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Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train ticket prices
For a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central, Advance Tickets are available starting at £29.00*, with the average fare being £29.00. Find out about different ticket types and options by checking out our Advance Tickets, Off-Peak Train Tickets, Return Train Tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets. Explore more affordable choices in our UK cheap train ticket Guide!
Average
£29.00
From 14 Dec to 20 Dec
Cheapest
£29.00
On Sun 14 Dec
Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train times
Travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central, the fastest train takes 3 hours 13 minutes with an average travel time of 3 hours 32 minutes. 22 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 08:26 and the last at 23:00. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
08:26 | 4 hours 8 minutes, 2 change | 12:34 | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:27 | 3 hours 38 minutes, 1 change | 13:05 | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
09:30 | 3 hours 46 minutes, Direct | 13:16 | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
10:30 | 3 hours 18 minutes, Direct | 13:48 | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
11:24 | 3 hours 59 minutes, 1 change | 15:23 | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
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Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central Train journey information
Plan your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
First train
08:26
Last train
23:00
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
3 hours 13 minutes
Distance
144 miles (232km)
Price
From £29.00
Train operators
Transport for Wales: Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central trains
Travel direct from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central with trains from Transport for Wales. With hourly trains making around the 3 hr 15 min journey, you’ll have plenty of time to relax as you swap the “Capital of the North” for the Welsh capital.
Enjoy views of the rolling hills of Shropshire and glimpses of the Black Mountains as you pass through Abergavenny towards South Wales.
Transport for Wales is a rail franchise operating routes throughout Wales with some English cross-border routes, such as to Liverpool, Manchester, Crewe and beyond.
Departing from Manchester Piccadilly
Piccadilly station is located in the Piccadilly area of Manchester city, just south-east of the city centre. Depending on your starting point, you’ll have several options for getting there: the Metrolink tram is located below the main line platforms for access from various parts of the city and Greater Manchester, many bus routes serve the station, and walking is also an option, as the station is just a 15-minute walk from Arndale Shopping Centre.
Piccadilly station is served by a number of railway operators, including Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, TransPennine Express and Northern. These operators offer connections across the entire UK, to destinations such as Manchester Airport, London, Leeds and Birmingham.
Main stops
The direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central will call at numerous stops along the way, including Crewe, Shrewsbury, Craven Arms, Hereford, Abergavenny and Newport, among others. Exact stops will vary, so be sure to consult train details for your specific service.
Arriving at Cardiff Central
Your destination, Cardiff Central, is located at Central Square in Cardiff city centre. It is the busiest station in Wales and serves as a key station on the South Wales Main Line and a major interchange for routes to London, Manchester and other major cities.
Cardiff Central station boasts a beautiful Grade II-listed exterior and a location that lands passengers right in the heart of the action. Just a five-minute walk from the station, you’ll find Cardiff Central Market, housed under a stunning Victorian glass roof. From fruit & veg and butchers to local arts & crafts, your needs will be met whether you’re after some light retail therapy or just some window shopping.
Transport for Wales train classes
TfW offers both Standard Class and First Class tickets on select journeys between Cardiff and Holyhead and Cardiff and Manchester.
- Standard Class: Comfortable seating with priority seating system, as well as charging sockets, Wi-Fi and catering on some services.
- First Class: TfW’s Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central’s First Class train tickets include spacious seats and free refreshments and snacks, with the option to upgrade to a fine dining experience on some services.
Book in advance on TrainPal to ensure you get the best deal on train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff.
Transport for Wales train travel advice
Follow our advice for travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff with Transport for Wales and enjoy a seamless train experience.
- Luggage: You may bring two larger luggage items to be stored in designated luggage areas and one small item that can go under the seat in front of you, in the overhead racks or on your lap.
- Bicycles: Bikes are allowed on board. Reserving a space is recommended. Unreserved bikes may board on a first-come, first-served basis. E-scooters are banned from stations and trains.
- Children: Under 11s travel free at any time when accompanied, children aged 11–15 can travel free at off-peak times. Adults travelling with a Family and Friends Railcard must pay for one child between 5 and 15 to be eligible for the discount.
- Pets: Max. of 2 pets per passenger travel free. Dogs must be kept on a lead unless kept in an enclosed basket. All other pets must be transported in an enclosed basket.
- Passenger Assist: TfW’s assisted travel service can be booked in advance for passengers requiring extra help. Passengers may also “turn up and go” without booking.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train travel guide
The train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can get to Cardiff Central in just 3 hours 13 minutes, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
1. How can I find cheap train tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central?
To find discounted train tickets, use Railcards, book in advance, and travel off-peak. Group travel with friends or family can also save money. Frequent travellers should consider Season Tickets. TrainPal offers cheaper options through split tickets and discount codes. Learn more about buying cheap train tickets in the UK.
2. What is the best way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central by train?
Use TrainPal Train Journey Planner to enter your departure and destination points for routes, schedules, and prices. Compare Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train prices for the best deals and book in advance for discounts. The TrainPal app offers real-time updates and ticket booking options. Explore the TrainPal app and start planning your journey!
3. What is the best way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest train journey time from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central is 3 hours 13 minutes . Use our Train Journey Planner to find direct trains, avoid transfers, and compare travel times for each route to see if there are fewer stops to make your journey seamless.
4. Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central. Still, the TrainPal Train Journey Planner helps you find the best train. Just input your origin or destination places, then click "Search" to see the suitable route.
Check timetables and during the journey
1. How do I find Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train timetables?
Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central trains are generally punctual, but delays or cancellations can occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. After purchasing a ticket, use TrainPal to track live train updates. Before buying a ticket, our Train Journey Planner provides all necessary booking information. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations, click 'Search,' and view routes labelled 'Cheapest' or 'Fastest,' with all details displayed.
2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
Usually, you need to arrive at a station at least 15-20 minutes ahead of time. However, consider the station's size and your familiarity with it. If the station is large and you are not familiar with it, leaving home as early as possible is the best choice. This can reduce your stress and ensure a relaxing journey.
3. Do Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
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4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?
Check our Train Journey Planner, which provides detailed information about transfers to ensure your journey is uninterrupted, saving you time and effort, and allowing you to get a full rest for travelling.
Other things you might be interested
1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Yes. Our Railcards offer discounts on UK train tickets. Students can use the 16-17 Saver or 16-25 Railcard for up to 1/3 off most fares. Seniors aged 60 and over can use the Senior Railcard for 1/3 off. Railcards can be purchased online with a choice of one-year or three-year validity. The more you travel, the more you save.
2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance Tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
Save 1/3 with Railcards† from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central
Family & Friends Railcard
£19.33
With Family & Friends Railcard
£29.00
Without
How to buy cheap Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train tickets
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
* By combining Advance Ticket offers with split tickets, you’ll get lower fares when you book at least one week before travel (excluding Anytime fares bought on the day of travel). Availability depends on the specific route and cannot be combined with other promotions.
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