No booking fees on the app
Best Price Promise
Delay Repay
24/7 customer support
Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train ticket prices
€43.96
On Mon 23 Feb
Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train timetable
The journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central on the fastest train in 4h 11m, usually 4h 25m. Each day, 32 trains leave from Manchester Piccadilly, starting at 05:25 and ending at 22:55. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
16:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 4h 29m, 2 change | 20:54 Cardiff Central | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
17:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 4h 31m, 2 change | 21:56 Cardiff Central | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
17:33 Manchester Piccadilly | 4h 23m, 3 change | 21:56 Cardiff Central | Northern | Find tickets |
17:35 Manchester Piccadilly | 5h 12m, 3 change | 22:47 Cardiff Central | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets |
18:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 4h 37m, 2 change | 23:02 Cardiff Central | TransPennine Express | Find tickets |
Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train tickets and times
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.
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
Travelling by train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester Piccadilly, you can reach Cardiff Central in just 4h 11m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
Planning and booking
How much does it cost for a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central?
Ticket prices from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central average around €43.96, but vary based on travel dates and ticket flexibility. To see the exact fare for your trip, please perform a search with your preferred dates.
What is the best way to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central by train?
What is the fastest train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central?
The quickest train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central takes 4h 11m . Utilise our Train Journey Planner to locate direct trains, minimise transfers, and compare travel times across various routes. Discover the most efficient way to travel with fewer stops for a smooth and seamless journey.
Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central?
No, there are no direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central. 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
Is it worth taking a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central?
Yes, choosing the train offers an excellent blend of comfort, speed, and convenience. It's a more relaxing and sustainable option than driving, allowing you to bypass traffic and parking hassles. While coaches might have lower fares, the train provides a superior travel experience with more space and a more flexible timetable. Its key advantage is arriving directly in the city centre, making it one of the most efficient ways to reach your destination.
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
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.
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.
Do Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central trains offer Wi-Fi and other facilities?
Yes, most trains on the route from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central 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?
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.
What is the difference between Standard and First Class?
While Standard Class offers a good travel experience, First Class provides an upgrade in comfort and service. This typically includes enhanced amenities like complimentary food and drinks, though the specific offerings depend on the 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central route?
The train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central 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
-
Luggage
Each passenger is permitted to bring up to 3 pieces of luggage at no extra cost. This can include a combination of items such as suitcases, backpacks, and satchels.
-
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.
-
Children
Children under 5 typically travel for free. A 50% discount applies to children aged 5 to 15. Additionally, those aged 16 and 17 are eligible for a 50% discount with a 16-17 Saver Railcard.
-
Pets
Each passenger can travel with up to 2 pets for free. 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.
-
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 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train tickets
Cheaper train tickets for less busy times. Combine with Advance fares for the best deals.
Compensation and refunds
Your plans have changed?
Your train was disrupted?
More train routes
* 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.
New user welcome pack