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

The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Cardiff is to bus which costs £40 - £60 and takes 5h 50m.

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

The fastest way to get from Manchester to Cardiff is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £65 - £95.

Is there a direct bus between Manchester and Cardiff?

No, there is no direct bus from Manchester station to Cardiff. However, there are services departing from Manchester Central Coach Station and arriving at University RE via Birmingham Coach Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 5h 50m.

Is there a direct train between Manchester and Cardiff?

Yes, there is a direct train departing from Manchester Piccadilly and arriving at Cardiff Central. Services depart hourly, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 3h 12m.

How far is it from Manchester to Cardiff?

The distance between Manchester and Cardiff is 170 miles. The road distance is 172.2 miles.

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

The best way to get from Manchester to Cardiff without a car is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £65 - £95.

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

The train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central takes 3h 12m including transfers and departs hourly.

Where do I catch the Manchester to Cardiff bus from?

Manchester to Cardiff bus services, operated by National Express, depart from Manchester Central Coach Station.

Where do I catch the Manchester to Cardiff train from?

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

Train or bus from Manchester to Cardiff?

The best way to get from Manchester to Cardiff is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £65 - £95. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs £40 - £60 and takes 5h 50m.

Where does the Manchester to Cardiff bus arrive?

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

Where does the Manchester to Cardiff train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Manchester to Cardiff?

Yes, the driving distance between Manchester to Cardiff is 172 miles. It takes approximately 3h 52m to drive from Manchester to Cardiff.

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

Book your Manchester to Cardiff train tickets online with Omio.

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

Book your Manchester to Cardiff bus tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cardiff?

There are 1636+ hotels available in Cardiff.

Manchester to Cardiff - 4 ways to travel via train, bus, and car

There are 4 ways to get from Manchester to Cardiff by train, bus, or car

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 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Centraltrain Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central / ...
3h 12m
£65–95
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Manchester Central Coach Station to Birmingham Coach Stationbus 120 / ...
2. Take the bus from Birmingham Coach Station to University REbus 111
5h 50m
£41–56
Drive 171.2 mi
1. Drive from Manchester to Cardiffcar 171.2 mi
3h 52m
£42–60
Train via Birmingham
1. Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Streettrain Manchester Piccadilly - Bournemouth / ...
2. Take the train from Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Centraltrain Nottingham - Cardiff Central / ...
4h 14m
£81–244

Manchester to Cardiff by train

104Weekly Trains

3h 12mAverage Duration

£65Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Manchester to Cardiff.

Launch map view

Distance: 168.6 mi
Duration: 3h 12m

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

Transport for Wales operates a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central hourly. Tickets cost £65–95 and the journey takes 3h 12m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Manchester Central Coach Station to University RE via Birmingham Coach Station in around 5h 50m.

Train operators

Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

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