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Manchester to Cardiff Central Train prices and times

Use Trip.com to buy tickets from Manchester to Cardiff Central, starting from SAR 91.92 and averaging SAR 91.92. The entire journey takes no more than 3h 13m. If you want to get a greater discounts, consider purchasing split tickets. Additionally, buying in advance is also good choice.

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DepartureArrivalDurationOperator
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16:30
Manchester Piccadilly
19:43
Cardiff Central
3h 13m, DirectTransport for Wales
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17:30
Manchester Piccadilly
20:48
Cardiff Central
3h 18m, DirectTransport for Wales
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18:30
Manchester Piccadilly
21:45
Cardiff Central
3h 15m, DirectTransport for Wales
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18:55
Manchester Piccadilly
22:48
Cardiff Central
3h 53m, Changes requiredAvanti West CoastTransport for Wales
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19:00
Manchester Oxford Road
22:48
Cardiff Central
3h 48m, Changes requiredTransport for WalesAvanti West Coast
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19:05
Manchester Piccadilly
23:36
Paris
4h 31m, Changes requiredCrossCountryGreat Western Railway
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Manchester to Cardiff Central Train Route Details

First train
First train
08:02
Last train
Last train
23:03
Departure station
Departure station
Manchester
Arrival station
Arrival station
Cardiff Central
Journey time
Journey time
3h 13m
Distance
Distance
232 km
Price
Price
SAR 91.92*
Train operators
Train operators
Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway

How to book cheap train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff Central

Traveling in off-peak train times

Traveling in off-peak train times

We recommend buying train tickets from Manchester to Cardiff Central during off-peak hours. These times are usually before 06:30, between 09:30 and 16:00, and after 19:00 on weekdays, as well as all day on weekends and bank holidays. Choosing Off-Peak train tickets means benefiting from cheaper fares and less crowded trains, making your journey more enjoyable.
Get 1/3 off with a Railcard

Get 1/3 off with a Railcard

With a Railcard, you can save up to 1/3 on most rail fares. There are different types of Railcards available, such as the 16–25 Railcard, the Family & Friends Railcard, and the Senior Railcard, each catering to specific groups of travelers. You can discover more about Railcards here.
Split tickets to save an average extra 30%

Split tickets to save an average extra 30%

Splitting tickets involves buying separate, cheaper tickets for different parts of your journey on the same train instead of just one ticket for the entire trip. For instance, if you're traveling from Manchester to Cardiff Central, you might find that purchasing a ticket from A to C, then C to B costs less than a direct ticket. This method is perfectly legal and often doesn't require leaving your seat.
Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Book in advance to save an average of 61%

Advance Tickets are typically released up to 12 weeks before the travel date and can offer significant savings compared to tickets purchased closer to departure. By planning your trip from Manchester to Cardiff Central ahead of time and booking your tickets early, you can potentially save up to 61% on your travel expenses.
Travel in a group to save 1/3

Travel in a group to save 1/3

If you are traveling in a group of three to nine people, take advantage of group travel discounts, offered by most train companies, for a discount of up to 1/3 on standard fares. This can make traveling from Manchester to Cardiff Central more affordable for families, friends, or colleagues planning a trip together.

Manchester to Cardiff Central train ticket types

Here are different ticket types available for this route, each with their own benefits and restrictions. Here are the options to consider:

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*After comparing the full year of 2023 for SplitTickets and full-price tickets on Trip.com, the average savings rate for SplitTickets is 30%.