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€26.14
From 20 Aug to 26 Aug
€48.61
On Mon 25 Aug
From Manchester to Cardiff, take the fastest train in 3h 11m, typically 3h 29m. Daily, 24 trains depart from Manchester, with the first at 05:05 and the last at 23:39. Check real-time updates for train times, delays, and cancellations. TrainPal saves you time, effort, and money.
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Departs | Arrives | Status | Duration | Operator | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
19:27 Manchester Piccadilly | 23:04 Cardiff Central | On time | 3h 37m | Transport for Wales | Find tickets | |
19:48 Manchester Piccadilly | 00:21 Cardiff Central | On time | 4h 33m | Avanti West Coast | Find tickets | |
20:25 Manchester Piccadilly | 00:39 Cardiff Central | On time | 4h 14m | CrossCountry | Find tickets | |
21:31 Manchester Piccadilly | 01:34 Cardiff Central | On time | 4h 3m | Transport for Wales | Find tickets | |
22:32 Manchester Piccadilly | 07:16 Cardiff Central | On time | 8h 44m | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
Plan your journey from Manchester to Cardiff 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.
With Transport for Wales, the ride from Manchester to Cardiff takes approximately 3 hours. The Welsh capital and the northern powerhouse of Manchester are around 144 miles apart, meaning the journey is a little longer than some other UK routes.
Your journey will include traversing through Greater Manchester and Cheshire, passing the verdant counties of Shropshire and Herefordshire before dropping down into Wales and onto the Welsh capital, Cardiff.
Transport for Wales runs the direct Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff train. It also operates most train services within Wales, such as Cardiff to Swansea, and cross-border services into England to destinations like Bristol, Liverpool, and Manchester.
Manchester Piccadilly is the busiest train station in Manchester and one of the busiest in the UK, meaning that it’s fortunately very well connected to other train stations, as well as buses, taxis, and Metrolink trams. Manchester Coach Station is only a five-minute walk to Piccadilly.
If you’re coming from Manchester Airport, you can catch the direct train from the airport to Piccadilly, which takes only around fifteen minutes.
Since Manchester Piccadilly is such a major railway hub, many other UK train operators use this station including Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern, TransPennine Express, and East Midlands Railway.
There are ten stations between Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff. These are: Stockport, Wilmslow, Crewe, Shrewsbury, Ludlow, Leominster, Hereford, Abergavenny, Cwmbran, and Newport.
Although it’s worth remembering that these stations may change due to things like scheduling changes or unpredictable weather events, it's best to check before you travel.
If you want to buy cheap train tickets, booking in advance on sites like TrainPal is a good idea. Adding a Railcard will earn you an extra discount, too.
Cardiff Central station is conveniently situated in the city centre at Central Square, providing immediate access to the vibrant city right from your train carriage.
Cardiff offers a plethora of attractions. Cardiff Castle, with origins dating back to the Roman era, was later managed by the Normans and underwent significant Gothic and Victorian renovations in the 19th century. The National Museum of Cardiff and Techniquest science museum are also excellent choices for any visit to the city.
From Cardiff Central, navigating the city is straightforward. The Cardiff Bus Interchange is located directly at Central Square, and taxis are readily available on Saunders Road. For those traveling to the airport, an express coach service operates directly from the station.
*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.
Travelling by train from Manchester to Cardiff is efficient and offers a scenic and comfortable experience. With frequent departures from Manchester, you can reach Cardiff in just 3h 11m, making it one of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two places.
The quickest train journey from Manchester to Cardiff takes 3h 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.
No, unfortunately, you need to transfer from Manchester to Cardiff. 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.
While Manchester to Cardiff 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 Manchester to Cardiff 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.
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.
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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.
Use TrainPal for quick access to live updates and notifications. If your phone allows messages from us, you'll receive instant notifications about train cancellations directly on your screen.
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€26.14
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