Manchester to Cardiff by train
Compare prices, times and book fast direct trains
Overview: trains from Manchester to Cardiff
Find the key information for travelling by train from Manchester to Cardiff, including journey times, fares and operators serving the route. Compare your options and plan the journey that works for you with Rail Europe.
Travelling from Manchester to Cardiff by train
Want to know how to get from Manchester to Cardiff by train? We have gathered for you all the useful information about this trip!
The fastest trains from Manchester to Cardiff take around 3 hours and 5 minutes, covering a distance of approximately 232 kilometres.
On weekdays, the first train leaving Manchester is scheduled to depart at around 06:27. The last departure is usually at around 20:31 . On Saturdays and Sundays, trains leave Manchester at around 06:27, with the last train leaving at around 20:30. There are frequent services on this particular rail route. On average, there are about 29 trains per day travelling between the two cities. They leave approximately every 15 minutes.
Prices for a single ticket between the two cities start from £30.21.
We think any time is a great time to visit Cardiff, as each season has its own unique charm. Nevertheless, please make sure you check the local weather and average seasonal temperatures at destination before deciding on your holiday.
For more tips to help you plan your journey, check out our help articles, or read our guide to Cardiff.
Is there a direct train from Manchester to Cardiff?
Yes, there is a direct train from Manchester to Cardiff.
How long does it take to travel from Manchester to Cardiff?
The Manchester to Cardiff train travel takes about 3 hours and 5 minutes, no matter when you leave.
What are the Manchester to Cardiff train times and schedule?
If you're travelling on a weekday, you'll find the earliest train to Cardiff leaving Manchester at around 06:27 and the last train leaving at around 20:31 . At weekends, the first train of the day leaves Manchester at around 06:27, with the final departure at 20:30.
Other train journeys from Manchester
- From Manchester to Edinburgh From £25.73
- From Manchester to York From £14.54
- From Manchester to Huddersfield From £6.71
- From Manchester to Chester From £2.98
- From Manchester to Crewe From £2.98
- From Manchester to Blackpool From £10.81
- From Manchester to Leeds From £4.10
- From Manchester to Cambridge From £55.94
- From Manchester to Stevenage From £41.02
- From Manchester to Doncaster From £12.68
- From Manchester to Peterborough From £24.98
- From Manchester to Nuneaton From £29.83
- From Manchester to Birmingham From £10.81
- From Manchester to Wolverhampton From £22.00
- From Manchester to Stoke-on-Trent From £2.98
Other train journeys to Cardiff
- From London to Cardiff From £33.19
- From Bristol to Cardiff From £8.20
- From Birmingham to Cardiff From £14.54
- From Port Talbot Parkway to Cardiff From £0.37
- From Brussels to Cardiff From £115.23
- From Cheltenham to Cardiff From £8.20
- From Leicester to Cardiff From £38.78
- From Hereford to Cardiff From £16.78
- From Neath to Cardiff From £0.37
- From Leeds to Cardiff From £62.28
- From Swansea to Cardiff From £10.44
- From Bath to Cardiff From £11.93
- From Shrewsbury to Cardiff From £30.95
- From Crewe to Cardiff From £45.12
- From Swindon to Cardiff From £32.44
Other train journeys from Cardiff
- From Cardiff to London From £33.19
- From Cardiff to Taunton From £0.37
- From Cardiff to Bristol From £16.04
- From Cardiff to Leeds From £49.22
- From Cardiff to Crewe From £24.98
- From Cardiff to Birmingham From £14.54
- From Cardiff to Reading From £50.72
- From Cardiff to Hereford From £10.44
- From Cardiff to Edinburgh From £76.07
- From Cardiff to Doncaster From £36.92
- From Cardiff to Sheffield From £42.14
- From Cardiff to Wrexham From £29.09
230+ European rail operators Official partner of 230+ European rail operators
Travellers rate us "Excellent!"
Blog posts featuring Manchester or Cardiff
-
Christmas traditions in the UK
Head to the UK this festive season for a Christmas full of tradition and quirky charm. Read more
-
Things to do in October & February half term holidays in the UK
Half-term comes around so quickly after the holidays, whether it is spring our autumn. You don’t have to travel far for fun however. Here are some of our favourite UK half-term breaks by train.Read more
-
University open days by train
University open day season is coming up, and we recommend booking your train to get cheap tickets now. Also, it’s really best not to go by car. The cities are on student shut-down for these ones. Read more