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Home > UK Train Journey > Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly Train

Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket prices

Travelling from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly by train? Advance Tickets can be as low as £16.00*, with average fares of £28.47. Benefit from Off-Peak train tickets, Return train tickets, and Anytime Train Tickets 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.

Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train times

The journey from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly on the fastest train in 3h 20m, usually 3h 41m. Each day, 44 trains leave from Cardiff, starting at 04:33 and ending at 22:22. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.

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Departs	Arrives	Status	Duration	Operator
04:33 Cardiff Central	08:13 Manchester Piccadilly	On time	3h 40m	Transport for Wales	Find tickets
05:49 Cardiff Central	09:13 Manchester Piccadilly	On time	3h 24m	Transport for Wales	Find tickets
06:24 Cardiff Central	09:59 Manchester Piccadilly	On time	3h 35m	Great Western Railway	Find tickets
06:39 Cardiff Central	10:29 Manchester Piccadilly	On time	3h 50m	CrossCountry	Find tickets
06:46 Cardiff Central	10:13 Manchester Piccadilly	On time	3h 27m	Transport for Wales	Find tickets

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Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly Train journey information

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.

First train	04:33
Last train	22:22
Departure station	Cardiff
Arrival station	Manchester Piccadilly
Distance	144 miles (232 km)
Journey time	From 3h 20m
Price	From £16.00
Train operators	Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway

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.

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.

Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train travel guide

Travelling by train from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Cardiff, you can reach Manchester Piccadilly in just 3h 20m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.

Planning and booking

1. How can I save money on Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets?

Want to spend less on the journey from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly? TrainPal can help: choose a Railcard, Season Tickets, or split tickets. Book in advance, travel off-peak, and use discount codes for extra savings. Explore more options for cheap train tickets in the UK.

2. What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly by train?

Utilise the TrainPal app or website to its fullest potential. Our Train Journey Planner is a top-notch online tool for planning your trips. Just enter your departure and arrival cities or stations. Then, review timetables and schedules, compare prices, consider direct routes, and check for food supplies or other amenities. Find the best train route from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly.

3. What is the best way to travel from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly by train?

The fastest train journey time from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly is 3h 20m . 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 Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly?

Yes, there are direct trains from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly. These direct routes eliminate the need for transfers, making your journey quicker and more convenient. You can check the train timetable on TrainPal to find the best options for your travel schedule.

5. What are the main train operating companies from Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly?

From Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly, the main train operator is Avanti West Coast. TrainPal also compares live schedules and services from other train companies. Our goal is to help you book cheap train tickets for a cost-saving and relaxed journey.

6. How far in advance can I book UK train tickets?

In the UK, you can usually book train tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of your travel date. This allows you to lock in the best prices and guarantee your seat, particularly during peak travel times. For certain routes, tickets might be available even sooner, so it's wise to consult TrainPal for the latest information.

Check timetables and during the journey

1. How do I find Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train timetables?

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.

2. How early should I arrive for a train in the UK?

Typically, you should plan to arrive at the station 15-20 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. However, the size of the station and your familiarity with it can affect this timing. For larger or less familiar stations, leaving home earlier can help reduce stress and ensure a more relaxed journey.

3. Do Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?

Yes, most trains on the Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly 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.

4. How do I transfer between train stations in the UK?

Make use of our Train Journey Planner for detailed transfer information, ensuring your journey is smooth and efficient, saving you valuable time and effort, and allowing you to rest completely for your travels.

Other things you might be interested

1. Are there discounts for students or seniors on UK train tickets?

Yes, in the UK, students and seniors have access to various discount options. The 16-25 Railcard allows students to save up to 1/3 on most train tickets. Similarly, those aged 60 and above can use the Senior Railcard to enjoy comparable savings. Both types of Railcards are available for purchase online or at train stations and are valid for one year, making them a valuable option for frequent travellers.

2. Can UK train tickets be refunded or changed?

In the UK, the refund and exchange policies for train tickets vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. Advance Tickets are usually non-refundable but can sometimes be exchanged for a fee. Anytime Train Tickets and Off-Peak train tickets offer more generous refund and exchange options. Always check the terms and conditions of your ticket or visit UK train ticket types for specific details.

3. How do I check train delays and cancellations in the UK?

Without

Buy Senior Railcard

† Railcards offer discounted train tickets, with various types based on age and number of travellers. Enjoy up to 1/3 off for a cheaper journey. The actual price will vary based on factors such as the train service, time, and ticket availability.

Compensation and refunds

Trainpal makes it easy to handle travel changes, ticket refunds, and Delay Repay requests.

Change your itinerary or get a refund: Visit our Ticket Refunds and Changes page.
Check for train delays or interruptions: Visit our train Delays and Disruptions page or UK Rail Strike page.

Need help? Feel free to contact us!

How to buy cheap Cardiff to Manchester Piccadilly train tickets

Explore more money-saving tips for your train journeys. Start saving today and enjoy affordable train travel with TrainPal.

Split tickets

Break the journey into sections for potential cheaper rail fares.

Book in advance

Save on long journeys with Advance tickets. Buy up to 12 weeks ahead.

Off-Peak train tickets

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

Use a Railcard

Save 1/3 on train fares with multiple Railcards available.

Save with Season Tickets

Unlimited travel between 2 stations. Save more than daily tickets.

Travel in groups

GroupSave on Off-Peak tickets: 1/3 off for groups of 3-9 adults.

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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.

** Save an average of 73% by combining Advance Ticket savings of 73% with an additional 30% through split tickets. These savings apply to Advance fares booked at least one week before travel, excluding Anytime fares purchased on the day of travel. Availability may vary by route and may not be combined with other offers.

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