What is the cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Manchester?

The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Manchester is to bus via Birmingham which costs £12 - £40 and takes 6h 12m.

What is the fastest way to get from Cardiff to Manchester?

The fastest way to get from Cardiff to Manchester is to train which takes 3h 19m and costs £45 - £110.

Is there a direct bus between Cardiff and Manchester?

No, there is no direct bus from Cardiff to Manchester station. However, there are services departing from Sophia Gardens and arriving at Manchester Central Coach Station via Birmingham Coach Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 36m.

Is there a direct train between Cardiff and Manchester?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Cardiff Central and arriving at Manchester Piccadilly. Services depart hourly, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 3h 19m.

How far is it from Cardiff to Manchester?

The distance between Cardiff and Manchester is 170 miles. The road distance is 171.9 miles.

How do I travel from Cardiff to Manchester without a car?

The best way to get from Cardiff to Manchester without a car is to train which takes 3h 19m and costs £45 - £110.

How long does it take to get from Cardiff to Manchester?

The train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly takes 3h 19m including transfers and departs hourly.

Where do I catch the Cardiff to Manchester bus from?

Cardiff to Manchester bus services, operated by National Express, depart from Sophia Gardens station.

Where do I catch the Cardiff to Manchester train from?

Cardiff to Manchester train services, operated by Transport for Wales, depart from Cardiff Central station.

Train, bus or fly from Cardiff to Manchester?

The best way to get from Cardiff to Manchester is to train which takes 3h 19m and costs £45 - £110. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs £21 - £70 and takes 5h 36m, you could also fly, which costs £65 - £190 and takes 5h 47m.

Where does the Cardiff to Manchester bus arrive?

Cardiff to Manchester bus services, operated by National Express, arrive at Birmingham Coach Station.

Where does the Cardiff to Manchester train arrive?

Cardiff to Manchester train services, operated by Transport for Wales, arrive at Manchester Piccadilly station.

Can I drive from Cardiff to Manchester?

Yes, the driving distance between Cardiff to Manchester is 172 miles. It takes approximately 3h 51m to drive from Cardiff to Manchester.

How do I get a train ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?

Book your Cardiff to Manchester train tickets online with Omio.

How do I get a bus ticket from Cardiff to Manchester?

Book your Cardiff to Manchester bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Manchester?

There are 681+ hotels available in Manchester.

Cardiff to Manchester - 5 ways to travel via train, bus, car, and plane

There are 5 ways to get from Cardiff to Manchester by train, bus, car, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

Train
best
1. Take the train from Cardiff Central to Manchester PiccadillyCardiff Central - Manchester Piccadilly / ...
3h 19m
£45–110
Bus via Birmingham
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Kingsway GD to Newhall StUk078 / ...
2. Take the bus from Newhall St to Shudehill InterchangeUk076 / ...
6h 12m
£13–39
Bus
1. Take the bus from Sophia Gardens to Birmingham Coach Station111 / ...
2. Take the bus from Birmingham Coach Station to Manchester Central Coach Station120 / ...
5h 36m
£21–68
Drive 170.9 mi
1. Drive from Cardiff to Manchester170.9 mi
3h 51m
£42–61
Fly
1. Fly from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Manchester Airport (MAN)CWL - MAN
5h 47m
£67–181

Cardiff to Manchester by train

107Weekly Trains

3h 19mAverage Duration

£45Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cardiff to Manchester.

Launch map view

Distance: 168.6 mi
Duration: 3h 19m

What companies run services between Cardiff, Wales and Manchester, England?

Transport for Wales operates a train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly hourly. Tickets cost £45–110 and the journey takes 3h 19m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sophia Gardens to Manchester Central Coach Station via Birmingham Coach Station in around 5h 36m.

Airlines

Train operators

Bus operators

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