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Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly train times and prices
Plan your journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly 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.
Price*
From €49.49
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
3h 18m
Distance
144 miles (232km)
First/last train
04:35 / 20:10
Frequency
39
Train operators
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
Travelling from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly by train? Find fares from as low as €49.49. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
€49.49
On Fri 20
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly on the fastest train in 3h 18m, usually 3h 39m. Each day, 39 trains leave from Cardiff Central, starting at 04:35 and ending at 20:10. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
04:35 Cardiff Central | 3h 39m, Direct | 08:14 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
05:49 Cardiff Central | 3h 24m, Direct | 09:13 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
06:20 Cardiff Central | 3h 39m, 1 change | 09:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:40 Cardiff Central | 3h 49m, 1 change | 10:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
06:40 Cardiff Central | 4h 19m, 2 change | 10:59 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly
- CrossCountry
- Transport for Wales
- Great Western Railway
CrossCountry combines one of the UK’s widest intercity networks with fast long-distance services linking the South West, South Coast, Midlands, Wales, Yorkshire, the North East and Scotland without relying on a London terminus.
Its Class 220 and 221 Voyager trains reach 125 mph, while Class 170 Turbostars cover regional routes. A Voyager fleet refurbishment is adding improved seating, lighting and Wi-Fi.
Standard
Free optional reservations available when booking
Airline-style and table seating with standard legroom
Fully air-conditioned carriages
Trolley service with hot and cold drinks, snacks and alcohol on most long-distance routes.
Luggage
Food & Drink
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
First Class
Ideal for business travellers, long-distance passengers and those looking for greater comfort
Guaranteed seat reservations on Advance First Class tickets
Spacious reclining fabric seats with increased legroom and a quieter carriage
Fully air-conditioned carriages
Complimentary food and drinks served at your seat by a dedicated host
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"CrossCountry’s Voyager services can get busy as they progress along their routes, so choosing the right carriage can make a noticeable difference. On Class 220 and 221 trains, Coach B (on 5-car sets) or specific designated seats in Coach D (on 4-car sets) serve as the unreserved seating areas, making them worth checking if you are travelling with a flexible ticket or cannot reserve a seat."
"It is also worth checking if your service is being operated by one of the £75 million refurbished Voyager trains. The updated trains can be identified by their distinctive red livery with a white X and feature USB-A and USB-C charging ports built into the seat frames, making it easier to keep devices charged throughout a longer journey."
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Cardiff Central
Address:
Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1EP, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Cardiff Bus Interchange is right by the station on Central Square and has 14 bus stands. Destinations include Llandaff, Penarth and Rhiwbina.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Cabs can pick you up and drop you off at the main taxi rank on Saunders Road off Central Square.
Platforms:
Eight platforms, numbered 0-4 and 6-8. Access to platform 0 is near M&S, whereas the other platforms can be reached from the two subways. Longer-distance regional and national services operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), Great Western Railway (GWR) and Cross Country tend to use platforms 0-4. Platforms 6-8 handle Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes serving the north of the city, the Valleys and the Vale of Glamorgan.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"On event days, the station gets extremely busy, and queue management systems are put in place. The regular routes through the main ticket barriers and subway can be cordoned off, meaning passengers may need to follow temporary one-way systems to move around the station or reach platform 1. Allow extra time and check local station staff directions on the day."
FAQs about Cardiff Central Station
When does Cardiff Central open?
Cardiff Central station opens at 04:00 from Monday to Saturday and at 07:00 on Sundays.
How far is Principality Stadium from Cardiff Central station?
Principality Stadium is only five minutes away from Cardiff Central on foot.
Does Cardiff Central station have luggage storage?
No, there are no lockers or left luggage facilities at Cardiff Central station.
What shops are at Cardiff Central station?
Outlets at Cardiff Central station include M&S, Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen and Costa.
Where are the toilets at Cardiff Central station?
Platforms 1-7 have male and female toilets (except platforms 6 and 7, which only have male toilets). Accessible toilets are located by the south entrance and in the eastern subway (RADAR key required).
