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 $86. 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 17 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 44 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 traveller 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 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 Manchester to Cardiff from $50

Next train departures

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on December 11
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
	Train	9:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 12m	5:42am	Heath High Level	CheapestFastest

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on December 12
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 13m	5:43am	Heath High Level	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	11:20am	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 December 13
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 17m	10:47am	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 5m	11:35am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	11:20am	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 December 14
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	5:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 17m	8:47pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	4:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 13m	7:43pm	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 December 15
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 57m	11:27pm	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 December 16
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 12m	5:42am	Heath High 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	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 December 17
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 19m	10:49am	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 December 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	9:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 12m	5:42am	Heath High 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	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

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 8:15 PM GMT.

Compare 3 ways to go from Manchester to Cardiff

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as the good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 2 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just $24, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

2h 50mAverage Duration

144 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average Price$17 - $137	Average Duration7h 15m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$44 - $215	Average Duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$24 - $34	Average Duration2h 50m	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

4.5/544 reviews

Staff4.5

Timeliness4.1

Cleanliness4.1

Wifi4.1

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

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 $86. 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 17 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 44 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 traveller 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 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

$59

12/10

$84

Today

$84

12/12

$84

12/13

$75

12/14

$76

12/15

$75

12/16

$67

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on Dec 9, 2025 with a price of $59

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 $59 to $207 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 $67 which is on 2025-12-16.