Manchester to Cardiff from $22: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Manchester to Cardiff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$22 by busBest price
233.4 kmDistance
3h 12m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Manchester to Cardiff with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
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Compare prices for your selected dates
| Type | Mo 20/01 | Tu 21/01 | We 22/01 | Th 23/01 | Fr 24/01 | Sa 25/01 | Su 26/01 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | $18 | $16 | $17 | $16 | $16 | $16 | $19 |
| Train | $57 | $57 | $63 | $55 | $58 | $56 | $81 |
Traveling From Manchester to Cardiff
This route takes you from the bustling urban life of Manchester, known for its rich industrial history and vibrant culture, to Cardiff, where the scenic beauty and Welsh heritage offer a refreshing contrast.
Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff
Cardiff's neighborhoods blend culture, history, and modern vibrancy, catering to all.
Cardiff Bay
• Features stunning waterfront views and dining options.
• Home to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre.
Canton
• Offers a diverse range of restaurants and cafes.
• Known for its lively parks and community vibe.
Roath
• Boasts the beautiful Roath Park with a lake.
• Popular for independent shops and trendy bars.
Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions
Maximize your experience in Cardiff by choosing the right times to explore its highlights.
Cardiff Castle
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere.
The National Museum Cardiff
Late afternoons during weekdays often see smaller groups, allowing for a quieter visit.
Cardiff Bay
Weekdays, especially in the early evening, provide stunning sunset views without the weekend bustle.
Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Cardiff experiences a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Late spring and early autumn often offer the best weather for outdoor activities, but be prepared for occasional rain regardless of the season.
Dining Recommendation
Indulge in the Welsh classic, cawl, a hearty soup made with lamb and seasonal vegetables, at The Potted Pig in Cardiff—an experience that brings together traditional flavors in a cozy, converted bank setting. This dish offers a warm contrast to Manchester's industrial-inspired dining scene, highlighting locally sourced ingredients that celebrate Welsh culinary heritage.
Manchester - Cardiff operators
Explore transport companies operating between Manchester and Cardiff, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
03333 211 202Website
https://tfw.wales/
Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central
Average Duration
3h 12mEstimated price
70-120Contact phone
0344 736 9123Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/
Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street
Average Duration
1h 31mEstimated price
55-140Train from Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central
Average Duration
1h 55mEstimated price
65-180Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253Website
https://avantiwestcoast.co.uk/
Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street
Average Duration
1h 32mEstimated price
35-130Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125Website
https://www.gwr.com/
Train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central
Average Duration
46mEstimated price
22-55Website
https://uk.megabus.com
Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Cardiff University
Average Duration
5h 45mEstimated price
22-30Website
klm.com
Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Cardiff (CWL)
Average Duration
4h 20mEstimated price
360-1300Website
easyjet.com
Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Bristol (BRS)
Average Duration
3h 27mEstimated price
65-280Website
ryanair.com
Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Cardiff (CWL)
Average Duration
8h 5mEstimated price
35-250Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Bristol (BRS)
Average Duration
3h 30mEstimated price
35-240Website
aerlingus.com
Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Cardiff (CWL)
Average Duration
4h 30mEstimated price
160-1100Manchester to Cardiff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Manchester and Cardiff offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Manchester to Cardiff, covering a distance of 304.2 km.
💷 Plan your budget accordingly as the prices for a car journey from Manchester to Cardiff range from £47 to £71.
🏰 Immerse yourself in the rich history and vibrant culture of Cardiff as you arrive after a relaxing drive of approximately 3 hours and 14 minutes from Manchester.
Average price
£47 - £70
🕒 The scenic route from Manchester to Cardiff takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes, allowing you to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the British countryside passing by outside your window. Transport for Wales ensures a smooth and pleasant journey.
💷 Ticket prices for the Manchester to Cardiff train range from £55 to £95, offering flexibility to suit different budgets. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, this train journey provides a hassle-free and efficient way to reach your destination in Wales.
Departure Point
Manchester Piccadilly station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Manchester to Cardiff, you can expect onboard catering services that include a variety of snacks, light meals, and beverages. The most common operators, such as Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast, often provide a trolley service, along with a café-bar area in First Class that features a selection of hot meals and a wider range of drinks, including local ales.
• When booking your tickets, note that both Transport for Wales and Avanti West Coast offer different seating options. Transport for Wales typically has Standard Class and First Class, whereas Avanti West Coast features Standard, First, and Business Class. First Class tickets often come with complimentary food and drink service, while Business Class may provide additional amenities suitable for working passengers.
