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

The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay is to bus which costs £35 - £90 and takes 4h 34m.

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

The fastest way to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £65 - £120.

Is there a direct bus between Manchester and Cardiff Bay?

No, there is no direct bus from Manchester station to Cardiff Bay. However, there are services departing from Manchester Central Coach Station and arriving at Millennium Centre via Sophia Gardens and Cardiff Bus Interchange Bay 1. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 34m.

Is there a direct train between Manchester and Cardiff Bay?

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 Bay?

The distance between Manchester and Cardiff Bay is 170 miles. The road distance is 173 miles.

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

The best way to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay without a car is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £65 - £120.

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

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

Where do I catch the Manchester to Cardiff Bay bus from?

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

Where do I catch the Manchester to Cardiff Bay train from?

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

Train or bus from Manchester to Cardiff Bay?

The best way to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £65 - £120. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs £35 - £90 and takes 4h 34m.

Where does the Manchester to Cardiff Bay bus arrive?

Manchester to Cardiff Bay bus services, operated by National Express, arrive at Sophia Gardens station.

Where does the Manchester to Cardiff Bay train arrive?

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

Can I drive from Manchester to Cardiff Bay?

Yes, the driving distance between Manchester to Cardiff Bay is 173 miles. It takes approximately 3h 54m to drive from Manchester to Cardiff Bay.

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

Book your Manchester to Cardiff Bay train tickets online with Omio.

Where can I stay near Cardiff Bay?

There are 1705+ hotels available in Cardiff Bay.

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

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.

Train
best
1. Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Centraltrain Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central / ...
3h 12m
£65–120
Bus
cheapest
1. Take the bus from Manchester Central Coach Station to Sophia Gardensbus Cpa
4h 34m
£35–88
Drive 172 mi
1. Drive from Manchester to Cardiff Baycar 172 mi
3h 54m
£43–61
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 30m
£85–142

Manchester to Cardiff Bay by train

105Weekly Trains

3h 12mAverage Duration

£65Cheapest Price

See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay.

Launch map view

Distance: 168.6 mi
Duration: 3h 12m

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 £65–120 and the journey takes 3h 12m. Alternatively, National Express operates a bus from Manchester Central Coach Station to Sophia Gardens once daily. Tickets cost £30–85 and the journey takes 4h 10m.

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.