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Address:
Piccadilly Station Approach, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M60 7RA, United Kingdom
Onward Transit Options:
Tram: Piccadilly tram station is on the Blue and Yellow lines of the Metrolink network, serving Manchester Airport, Bury, Altrincham and other areas.
Bus: First and Stagecoach operate many routes across the city and Greater Manchester, including Fallowfield, West Didsbury and Cheetham Hill. Both of the city’s free bus routes also stop at the station.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: You can catch a cab or have the driver drop you off at the station’s taxi rank on Fairfield Street.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Piccadilly Gardens (9-min walk)
Manchester Art Gallery (14-min walk)
The John Rylands Library (20-minute walk)
Manchester Cathedral (22-min walk)
AO Arena (22-min walk)
Airport Transfers:
About seven direct services run to Manchester Airport every hour (taking 13–21 minutes). Trains are operated by Northern, TransPennine Express and Transport for Wales (TfW).
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Use the lift to the left of the waiting area or on Fairfield Street to avoid the concourse crowds and long stair routes. It is ideal for getting around the station with luggage and moving between rail platforms, the tram stop and taxi rank."
FAQs: Manchester Piccadilly Station
Is there parking at Manchester Piccadilly station?
Yes, the station has a 24-hour long-stay car park on Boad Street with 856 spaces and 32 accessible bays. For short stays and drop-offs, use the car park on Fairfield Street (open 24 hours). There are 47 spaces and three accessible parking bays.
What time does Manchester Piccadilly train station open?
Manchester Piccadilly generally opens about 20 minutes before the first train, around 02:40.
Are there lockers at Manchester Piccadilly station?
There aren’t any self-service lockers at Manchester Piccadilly, but the station does have a left luggage office. The office is located between platforms 10 and 11. Drop off and pick up your belongings from 07:00–23:00, Monday to Saturday and 08:00–23:00 on Sunday.
What food places are in Manchester Piccadilly station?
Manchester Piccadilly station has a range of coffee kiosks, fast food outlets and grocery shops. Options include Tortilla, M&S and Caffè Nero.
Does Manchester Piccadilly station have toilets?
Yes, there are toilets opposite platforms 11 and 12 at Manchester Piccadilly. Additional facilities are on the upper concourse and near the waiting lounge by platforms 13 and 14. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are available.
Transport for Wales: Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains
Travel from Cardiff to Manchester for less when you book affordable direct routes with Transport for Wales (TfW).
In just over three hours, get from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly by train with frequent and efficient services. Whether you’re travelling for business meetings or a world-class music or sports event, taking the train from Cardiff to Manchester is a convenient and enjoyable way to start your day in style.
Along the way, you’ll whizz past miles of Welsh and West of England countryside, including the Shropshire Hills National Landscape. Best of all, when you buy cheap train tickets with TrainPal, you can sit back and relax, knowing you secured the best price for your journey.
With Transport for Wales, travel around Wales and beyond, including direct routes between Cardiff, Birmingham, Crewe, Newport, Tenby, and other great destinations.
Departing from Cardiff Central
Ahead of your journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly, make the most of well-equipped station amenities. Whether it’s accessible toilets or baby changing facilities, comfortable waiting rooms and seating areas, or shops and refreshments, the station has everything you need for a fruitful and comfortable wait.
Getting to Cardiff Central is simple too, with local buses running from around the city to Cardiff Bus Interchange. Cardiff is also a walkable city, making it easy to arrive at Cardiff Central by foot.
From Cardiff Central, take trains operated by Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, and CrossCountry to places like Swansea, Bridgend, London Paddington, Pembroke Dock, and Barry Island.
Main stops
Travel the 144 miles from Cardiff to Manchester quickly and efficiently with a direct route run by Transport for Wales. Typical stops include Newport (South Wales), Cwmbran, Abergavenny, Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Wilmslow, and Stockport, before arriving at Manchester Piccadilly.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
A major rail terminus in the northwest of England, Manchester Piccadilly is a well-connected station located to the south of the city. Whether you are heading to Manchester for sports, music, or business, Manchester Piccadilly is a convenient arrival point offering great access to local bus routes and the Manchester 'Metrolink' tram network.
