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How to get fromCardiff to Greater Manchesterby train, bus, car, or plane

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There are 6 ways to get from Cardiff to Greater 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 50m
    £70–113

  2. Bus

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Sophia Gardens to Bus Stationbus bus 202 / ...
    2. Take the bus from Bristol Bus Station to Manchesterbus bus Uk071
    5h 40m
    £26–50

  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 120 / ...
    5h 13m
    £77–128

  4. Drive 170.7 mi

    1. Drive from Cardiff to Greater Manchestercar car 170.7 mi
    3h 43m
    £42–60

  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 58m
    £72–164

  6. Train to London Heathrow Airport, fly

    1. Take the train from Cardiff Central to London Paddingtontrain train
    2. Fly from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Manchester Airport (MAN)plane plane LHR - MAN
    4h 46m
    £131–405

Cardiff to Greater Manchester by train, foot, and bus

Calendar108Weekly Services
Duration3h 50mAverage Duration
Ticket£70Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Cardiff to Greater Manchester.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 171.5 mi
  • Duration: 3h 50m

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

Transport for Wales operates a train from Cardiff Central to Manchester Piccadilly hourly. Tickets cost £65–120 and the journey takes 3h 18m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Sophia Gardens to Manchester via Bristol Bus Station in around 5h 40m.

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