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Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train prices and times

Looking to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central? You can buy train tickets with Trip.com for as low as HK$308.01, with average prices for this route around HK$256.27.

To get the best deals, we' d recommend buying in advance and researching alternatives such as split tickets.

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Mon, Jun 9
From HK$369.61
Tue, Jun 10
From HK$357.93
Wed, Jun 11
From HK$369.61
Thu, Jun 12
From HK$308.01
Fri, Jun 13
From HK$369.61
Sat, Jun 14
From HK$431.21
Sun, Jun 15
From HK$369.61

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Departs	Arrives	Duration	Find Tickets
05:11 Manchester Piccadilly	08:53 Cardiff Central	3h 42m, No direct	Find Tickets
05:11 Manchester Piccadilly	09:31 Cardiff Central	4h 20m, No direct	Find Tickets
06:27 Manchester Piccadilly	10:01 Cardiff Central	3h 34m, Direct	Find Tickets
06:30 Manchester Piccadilly	10:31 Cardiff Central	4h 1m, No direct	Find Tickets
07:25 Manchester Piccadilly	11:32 Cardiff Central	4h 7m, No direct	Find Tickets
07:30 Manchester Piccadilly	10:53 Paris	3h 23m, Direct	Find Tickets View More Trains

Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train route details

First train

05:11

Last train

23:36

Departure station

Manchester Piccadilly

Arrival station

Cardiff Central

Journey time

3h 19m

Distance

145 miles

Price

HK$308.01*

Train Operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Northern

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 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central

Travelling in off-peak train times

Off-Peak train tickets are generally cheaper than peak-time tickets, allowing travel outside morning (06:30-09:30) and evening (16:00-19:00) rush hours on weekdays. If your schedule allows for flexibility, choosing off-peak times for your trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central can result in significant cost savings.

Using the Railcard for 1/3 off

You can choose a Railcard to help you save up to 1/3 on fares from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central for various reasons, such as your age (including the 16-25 Railcard or Senior Railcard) or options geared towards group travel (Family & Friends Railcard and Two Together Railcard). Discover more here.

Split Tickets to save an average extra 30%

Splitting tickets involves buying separate, cheaper tickets for different parts of your journey on the same train instead of just one ticket for the entire trip. For instance, if you're travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central, you might find that purchasing a ticket from A to C, then C to B costs less than a direct ticket. This method is perfectly legal and often doesn’t require leaving your seat.

Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Advance Tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before the travel date and can be significantly cheaper than tickets purchased closer to departure. By planning your trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central ahead of time and securing your tickets early, you can save up to 61% on the cost of your travel.

Group travels to save 1/3

If you are travelling in a group, be sure to check out group travel discounts. Many train companies offer a ⅓ off standard fares for groups of three to nine people, making travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central more affordable for families, friends, or colleagues planning a trip together.

Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train ticket types

Here are different ticket types available for this route, each with its own benefits and restrictions. Here are the options to consider:

Off-Peak & Super Off-Peak train tickets
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These two types of tickets are specifically for use during off-peak and super off-peak times, with cheaper prices, making them suitable for those who enjoy leisure travel.
Return train tickets
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Valid for both an outward and return journey from the same destination on your chosen route.
Advance train tickets
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As one of the most cost-effective ticket options available, purchasing up to 12 weeks in advance can save you a considerable amount of money.
Season train tickets
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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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Why Book Train Tickets With Trip.com?

Best Price Promise
If you find trains for a cheaper price elsewhere, let us know and we'll refund the difference*
Split Tickets
Save an average of 30% on train fares by splitting your Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central journey
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*After comparing the full year of 2023 for Split tickets and full-price tickets on Trip.com, the average savings rate for Split tickets is 30%.

Trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central from HK$308.01

Save an average of 30%* with Split Tickets

Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train prices and times

Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central train route details