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Cardiff to Manchester Train

18/11/2024
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Cardiff to Manchester by train

The journey from Cardiff to Manchester by train is 231.73 km and takes 3 hrs 35 mins. There are 24 connections per day, with the first departure at 4:35 am and the last at 9:15 pm. It is possible to travel from Cardiff to Manchester by train for as little as $53.57 or as much as $168.11. The best price for this journey is $53.57.

Lowest Price $53.57
Journey Duration 3 hrs 35 mins
Connection per Day 24
Lowest Price $53.57
Highest Price $168.11
First Departure 4:35 am
Last Departure 9:15 pm
Distance 231.73 km
Departure Cardiff
Arrival Manchester
Carriers Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway

Cardiff to Manchester Train Times

Departure date
Monday, 18 Nov 2024

Compare prices and tickets from Cardiff to Manchester

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Cardiff to Manchester, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Cardiff to Manchester.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Cardiff to Manchester travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Manchester

The cheapest Cardiff - Manchester train tickets can be found for as low as $49.11 if you’re lucky, or $85.88 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $167.37.

Find the best day to travel to Manchester by train

When travelling to Manchester by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Carriers on this route

Find out more about the carriers on this route.

Great Western Railway (GWR) is a British railway company that operates passenger services between London and the southwest of England, as well as parts of Wales. It was founded in 1833 and was originally known as the Great Western Railway Company. GWR is now owned by FirstGroup. The company is known for its iconic green livery and its historic steam locomotives, including the famous Flying Scotsman.

Northern is a train operating company that provides passenger services across the north of England. Northern is owned by Northern Trains Ltd, a division of "DOHL," the public sector holding company for the Department of Transportation. It is owned by Arriva UK Trains and operates over 2,500 services every weekday, serving cities such as Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, and Newcastle.

The Welsh Government owns the non-profit organization Transport for Wales. It is responsible for the procurement and management of passenger rail services in Wales, as well as the development of the Welsh rail network. The company was established in 2018, taking over from Arriva Trains Wales, and operates services across Wales and the Borders. Transport for Wales is a great choice for your journeys within Wales, such as Cardiff to Aberdare or Newport to Swansea, or for your trips in England, like Manchester to Chester or Birmingham to Shrewsbury, and even for your travel between England and Wales.

Services on board Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway and Northern Rail from Cardiff to Manchester
Compare services on board when travelling from Cardiff to Manchester by train.
Facilities Transport for Wales Great Western Railway Northern Rail Avanti West Coast
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luggage Luggage check check check cross
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Cardiff to Manchester CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
16.22kg
Bus
17.38kg
Flight
46.35kg
Car
37.08kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Cardiff to Manchester by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Cardiff and Manchester are 16.22kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Cardiff and Manchester? By taking the train between Cardiff and Manchester you will save 30.13kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 1.16kg compared to a bus and 20.86kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?
A train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester is $133.17. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $53.57.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Cardiff to Manchester is $53.57. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Cardiff and Manchester by train?
Cardiff to Manchester is 231.73 km.
How long does the train between Cardiff and Manchester take?
Cardiff to Manchester is on average 3 hrs 35 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 3 hrs 18 mins.
Which companies operate from Cardiff to Manchester?
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester is covered by 4 operator(s). On Virail you can find these carriers that provide services on this route: Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Northern Rail, CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast.
How many train connections per day go from Cardiff to Manchester?
Cardiff to Manchester has 24 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Cardiff to Manchester leave?
The earliest train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 4:35 am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Cardiff to Manchester depart?
The latest train from Cardiff to Manchester departs at 9:15 pm. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Cardiff to Manchester in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $53.57 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
How many direct connections depart from Cardiff to Manchester?
There are on average 12 direct connection(s) from Cardiff to go to Manchester.
What's the fastest journey time between Cardiff to Manchester by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Cardiff and Manchester is 3 hrs 18 mins.
Is there a direct train from Cardiff to Manchester?
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Manchester.
What are the CO2 emissions for Cardiff to Manchester by train?
The train journey from Cardiff to Manchester creates 16.22kg of CO2 emissions.