Rome2Rio

How to get fromManchester to Cardiff Bayby train, bus, or car

Find Transport to Cardiff Bay

See all options

There are 4 ways to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay 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.

  1. Train

    best
    1. Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Centraltrain train Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central / ...
    3h 12m
    £55–95
  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Bristol Bus Stationbus bus Uk071
    2. Take the bus from Bus Station to Sophia Gardensbus bus 202 / ...
    6h 7m
    £28–46
  3. Drive  172 mi

    1. Drive from Manchester to Cardiff Baycar car 172 mi
    3h 54m
    £43–62
  4. Train via Birmingham

    1. Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Streettrain train Manchester Piccadilly - Bournemouth / ...
    2. Take the train from Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Centraltrain train Nottingham - Cardiff Central / ...
    4h 31m
    £74–132

Manchester to Cardiff Bay by train

Calendar106Weekly Trains
Duration3h 12mAverage Duration
Ticket£55Cheapest Price
See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

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

Transport for Wales operates a train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central hourly. Tickets cost £55–95 and the journey takes 3h 12m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Manchester, Shudehill Interchange to Millennium Centre via Bus Station, Sophia Gardens, and Cardiff Bus Interchange Bay 1 in around 6h 7m.

Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United Kingdom

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides

Booking & Getting There