• For your travel, the main operators on this route are Transport for Wales (tfw.wales) and Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk). For local transport in Cardiff, you might find helpful links like the Cardiff Bus schedules (cardiffbus.com) and the Cardiff Transport map (cardiff.gov.uk). Upon arrival at Cardiff Central Station, you will find luggage storage available through the Excess Baggage Company, and public restrooms are accessible. Consider using services like the Cardiff Metro or buses that frequent the city center, with routes like the number 6 bus being a quick option.
🛫 Even though there is no direct flight from Manchester Airport to Cardiff Airport, you can still easily reach your destination with a one-stopover flight that typically takes around 3 hours and 50 minutes. Aer Lingus, Ryanair, easyJet, and KLM are some of the airlines that offer flights between these two cities.
🌍 The journey from Manchester to Cardiff by plane usually averages around 5 hours and 19 minutes. While it may not be the quickest mode of transport, flying allows you to cover the distance comfortably and efficiently, appreciating the aerial views of the UK along the way.
💰 Depending on the airline and the time of booking, the prices for a flight between Cardiff and Manchester can range from £55 to £236.
Departure Point
Manchester Airport
Arrival Point
Cardiff Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 50m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Booking your flight well in advance can yield trains and buses as alternatives, as there are no direct flights from Manchester to Cardiff, and you might be able to save time and money with a multi-modal journey.
• Upon arriving at Cardiff Airport, follow the signs to the arrivals area where you can find information desks; don’t forget to check out the local transport options, including shuttle buses to the city center, which are frequent and efficient.
• Taxi fares from Cardiff Airport to the city center typically range from £30 to £40, so consider pre-booking a taxi or shuttle service for convenience to avoid potential excess waiting times upon arrival.
🚌 The bus journey from Manchester to Cardiff takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes on a direct service operated by Megabus UK. Services depart twice daily, offering convenience for travelers.
🚌 Ticket prices for the bus between Cardiff and Manchester range from £17 to £24, making it an affordable transportation option for those looking to travel between these two vibrant cities in the United Kingdom.
Departure Point
Manchester Shudehill Interchange station
Arrival Point
Cardiff University station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance on the Megabus UK website or check for service options at National Express for potentially better prices or schedules: megabus.com or nationalexpress.com
• Bring snacks and a drink to enjoy during the approximately 5h 45m journey; while the bus may make brief stops, it's best to be prepared, especially if you have specific dietary preferences.
• Upon arrival at Cardiff University station, familiarize yourself with the area by reviewing the station map available at: cardiff.ac.uk This will help you navigate to nearby amenities, such as cafes and public transport connections, easily.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Manchester to Cardiff.
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The distance between Manchester and Cardiff is approximately 233.4 km by road. Typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. If you choose to travel by train, it takes about 3 hours and 12 minutes to reach Cardiff from Manchester. Alternatively, flying to Bristol and then taking a train would take approximately 6 hours and 4 minutes. Driving by car takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes, while taking a bus would require about 5 hours and 20 minutes to reach Cardiff from Manchester.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Manchester to Cardiff is by taking the bus, which typically costs between £20-£31 and takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes. However, if you're looking for the fastest option, taking the train is your best bet, with a travel time of 3 hours and 12 minutes. While train tickets may be slightly more expensive, ranging from £47-£110, they offer a more time-efficient journey for those looking to reach their destination quickly.
The prices for a train journey between Manchester and Cardiff can range from £47 to £110, depending on factors such as the class of travel and the time of booking. On the other hand, the cost of a bus ticket for traveling between the two cities can vary between £20 and £31.
To get from Manchester to Cardiff without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 304.2 km, and it takes around 3 hours and 14 minutes to drive from Manchester to Cardiff. This option gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and explore any stops along the way. Rental car prices for this journey can range from £47 to £71, depending on the vehicle and rental company.
The most convenient way to travel from Manchester to Cardiff without a car is by train, which takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes. Train tickets can cost between £47 and £110. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from £20 to £31. If you prefer to fly, there are flights available that take approximately 6 hours and 49 minutes, with prices ranging from £31 to £220.
Yes, there is a direct link between Manchester and Cardiff. You can take a direct train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central, which operates every day and takes approximately 3 hours and 12 minutes. Alternatively, there is also a direct bus service from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Cardiff University, which operates twice daily and takes around 5 hours and 20 minutes.
The flight between Manchester and Cardiff typically takes around 2 hours and 55 minutes with one stopover. However, there is no direct flight from Manchester Airport to Bristol Airport, so passengers would need to plan for a stopover. The cost of a flight between Cardiff and Manchester can vary between £32 and £215, depending on the airline and the time of booking.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Cardiff. With over 1134 hotels to choose from, you can find something to suit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Cardiff start at £33 per night, making it accessible for all types of travelers.
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Trips to Cardiff
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