If you have time, the station is within a few minutes’ walk of attractions like Piccadilly Gardens. Or, if city centre shopping is your thing, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Manchester, with major brands and independent shops and stalls galore. Then, after a long day of browsing, relax in the city’s highly regarded foodie scene as vibrant bars and international cuisine restaurants.
Manchester Piccadilly takes passengers around the UK on high-speed services to places like Stoke-On-Trent, Sheffield, Norwich, Windermere, Liverpool Lime Street, and London Euston. Calling at the station, several major operators serve Manchester’s busy rail needs, from TransPennine Express and Avanti West Coast, to Transport for Wales, Northern, and East Midlands Railway.
Transport for Wales travel advice
On services from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly, benefit from generous luggage allowances, bicycle transport options, and child discounts with Transport for Wales.
Here’s everything you need to know:
- Luggage: TfW requests that passengers bring no more than three items of luggage onboard, including two larger items up to 90cm x 70cm x 30cm, which must be stored in designated luggage areas, and one small item like a handbag, small rucksack, or satchel.
- Bicycles: Bring your bicycle on TfW trains for free, subject to space limitations. To secure your spot, you can reserve a free cycle space in advance of your journey. E-scooters, e-unicycles, electric bikes, motorcycles, and mopeds are not allowed.
- Children: Under 11s can travel for free at any time on TfW services, while under 16s can travel for free off-peak when accompanied by a fare paying adult. With a 16-17 Saver, teens aged 16 or 17 can also benefit from 50% off Standard Season, Off-Peak, Advance and Anytime tickets.
- Pets: Travellers with TfW can bring dogs, cats and other small animals, up to two per passenger, so long as they don’t endanger or inconvenience other passengers or staff.
- Passenger Assist: If you have additional needs, arrange assistance before your journey. TfW has a “Making Rail Accessible: Helping Older and Disabled Passengers” guide, which has all the accessibility information you will need about its stations and trains.
Transport for Wales train classes
- Standard Class: The most affordable way to get from Cardiff to Manchester is on TfW standard class ticket. A comfortable onboard experience, with snacks available to purchase, standard class passengers can get Off-Peak tickets at quieter travel times for the best value.
- First Class: For the best comfort and customer service, upgrade to a Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly First Class train ticket. Relax in spacious seats, and enjoy greater comfort and exclusive food and drink offerings on your journey.
Whether you are travelling in standard or first class seats, get Railcard discounts on your journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly. With ⅓ savings on all rail journeys in the UK (except peak times) for one whole year, Railcards are the best way to get ongoing discounts on your rail travel. Choose from 16-25 Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard, Senior Railcard, and Two Together Railcard, among others, depending on your age and eligibility.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly
Apply for CrossCountry Delay Repay
CrossCountry calculates Delay Repay compensation according to how late you arrive at your final destination, regardless of the cause of the delay. It operates under Delay Repay 30, so delays of less than 30 minutes are not eligible.
30 to 59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket, or 50% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
60 to 119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket, or 100% of the journey cost of a Season Ticket
120 minutes or more: 100% of the total ticket cost, whether single, return or Season Ticket
Apply for Transport for Wales Delay Repay
If your ScotRail train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket.
1 hr–1 hr 59 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket.
2 hr or more: 100% of a single or return ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Great Western Railway Delay Repay
If your Great Western Railway train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15–29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket or 25% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
60–119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey.
Over 120 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 100% of a return ticket or 200% of the % cost of a Season ticket journey. (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly typically cost €93.59, but can be as cheap as €49.49 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
The journey should take, on average, 3h 39m, though it can be as quick as 3h 18m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff Central and Manchester Piccadilly. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
You can typically book tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Cardiff Central from Manchester Piccadilly?
The distance between Cardiff Central and Manchester Piccadilly is approximately 144 miles (232km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
There is 39 train running from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my 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 and Off-Peak 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.
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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.
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