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 Cardiff Bay from Manchester Piccadilly
It takes an average of 6h 21m to travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay by train, over a distance of around 144 miles (232 km). There are normally 33 trains per day travelling from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay and tickets for this journey start from £47.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:11 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 00:24 | |
| Departure station | Manchester Piccadilly | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Bay | |
| Journey time | From 3h 36m | |
| Distance | 144 miles (232 km) | |
| Frequency | 33 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £47.20 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales |
What are the train times from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
Get from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay in as little as 3 hours 36 minutes on the fastest trains, so you can make the most of your time.
The average train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay takes around 6 hours 21 minutes. There are around 33 trains that operate on this route daily.
As there are no direct trains between Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff Bay, you'll need to make 1 change.
Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales and CrossCountry trains run on this route.
Tickets for this journey start from £47.20. Booking in advance often results in cheaper ticket prices.
With our Journey Planner, you can check live train times, compare prices and check routes.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
Want to know more about your journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
What's the distance between Manchester Piccadilly and Cardiff Bay by train?
Can you travel from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Cardiff Bay from Manchester Piccadilly?
What time is the first train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
What time is the last train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
How often do trains go from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
Is there a return trip from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay?
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 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay start at £47.20§ 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 Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Bay 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.