If you're heading to the Welsh capital from Manchester, jump on board with Transport for Wales at Manchester Piccadilly station and travel directly to Cardiff Central station without the need to change.

Our trains run throughout the day, beginning at 05.00, and the approximately three hour trip allows you to make use of our free Wifi to catch up with work or friends. Take advantage of our Advanced ticket offers, or our flexible travel with Anytime options.

  • Free Wi-Fi
    Free Wi-Fi
  • Charging points
    Charging points
  • Direct
    Direct
Live departures and arrivals

Cardiff is known for being one of the biggest historical tourist destinations in the UK. With 15 castles all within less than an hour from Cardiff, including the famous Cardiff Castle, it is no wonder this city is known as the “castle capital of the world”. Kids and adults alike particularly enjoy the Cardiff Bay redevelopment as well, and if you are a bit of an adventurist, you could also take a stroll through some of the multiple vast parks in the wetlands - an amazing opportunity for wildlife spotting. 

From museums, arts and culture centres, to historical buildings and streets as old as the medieval period, there is so much to do in Cardiff that you may have to return several times to fully explore this beautiful city. 

Even the biggest foodies do not need to worry about food options when they’re in Cardiff - the city is bustling with cuisines from all over the world, from Italian to Asian and Middle Eastern, from marvellous seafood and steakhouse restaurants to vegan joints, you can find everything your heart desires in Cardiff. Some of the best restaurants are all clustered together in the Cardiff Bay area. However, make sure to try out fresh traditional Welsh food on the days when the Cardiff indoor central market is open!