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

The average train ticket price from Manchester to Cardiff is $86. The best way to find train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff 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 train trip from Manchester to Cardiff?

A train trip between Manchester and Cardiff is around 3h 30m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 5m. This is the time it takes to travel the 144 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between Manchester and Cardiff?

The number of trains from Manchester to Cardiff can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 18. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Manchester to Cardiff by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Manchester to Cardiff?

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

What are the best sights and things to do in Cardiff?

Once in Cardiff, you can explore the city. The top sights and things to do are Brecon Beacons National Park, Cardiff International White Water, St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff Castle, Wales Millennium Centre.

Train Manchester to Cardiff from $42

Next train departures

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on November 18
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 44m	11:14pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 44m	11:14pm	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	4h	11:30pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	9:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 12m	5:42am	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on November 19
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37am	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	8:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37am	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	7:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 19m	10:49am	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	12:45pm	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	10:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 22m	1:52pm	Cardiff Central	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on November 20
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 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 November 21
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 7m	11:37am	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 November 22
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	3:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	6:46pm	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 November 23
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 22m	10:52pm	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	4:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 13m	7:43pm	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	9:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	4h 30m	2:00pm	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	8:26am	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 39m	12:05pm	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	10:30am	Manchester Piccadilly	4h	2:30pm	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on November 24
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 34m	11:04pm	Cardiff Central	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

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 7:04 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 $21, 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 - $101	Average Duration7h 45m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$44 - $216	Average Duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average Price$21 - $24	Average Duration2h 50m	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

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

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

Stops in Manchester

A - Shudehill

Stops in Cardiff

A - Cardiff Central

Frequently asked questions about traveling from Manchester to Cardiff by train

How much does a train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff cost?
How long is the train trip from Manchester to Cardiff?
How many daily trains are there between Manchester and Cardiff?
Which train companies travel from Manchester to Cardiff?
What are the best sights and things to do in Cardiff?

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

$85

11/17

$135

Today

$82

11/19

$49

11/20

$74

11/21

$134

11/22

$74

11/23

$74

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on Nov 19, 2025 with a price of $49

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 $49 to $201 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 $49 which is on 2025-11-19.