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2% OFF
Jun 19, 2024-Jun 20, 2026
Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly train prices and times
Looking to travel from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly? You can buy train tickets with Trip.com for as low as £43.50, with average prices for this route around £17.40.
To get the best deals, we' d recommend buying in advance and researching alternatives such as split tickets.
- Mon, Aug 4From £51.70
- Tue, Aug 5From £44.50
- Wed, Aug 6From £43.90
- Thu, Aug 7From £46.40
- Fri, Aug 8From £46.40
- Sat, Aug 9From £43.50
- Sun, Aug 10From £52.20
Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Find Tickets |
---|---|---|---|---|
04:33 Cardiff Central | 08:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 40m, Direct | ![]() | Find Tickets |
05:49 Cardiff Central | 09:14 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 25m, Direct | ![]() | Find Tickets |
06:24 Cardiff Central | 10:08 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 44m, No direct | ![]() ![]() | Find Tickets |
06:46 Cardiff Central | 10:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 27m, Direct | ![]() | Find Tickets |
07:23 Cardiff Central | 11:08 Manchester Piccadilly | 3h 45m, No direct | ![]() ![]() | Find Tickets |
07:53 Cardiff Central | 11:13 Paris | 3h 20m, Direct | ![]() | Find Tickets View More Trains |
Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly train route details





Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly: everything you need to know
Setting off from Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the heart of the capital's transport network, offering excellent connections to destinations across Wales and beyond. With regular services to London, Bristol, and other major cities, it’s an ideal departure point for both business and leisure travel. The station's central location makes it easily accessible, and its modern facilities ensure a smooth start to your journey.
What to expect on your journey to Manchester Piccadilly
The average journey duration from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly typically ranges from three to four hours, while the fastest direct journey, offered by Transport for Wales, takes approximately three hours and 20 minutes with thirteen stops, covering a distance of about 145 miles (233 km).
The average cost of train tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly ranges from £30 to £50. However, by booking in advance or travelling during off-peak times, tickets can be as affordable as £19.80, making for more economical travel options. Along your journey, you can choose to disembark at interesting and notable stops such as Newport (South Wales), Hereford, Shrewsbury, and Crewe.
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly
Arriving at Manchester Piccadilly, you’ll be close to the lively Northern Quarter, where you can explore independent shops and enjoy delicious food and coffee. The nearby Manchester Art Gallery is a great spot for art lovers, and for those who prefer outdoor spaces, the Piccadilly Gardens provides a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. It’s a perfect location to start your exploration of Manchester.
How to book cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly

Travelling in off-peak train times

Using the Railcard for 1/3 off

Split Tickets to save an average extra 30%

Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Group travels to save 1/3
Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly train ticket types
Save money on your trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly with suitable train tickets. It's a great way to spend less!
Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak train tickets
Off-peak tickets are cheaper and offer more flexibility for travel during less busy times. Super Off-Peak tickets are even cheaper and suitable for unconventional schedules.
Return train tickets
This ticket includes both the outbound and return journeys, saving you the time and hassle of purchasing separate tickets. With just one ticket, you can travel smoothly along the same route.
Advance train tickets
Typically, the most cost-effective option for train travel. They are usually available for purchase 12 weeks before the travel date.
Season train tickets
It’s a type of train ticket that allows unlimited travel within two stations for a week, a month, or a year. What’s more, it can save you more than 1/3 on train fares.
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