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Cardiff Central to Manchester Train prices and times

Use Trip.com to buy tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester, starting from KWD 5.620 and averaging KWD 9.960. The entire journey takes no more than 3h 19m. If you want to get a greater discounts, consider purchasing split tickets. Additionally, buying in advance is also good choice.

  • Sat, Jun 21
    From KWD 7.180
  • Sun, Jun 22
    From KWD 7.580
  • Mon, Jun 23
    From KWD 5.620
  • Tue, Jun 24
    From KWD 5.620
  • Wed, Jun 25
    From KWD 5.620
  • Thu, Jun 26
    From KWD 8.170
  • Fri, Jun 27
DepartureArrivalDurationOperator
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04:35
Cardiff Central
08:14
Manchester Piccadilly
3h 39m, DirectTransport for Wales
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05:49
Cardiff Central
09:13
Manchester Piccadilly
3h 24m, DirectTransport for Wales
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06:20
Cardiff Central
09:59
Manchester Piccadilly
3h 39m, Changes requiredGreat Western RailwayCrossCountry
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06:40
Cardiff Central
10:29
Manchester Piccadilly
3h 49m, Changes requiredCrossCountry
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06:43
Cardiff Central
10:13
Manchester Piccadilly
3h 30m, DirectTransport for Wales
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07:18
Cardiff Central
10:59
Paris
3h 41m, Changes requiredGreat Western RailwayCrossCountry
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Cardiff Central to Manchester Train Route Details

First train
First train
04:35
Last train
Last train
20:10
Departure station
Departure station
Cardiff Central
Arrival station
Arrival station
Manchester
Journey time
Journey time
3h 19m
Distance
Distance
145 miles
Price
Price
KWD 5.620*
Train operators
Train operators
Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway

How to book cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Manchester

Traveling in off-peak train times

Traveling in off-peak train times

Off-Peak train tickets are generally cheaper than peak-time tickets, allowing travel outside morning (6:30 AM–9:30 AM) and evening (4:00 PM–7:00 PM) rush hours on weekdays. If your schedule allows for flexibility, choosing off-peak times for your trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester can result in significant cost savings.
Get 1/3 off with a Railcard

Get 1/3 off with a Railcard

With a Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 on most rail fares. There are different types of Railcards available, such as the 16–25 Railcard, the Family & Friends Railcard, and the Senior Railcard, each catering to specific groups of travelers. You can discover more about Railcards here.
Split tickets to save an average extra 30%

Split tickets to save an average extra 30%

Another option to consider is splitting your tickets, which can save you around an extra 30% on fares. Instead of purchasing a direct ticket from Cardiff Central to Manchester, you can split the route into two legs: A to C and C to B. This often turns out to be more affordable than buying a direct ticket, and you won't even need to leave the train… or often your seat!
Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Advance Tickets are typically released up to 12 weeks before the travel date and can offer significant savings compared to tickets purchased closer to departure. By planning your trip from Cardiff Central to Manchester ahead of time and booking your tickets early, you can potentially save up to 61% on your travel expenses.
Travel in a group to save 1/3

Travel in a group to save 1/3

If you are traveling in a group of three to nine people, take advantage of group travel discounts, offered by most train companies, for a discount of up to 1/3 on standard fares. This can make traveling from Cardiff Central to Manchester more affordable for families, friends, or colleagues planning a trip together.

Cardiff Central to Manchester Train Ticket Types

There are various ticket types available for this route, each with different benefits and restrictions. Explore below to see which ticket type is best suited to your travel needs:

Why Book Train Tickets With Trip.com?

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*After comparing the full year of 2023 for SplitTickets and full-price tickets on Trip.com, the average savings rate for SplitTickets is 30%.