Train from Manchester to Cardiff: Tickets & Timetables

Next train departures

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 12 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Transport for WalesTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
Heath High LevelCheapest
Transport for WalesTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
Cardiff CentralFastest
Transport for WalesTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
Heath High LevelNo tags
Transport for WalesTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
Heath Low LevelNo tags
Transport for WalesTrain
Manchester Piccadilly
Heath High LevelNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 17:35 GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel from Manchester to Cardiff

We recommend carpooling

Among the sustainable travel choices, the carpool stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 2 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just £18, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day
2h 50mAverage duration
144 milesDistance
10kgCO₂ emissions
Average price£13 - £105Average duration7h 15m
6kg CO₂e
Average price£34 - £165Average duration3h 30m
6kg CO₂e
Carpool
Average price£18 - £26Average duration2h 50m
10kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Cardiff by train

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your journey.

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

    The cheapest train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff start from £34. The average price for this train route is around £66. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for the best chance of getting the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Manchester to Cardiff?

    The average train journey time from Manchester to Cardiff is 3h 30m, covering a distance of 144 miles. The fastest train gets you there in 3h 5m and is operated by Transport for Wales.

  3. Which train operators serve the Manchester to Cardiff route?

    Several major train operators run on this route with 17 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.

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

    The earliest train from Manchester to Cardiff departs at 07:30. And the latest train departs at 23:42.

  5. Which 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.

  6. Which train operator has the best Wi-Fi from Manchester to Cardiff?

    According to reviews on Busbud, the train operator Transport for Wales has the highest Wi-Fi rating with a score of 5.0.

  7. Which train operator has the most punctual service from Manchester to Cardiff?

    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.

  8. 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
09/12
£46
10/12
£64
Today
£64
12/12
£64
13/12
£58
14/12
£58
15/12
£57
16/12
£51
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on 9 Dec 2025 with a price of £46

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 £46 to £159 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 £51, which is on 2025-12-16.

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