Compensation and refunds
Trainpal makes travel easy by helping with changes, refunds, and Delay Repay requests.


If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*

Save more with a variety of promo codes. Book on the TrainPal app with no booking fees.

24/7 fast customer service with prompt responses to your queries

Seamless rail travel with easy changes and refunds for peace of mind.
£30.38
From 01 Jan to 01 Jan
£12.80
On Thu 01 Jan
Travelling from Cardiff Central to Manchester, the fastest train takes 3 hours 19 minutes with an average travel time of 3 hours 41 minutes. 47 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:15 and the last at 22:12. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:15 Cardiff Central | 3 hours 54 minutes, Direct | 08:09 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
05:49 Cardiff Central | 3 hours 24 minutes, Direct | 09:13 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
06:24 Cardiff Central | 3 hours 35 minutes, 1 change | 09:59 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:40 Cardiff Central | 3 hours 49 minutes, 1 change | 10:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:46 Cardiff Central | 3 hours 27 minutes, Direct | 10:13 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
Plan your journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester 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.
Taking the train from Cardiff Central to Manchester is both efficient and enjoyable, offering scenic views and comfort. With frequent departures from Cardiff Central, you can arrive at Manchester in just 3 hours 19 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for travelling between these two places.

The fastest train journey time from Cardiff Central to Manchester is 3 hours 19 minutes . Direct trains can save significant time by avoiding transfers. Always check if a direct route is available for your journey. Moreover, when searching for trains, consider the total travel time. Some routes with fewer stops or more efficient schedules might be faster.
No, there are no direct trains from Cardiff Central to Manchester. However, you can still find the best train options using the TrainPal Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to see all available train services and plan your trip

While Cardiff Central to Manchester trains are usually on time, delays or disruptions may occur due to weather, strikes, and other factors. Finding a train timetable for your trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester is easy with Train Journey Planner. Simply enter your departure and arrival stations to get a detailed schedule of available trains. Input your travel details to discover the best routes, connections, and train times.
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.
Yes, most trains on the Cardiff Central to Manchester route offer amenities like Wi-Fi, food services, and various seating options. Additional facilities may include power sockets, accessibility features, and luggage storage. Check the specific amenities offered by the train operator when booking, as these can vary.
Transferring between train stations in the UK can be effortless with some planning. If your travel requires a transfer, review your ticket and journey details for specific transfer instructions. Major stations typically feature clear signage and helpful staff. Additionally, TrainPal Train Journey Planner offers comprehensive transfer details.

Checking train delays and cancellations in the UK is simple. Utilise the TrainPal mobile app for real-time information. We offer live updates, including live train status and notifications of any train strikes.
Family & Friends Railcard£20.25
£30.38
Trainpal makes travel easy by helping with changes, refunds, and Delay Repay requests.


Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
* 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.