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Outbound fromCardiff Central to Manchester by train
It takes an average of 3h 30m to travel from Cardiff Central to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 144 miles (232 km). There are normally 49 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £24.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:03 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 3h 18m | |
| Distance | 144 miles (232 km) | |
| Frequency | 49 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £24.20 | |
| Train operators |
Travel from Cardiff Central to Manchester by train in 3 hours 18 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Cardiff Central to Manchester by train is 3 hours 30 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 3 hours 18 minutes. You'll usually find 49 trains per day travelling the 144 miles (232 km) between these two destinations. Direct trains are usually available every day on the route to Manchester. You'll probably be travelling with Transport for Wales to get to Manchester, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester start from £24.20 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices. Travelling Off-Peak or using a Railcard are also great ways to save.
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Manchester, including FAQs, and tips on booking cheap train tickets. Check the timetable above for live train times or if you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
FAQs about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
How far is Manchester from Cardiff Central by train?
Can I get from Cardiff Central to Manchester without flying?
What is the best way to get from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
When is the first train from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
When is the last train from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
How often do trains run from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
Looking for a return trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester?
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Cardiff Central to Manchester is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.