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Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices
£27.68
On Wed 20 May
Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train timetable
Travelling from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly, the fastest train takes 3h 18m with an average travel time of 3h 41m. 46 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:33 and the last at 22:21. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
12:45 Cardiff Central | 3h 44m, 1 change | 16:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
12:55 Cardiff Central | 3h 18m, Direct | 16:13 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
13:18 Cardiff Central | 3h 41m, 1 change | 16:59 Manchester Piccadilly | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
13:45 Cardiff Central | 3h 44m, 1 change | 17:29 Manchester Piccadilly | CrossCountry | Find tickets |
13:53 Cardiff Central | 3h 20m, Direct | 17:13 Manchester Piccadilly | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets and times
Plan your journey from Cardiff 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.
Transport for Wales: Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly trains
It takes around three and a half hours to get from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly with Transport for Wales.
You'll head east from Cardiff on your journey before heading north towards Manchester. You'll pass through counties like Gwent, Herefordshire, and Cheshire before arriving in Greater Manchester.
Transport for Wales oversees the majority of train operations in Wales as well as cross-border services to England.
Departing from Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station can be found on Central Square, near Saunders Road, right in the heart of Cardiff City Centre. Making it a straightforward station to reach whether you're coming from elsewhere in Wales, have an early train to catch, or are just in a hurry.
Taxis can drop you off on Saunders Road right in front of the station's entrance, and now, Cardiff Bus Interchange is on Central Square ensuring getting to the station is easy peasy.
Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, and CrossCountry run from Cardiff.
Main stops
There are ten stations from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly: Newport, Cwmbran, Abergavenny, Hereford, Leominster, Ludlow, Shrewsbury, Crewe, Wilmslow, and Stockport.
These stops may change, so checking before you travel is best.
Booking your tickets early, adding a Railcard, and using TrainPal to find the best fares can all help you buy cheap train tickets.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly puts you right in the very centre of one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic cities, Manchester. In the city's heart, you’re just a stone’s throw away from Piccadilly Gardens.
Likewise, the station is linked to taxis on the Fairfield Street side of Piccadilly Station. Frequent local bus routes are available outside, and regular Metrolink trams depart from Piccadilly Tram Station. So, whether you’re going to a concert at the AO Arena, shopping, or here for the footy, you can get around town in a jiffy. Two other busy Manchester railway stations, Victoria and Oxford Road, are also within walking distance. If you need to reach Manchester Airport, a regular train departs from Piccadilly and can take you to the airport in just fifteen minutes.
There’s tons to do nearby, in fact, so much of Manchester is on your doorstep from Piccadilly. There’s the Arndale Centre shopping centre, Manchester Art Gallery, the quirky and creative Northern Quarter, The Printworks entertainment district, and The National Football Museum. To boot, it’s jam-packed with great eateries, bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants or whatever else you’d like to indulge your taste buds in too.
Transport for Wales train classes
Standard Class: Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. There are also tables and power sockets for your devices.
First Class: It is possible to get a Cardiff to Manchester First Class ticket. First Class includes more spacious seating, greater comfort, large tables, and exclusive dining options.
Transport for Wales train travel advice
Luggage: Maximum of three items of luggage. This goes up to two larger items and one smaller bag.
Pets: Dogs, cats, and other small animals can travel for free. Dogs must be on a lead. Other animals must travel in carriers. There is a maximum of two pets per passenger.
Bicycles: Bikes can be stored free of charge, but space is limited. It is strongly recommended that you book your ticket in advance to book a bike space.
- Children: Under 5’s can travel for free. Children aged 5 to 15 can save 50% on their tickets. The Family & Friends Railcard offers up to 1/3 off family ticket costs.
Passenger Assist: Provide ramps for boarding and alighting trains, guide you through the station, help find and reserve seats, and assist with luggage.
Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly combines efficiency with pleasure, featuring beautiful scenery and comfort. With frequent departures from Cardiff, you can get to Manchester Piccadilly in just 3h 18m, making it an ideal and convenient choice for travelling between them.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly?
The average fare from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly is approximately £27.68, but the final price fluctuates. The actual cost depends on your travel dates, how far in advance you book, and your ticket's flexibility. To see the current price for your journey, please search with your specific dates.
What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly by train?
What is the fastest train from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly?
The fastest train journey time from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly is 3h 18m . 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.
Are there direct trains from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly?
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly. 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.
Is it worth taking a train from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly?
Yes, the train is a highly practical choice. Compared to driving, it is more eco-friendly and avoids the stress of traffic and parking. Compared to coaches, it offers more comfort, space, and scheduling flexibility. Furthermore, its ability to drop you off in the heart of the city makes it an exceptionally convenient option for most journeys.
How far in advance can I book my train ticket?
You can book UK train tickets as far as 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This is the key period when train operators release their cheapest Advance tickets. Therefore, to ensure you get the best possible fare, we recommend purchasing your tickets as soon as they become available.
Check timetables and during the journey
Are Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly trains punctual, and how can I check real-time information?
Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly 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.
How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?
It’s recommended to reach the train station 15-20 minutes before your train is set to leave. This gives you sufficient time to locate your platform, particularly in larger stations. Arriving early is also beneficial if you need to collect tickets or find your way around an unfamiliar station, helping to minimise any potential stress.
Do Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly are equipped with Wi-Fi. Passengers can also enjoy complimentary food, drinks, and power sockets for a more comfortable journey. Please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train company
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.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
Standard Class ensures a comfortable journey. For an upgraded experience, First Class provides superior comfort and additional amenities, such as complimentary refreshments, though the exact services vary by train operator.
Other things you might be interested
Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?
Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?
How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?
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.
Which train companies operate the Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly route?
The train from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly is operated by Avanti West Coast. To see which operator runs a specific service, the easiest way to identify it is to use the search bar on this page. The name of the train company will be clearly displayed next to each journey option in the search results.
Essential onboard rules and facilities
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Luggage
Your free luggage allowance includes up to three items per passenger, covering standard bags like suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
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Bicycle
You must make a free reservation to bring a bike on most trains, but space is limited. Standard and folding bikes are generally accepted, and some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes. However, e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are prohibited. We strongly advise checking the train operator's specific cycle policy on their website before travelling.
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Children
Children under 5 usually travel free. 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
Bring up to 2 pets free; keep dogs on a lead or in a carrier. No animals on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange assistance with their train operator, if required. To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
How to buy cheap Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
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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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