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Manchester, Greater Manchester to Cardiff, South Glamorgan from $22: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Manchester, United Kingdom
to
Cardiff, United Kingdom

How to Get from Manchester to Cardiff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$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.

Company
Transport for Wales
Train
Average Duration
3h  12m
Estimated price
$70-120
Recommended
Company
Megabus UK
Bus
Average Duration
5h  45m
Estimated price
$22-30
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 233.4 km
Duration: 3h 12m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
3h  14m
Estimated price
$60-90
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
6h  1m
Estimated price
$62-279
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
5h  19m
Estimated price
$70-299
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
4h  13m
Estimated price
$104-311

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $18 $16 $17 $16 $16 $16 $19
Train $57 $57 $63 $55 $58 $56 $81
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Manchester to Cardiff

Traveling from Manchester to Cardiff offers a fascinating contrast between Manchester's vibrant urban atmosphere and Cardiff's rich history and coastal charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.

Cardiff Bay
• Waterfront views and restaurants abound.
• Home to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre.
Roath
• Characterized by beautiful parks and lakes.
• Vibrant arts scene and local markets.
Cathays
• Student-friendly atmosphere with lively pubs.
• Great access to Cardiff University and parks.

Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions

Discovering Cardiff's attractions can be even more enjoyable with strategic timing.

Cardiff Castle
Visit early on weekdays for a quieter experience and better photo opportunities.
St Fagans National Museum of History
Go in the spring or fall to enjoy pleasant weather and fewer visitors.
Cardiff Bay
Evenings during weekdays offer stunning sunset views and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cardiff enjoys a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it a year-round destination. The best times to visit are late spring through early fall, when you can fully enjoy outdoor attractions and events without the interruption of heavy rain.

Dining Recommendation in Cardiff

A visit to Cardiff isn’t complete without trying a traditional Welsh dish like cawl, a hearty stew made with seasonal vegetables and local meats. The cozy, pub-like atmosphere in Cardiff contrasts with Manchester’s bustling dining scene, offering a more intimate setting to savor flavors that reflect the region's rich agricultural 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.

Train
Contact phone
03333 211 202
Website
https://tfw.wales/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
3h 12m
Estimated price
70-120
Contact phone
0344 736 9123
Website
https://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 31m
Estimated price
55-140

Train from Birmingham New Street to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
65-180
Contact phone
00 44 345 528 0253
Website
https://avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Train from Manchester Piccadilly to Birmingham New Street

Average Duration
1h 32m
Estimated price
35-130
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
22-55
Bus Show bus routes
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Manchester Shudehill Interchange to Cardiff University

Average Duration
5h 45m
Estimated price
22-30
Plane
Website
klm.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Cardiff (CWL)

Average Duration
4h 20m
Estimated price
360-1300
Website
easyjet.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Bristol (BRS)

Average Duration
3h 27m
Estimated price
65-280
Website
ryanair.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Cardiff (CWL)

Average Duration
8h 5m
Estimated price
35-250

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Bristol (BRS)

Average Duration
3h 30m
Estimated price
35-240
Website
aerlingus.com

Plane from Manchester (MAN) to Cardiff (CWL)

Average Duration
4h 30m
Estimated price
160-1100

Manchester 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 journey from Manchester to Cardiff, keep an eye out for the catering services provided by Transport for Wales. They often offer on-board refreshments including sandwiches, snacks, and beverages. If you're traveling during peak times, don’t hesitate to pre-order meals, which can save you time.
• For your trip, you can choose between Economy and First Class seats on the Transport for Wales service. First Class offers more spacious, comfortable seating and complimentary refreshments, while Economy provides standard seating at a lower price. Consider upgrading for added comfort, especially on longer journeys.
• The main operators for the Manchester to Cardiff route are Transport for Wales (transportforwales.co.uk), Avanti West Coast (avantiwestcoast.co.uk), and Northern Rail (northernrailway.co.uk). Make sure to check their websites for schedules, ticketing options, and any service disruptions.
🛫 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
• When booking your flight from Manchester to Cardiff, check the layover times carefully with airlines like Aer Lingus, Ryanair, easyJet, and KLM, as stopovers can significantly extend your travel time; aim for connections that minimize layover duration.
• Upon arriving at Cardiff Airport, use the clearly marked signs to navigate to the taxi ranks, where you will find a designated waiting area for taxis that can whisk you away to the city center.
• Expect taxi fares from Cardiff Airport to the city center to be approximately £30-£35; to save on transportation costs, consider using the T9 bus service, which runs frequently and costs around £6.
🚌 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

Trips from Manchester