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How to get fromCardiff Central Station to Manchesterby train, bus, car, or plane

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There are 5 ways to get from Cardiff Central Station 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.

  1. Train

    best
    1. Take the train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadillytrain train Cardiff Central - Manchester Piccadilly / ...
    3h 18m
    £55–95
  2. Drive  170.9 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Cardiff Central Station to Manchestercar car 170.9 mi
    3h 52m
    £43–62
  3. Train, bus

    1. Take the train from Cardiff Central to Birmingham New Streettrain train Cardiff Central - Nottingham / ...
    2. Take the bus from Birmingham Coach Station to Manchester Central Coach Stationbus bus 541 / ...
    4h 54m
    £61–94
  4. Fly from Cardiff Airport

    1. Fly from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Manchester Airport (MAN)plane plane CWL - MAN
    5h 13m
    £44–204
  5. Train to Bristol Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meadstrain train
    2. Fly from Bristol Airport (BRS) to Manchester Airport (MAN)plane plane BRS - MAN
    5h 37m
    £68–169

Cardiff Central Station to Manchester by train

Calendar109Weekly Trains
Duration3h 18mAverage Duration
Ticket£55Cheapest Price
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Comparing Your Travel Options

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

Transport for Wales operates a train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly hourly. Tickets cost £55–95 and the journey takes 3h 18m. Alternatively, Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and KLM fly from Cardiff Airport (CWL) to Manchester Airport (MAN) 4 times a day.

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