Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.
Trains to Manchester from Cardiff Queen Street
It takes an average of 5h 36m to travel from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester by train, over a distance of around 144 miles (231 km). There are normally 86 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester and tickets for this journey start from £41.10 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:44 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 00:14 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Queen Street | |
| Arrival station | Manchester | |
| Journey time | From 3h 31m | |
| Distance | 144 miles (231 km) | |
| Frequency | 86 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £41.10 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales |
Trains to Manchester from Cardiff Queen Street
Want to travel from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester by train? Start your journey with us.
It takes an average of 5 hours 36 minutes to travel from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester by train. You'll find on average 86 trains per day running on this route.
There aren't any direct services on this line, but it's still easy to travel to Manchester by train; you'll need to make 1 change.
Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales and East Midlands Railway trains run on this route.
The journey from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester starts at £41.10. Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.
See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester?
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Can you take a train directly from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester?
How close is Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester by train?
Is it possible to get from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester without flying?
What is the best way to travel from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester?
What time does the first train from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester leave?
What time does the last train from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester leave?
How often are trains from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester?
Do you need to book the train from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester in advance?
Can you buy return train tickets from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester?
As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.
1. Book in advance
Train tickets from Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester start at £41.10§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.
2. Sign up to Ticket Alert
If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.
3. Use a Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.
4. Book split tickets
Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.
5. Travel Off-Peak
If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.
6. Consider a Season Ticket
Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cardiff Queen Street to Manchester is right for you.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.
§Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.