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

The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay is to drive which costs £40 - £65 and takes 3h 54m.

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 £55 - £90.

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 £55 - £90.

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 train from?

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

Train or fly from Manchester to Cardiff Bay?

The best way to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay is to train which takes 3h 12m and costs £55 - £90. Alternatively, you can fly, which costs £45 - £240 and takes 6h.

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 1766+ hotels available in Cardiff Bay.

Manchester to Cardiff Bay - 5 ways to travel via train, car, and plane

How to get fromManchester to Cardiff Bay

Travel from

See all options

Search accommodation with Expedia

There are 5 ways to get from Manchester to Cardiff Bay by train, 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.

Train
best
1. Take the train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Centraltrain Manchester Piccadilly - Cardiff Central / ...
3h 12m
£55–90
Drive 172 mi
cheapest
1. Drive from Manchester to Cardiff Baycar 172 mi
3h 54m
£43–62
Fly to Cardiff Airport
1. Fly from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Cardiff Airport (CWL)plane MAN - CWL
6h
£48–233
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
£74–125
Fly to Bristol Airport, train
1. Fly from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Bristol Airport (BRS)plane MAN - BRS
2. Take the train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Centraltrain
6h 11m
£68–171

Manchester to Cardiff Bay by train

105Weekly Trains

3h 12mAverage Duration

£55Cheapest Price

See schedules

Comparing Your Travel Options

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 £55–90 and the journey takes 3h 12m. Alternatively, KLM, Ryanair, and two other airlines fly from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Cardiff Airport (CWL) 3 times a day.

Airlines

Train 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.