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

The average train ticket price from Manchester to Cardiff is £68. The best way to find cheap 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 3m. This is the time it takes to travel the 144 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train 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 19. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. 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.

Train Manchester to Cardiff from £33

Next train departures

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 16 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	23:07	Manchester Airport	8h 43m	07:50	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	16:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 13m	19:43	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	4h 30m	14:00	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:26	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 39m	12:05	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	10:30	Manchester Piccadilly	4h	14:30	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 17 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	19:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 44m	23:14	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	11:20	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 18 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	21:30	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 12m	05:42	Heath High Level	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	11:20	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 19 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 19m	10:49	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 15m	12:45	Cardiff Central	No tags
Train	10:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 22m	13:52	Cardiff Central	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 20 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	21:30	Manchester Piccadilly	8h 12m	05:42	Heath High Level	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	11:20	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 21 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 19m	10:49	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 7m	11:37	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 42m	11:12	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Next departures from Manchester to Cardiff on 22 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	15:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 16m	18:46	Cardiff Central	Cheapest
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 5m	11:35	Cardiff Central	Fastest
Train	07:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	11:20	Heath High Level	No tags
Train	08:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 27m	11:57	Heath Low Level	No tags
Train	09:30	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 30m	13:00	Heath High Level	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 04:02 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 3 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just £16, 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£13 - £79	Average duration7h 15m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£34 - £170	Average duration3h 30m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Carpool	Average price£16 - £32	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 Manchester and Cardiff?

Stops in Manchester

A - Shudehill

Stops in Cardiff

A - Cardiff Central

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Manchester to Cardiff by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from Manchester to Cardiff cost?
The average train ticket price from Manchester to Cardiff is £68. The best way to find cheap 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 3m. This is the time it takes to travel the 144 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train 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 19. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. 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.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found

14/11

£108

15/11

£105

Today

£66

17/11

£64

18/11

£51

19/11

£39

20/11

£58

21/11

£104

The cheapest trip from Manchester to Cardiff was searched and found on 19 Nov 2025 with a price of £39

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 £39 to £157 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 £39, which is on 2025-11-19.