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

The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Manchester is £62. 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 train trip from Cardiff to Manchester?

A train trip between Cardiff and Manchester is around 3h 43m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 13m. This is the time it takes to travel the 144 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train 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 £45

Next train departures

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 12 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	CheapestFastest
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:51	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	19:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	17:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	21:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 13 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	CheapestFastest
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:51	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	19:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	17:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	21:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 14 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	CheapestFastest
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:51	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	19:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	17:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	21:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 15 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	20:13	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	08:54	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:54	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	19:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	20:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	17:51	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	21:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 16 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:42	Cardiff Central	3h 32m	12:14	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	15:55	Cardiff Central	3h 19m	19:14	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	09:45	Cardiff Central	3h 26m	13:11	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	11:45	Cardiff Central	3h 44m	15:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	10:43	Cardiff Central	3h 32m	14:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	11:45	Cardiff Central	3h 44m	15:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	11:40	Cardiff Central	3h 35m	15:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:45	Cardiff Central	3h 44m	20:29	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 17 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	17:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	21:13	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:51	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	19:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 18 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	18:28	Heath High Level	3h 53m	22:21	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:51	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	19:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Next departures from Cardiff to Manchester on 19 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	18:28	Heath High Level	3h 53m	22:21	Manchester Piccadilly	Cheapest
Train	07:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	11:13	Manchester Piccadilly	Fastest
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	08:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	12:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	09:53	Cardiff Central	3h 20m	13:13	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	15:51	Cardiff Central	3h 24m	19:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags
Train	16:53	Cardiff Central	3h 22m	20:15	Manchester Piccadilly	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 04:44 GMT.

Compare 3 ways to travel 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 20 minutes and with fares starting at just £15, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1carpool per day

3h 20mAverage duration

144 milesDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average price£14 - £71	Average duration7h 35m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£41 - £170	Average duration3h 43m	CO₂ emissions 5kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£15 - £22	Average duration3h 20m	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 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 on the trip Cardiff - Manchester

How much does a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester cost?
The average train ticket price from Cardiff to Manchester is £62. 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 train trip from Cardiff to Manchester?
A train trip between Cardiff and Manchester is around 3h 43m, although the fastest train will take about 3h 13m. This is the time it takes to travel the 144 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train 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

10/11

£109

11/11

£45

Today

£58

13/11

£52

14/11

£105

15/11

£51

16/11

£58

17/11

£52

The cheapest trip from Cardiff to Manchester was searched and found on 11 Nov 2025 with a price of £45

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 £45 to £161 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 £51, which is on 2025-11-15.

Usually CrossCountry will charge you higher prices for tickets closer to the departure date. To find the best prices, you should be flexible on your date of travel.