Previously seen trips

Next departures for Manchester to Cardiff on October 6
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location
Train Wi‑Fi Toilet Power outlets	5:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 50m	9:20pm	Heath High Level
Train Wi‑Fi Toilet Power outlets	5:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 24m	8:54pm	Cardiff Central
Train Wi‑Fi Toilet Power outlets	6:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	4h 13m	10:43pm	Heath High Level
Train Wi‑Fi Toilet Power outlets	6:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	3h 25m	9:55pm	Cardiff Central
Train Wi‑Fi Toilet Power outlets	7:30pm	Manchester Piccadilly	4h	11:30pm	Heath High Level

Compare 2 ways to go from Manchester to Cardiff

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Cardiff. The journey takes about 3 hours 27 minutes, and with fares starting at just $64, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

16train per day

3h 27mAverage Duration

230 kmDistance

6kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$25 - $181	Average Duration8h 15m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$64 - $337	Average Duration3h 27m	CO₂ emissions 6kg CO₂e

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

Manchester

A
Shudehill
Shudehill Interchange, Stand G, Manchester M60
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Cardiff

A
Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central, UK
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Train companies

Transport for Wales

3.5/58 reviews

Staff5.0

Timeliness5.0

Cleanliness5.0

Wi‑Fi5.0

CrossCountry

4.2/548 reviews

Staff4.6

Timeliness3.9

Cleanliness4.0

Wi‑Fi3.6

GB train companies:FlixTrain, RegioJet, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Northern, ScotRail, Transpennine Express

Frequently asked questions about travelling 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 at $64. The average price for this train route is around $103. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Manchester to Cardiff?
The average train trip from Manchester to Cardiff takes 3h 27m and covers 230 km. The quickest train gets you there in 3h 7m and is operated by Transport for Wales.
Which train operators serve the Manchester to Cardiff route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 16 trains available per day, including services from Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Manchester to Cardiff?
The earliest train from Manchester to Cardiff departs at 7:30am. The latest train departs at 8:30pm.
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 4.2 out of 5 stars based on 48 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 best on-time performance 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.
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.