    Destination city: Manchester
    Destination location: Manchester Piccadilly
    Operated by: Transport for WalesTransport for Wales
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • Departure time: May 4 at
    Departure city: Cardiff
    Departure location: Cardiff Central
    Arrival time: May 4 at
    Destination city: Manchester
    Destination location: Manchester Piccadilly
    Operated by: Transport for WalesTransport for Wales
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • Departure time: May 4 at
    Departure city: Cardiff
    Departure location: Cardiff Central
    Arrival time: May 4 at
    Destination city: Manchester
    Destination location: Manchester Piccadilly
    Operated by: CrossCountryCrossCountry
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:
  • Departure time: May 4 at
    Departure city: Cardiff
    Departure location: Cardiff Central
    Arrival time: May 4 at
    Destination city: Manchester
    Destination location: Manchester Piccadilly
    Operated by: Transport for WalesTransport for Wales
    Vehicle: TrainDuration:

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 9:58 AM BST.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

Accepted payments

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Compare 3 ways to go from Cardiff to Manchester

Bus
Average PriceUS$15 - US$106Average Duration7h 10m
6kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
CheapestMost eco-friendly
Train
Average PriceUS$61 - US$223Average Duration3h 41m
6kg CO₂e5 out of 5 stars
Carpool
Average PriceUS$27 - US$38Average Duration3h 10m
10kg CO₂e4 out of 5 stars
Fastest
busbud logoBusbud recommends carpooling from Cardiff to Manchester

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Manchester. The journey takes about 3 hours 10 minutes, and with fares starting at just US$27, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
3h 10mAverage Duration
US$27Cheapest ticket
10kgCO₂ emissions

Train Cardiff to Manchester: Trip Overview

Please note, this information is subject to change

Average Ticket PriceUS$72
Average train trip duration3h 41m
Number of daily trains12
Earliest train departure7:21am
Distance232 km
Latest train departure11:34pm

Cardiff to Manchester Train

Busbud shows you the best train ticket fares and train schedules so you can easily plan and book a trip by train from Cardiff to Manchester.

We make sure you can find a train service from Cardiff to Manchester from the most reliable train companies operating this trip.

Whether it is train tickets or first class train tickets going to Manchester from Cardiff, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.

Frequently asked questions on the trip Cardiff - Manchester

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

    The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Manchester is US$72. 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!

  2. How long is the trip from Cardiff to Manchester?

    A train trip between Cardiff and Manchester is around 3h 41m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 13m. This is the time it takes to travel the 232 km that separates the two cities.

  3. 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.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
05-01
US$60
05-02
US$60
Today
US$60
05-04
US$69
05-05
US$60
05-06
US$60
05-07
US$60
05-08
US$60
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on May 1, 2025 with a price of US$60

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 US$60 to US$213 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 US$60 which is on 2025-05-08.

About Train Travel

Train Travel Tips

Do you like to go fast? With high-speed trains going faster than 300 km/h on certain routes, the time will fly by. Taking a train between Cardiff and Manchester is also a great way to travel to arrive in the city centre and save more time for your stay in Manchester.

Regional train? High-speed train? Whichever train to Manchester you take, you’ll help reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of your trip. As you watch the landscapes unfold before your eyes, you can tell yourself that with this choice, you are making sure they remain protected.

By choosing the train between Cardiff and Manchester, you emit up to 30 times less CO2 than for the same journey made by plane or car!

Create your real-life musical score by curating a personalized train travel playlist - the perfect accompaniment to your train ride from Cardiff to Manchester.

Did you know?

Some trains in Sweden can recover more than a fifth of the energy they use by braking. This is especially true with ore trains as they descend from Narvik to Kiruna.

The magnetic levitation train (Maglev for short) is currently the fastest train in the world. With a speed of 603 km/ h, it is closely followed by the French high-speed train (574.8 km / h) which remains in 2020, the fastest train to date.

Railway companies played a major role as early as 1883 in the use of time zones as we know them today.

Will you be returning to Cardiff by train?

Train from Manchester to Cardiff

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