Trains from Manchester to Cardiff

Manchester to Cardiff train information

All trains connecting Manchester (North West England) to Cardiff (East Wales) are run by Cross Country. The services on board will vary depending on the rail provider.

On average, the journey takes approximately 3h29m by train covering a distance of 144 miles to get to Cardiff from Manchester. The duration may vary depending if your train is direct or if you need to make a change.

The lowest ticket price we've found to travel in the next month is £42.73 one way.

Best prices for Manchester to Cardiff train tickets

Manchester - Cardiff prices calendar

Find the cheapest tickets to travel from Manchester to Cardiff by train, bus, ride sharing and plane.

Manchester - Cardiff: the best time to book cheap trains

Price of the ticket when booking in advance or at the last minute

The Prices for train tickets Manchester to Cardiff are increasing the closer you get to your departure day. According to our data, if you buy your train 15 days in advance, you can find tickets from £21 whereas when purchasing your seat on the day you're travelling, you will need to spend at least £44 for your train. Thus, you may save 53% on the price of your ticket by booking 15 days in advance instead of on the day you're travelling.

The figures are based on the best fares found over the past 6 months when buying in advance versus at the last minute.

Best prices for Manchester to Cardiff trains

We compare train ticket for all major companies to travel between Manchester and Cardiff by train and find the best prices for the coming days. Take a look at the prices of train tickets Cardiff to Manchester and find the best deal for your outbound journey.

Discount Manchester - Cardiff train tickets

The easiest way to pay less on your Manchester Cardiff train ticket is probably to buy a railcard. While regional railcards are available in some areas, National railcards enable you to spend less on most rail fares across the UK. Everyone is eligible to at least a certain railcard, even non-UK residents. National railcards available: 16-25 discount card, Senior railcard, Two together discount card, Family and Friends railcard and Disabled persons discount card.

What are the benefits of a railcard?

When getting a railcard, the idea is to make savings after several journeys. But is it really relevant when travelling from Manchester to Cardiff? Grab your calculator, considering:

A = the cost of the railcard (i.e.: £30)

B = average discount offered by the railcard (i.e.: 34%)

C = average fare for a Manchester Cardiff ticket (i.e.: £66.56)(1)

Start by dividing A by B: this will give you the budget from which the card will be worthwile. Then divide that number by C. You will see the average number of journeys needed per year to be profitable.

In our example, A/B = £30/34% = £88.00. Then, 88/£66.56 = 1.32. Your railcard will be worth the investment after on average 2 trips from Manchester to Cardiff (one way trip).

How much does a railcard cost?

Railcards enable you to save 34% off most adult fares for 12 months. A Disabled persons railcard costs £20 and the five other ones £30.

⁽¹⁾Average prices observed over the last 6 months for one way journey