A train trip from Cathays to Manchester Piccadilly takes about 4hrs 38 mins on average, covering roughly 143 miles (230 kilometres). With around 25 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £28.30, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Manchester Piccadilly |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Cathays |
Frequency | 25trains per day |
Journey Time | from3hrs 35 mins |
Changes | 1-3no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 06:27 / 23:59 |
Distance | 143miles (230 km) |
4 Routes | Via Cardiff Central Via Cardiff Queen Street & Cardiff Central & Crewe Via Cardiff Central & Crewe Via Radyr & Cardiff Central |
3 Train Operators | Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail |
Prices | from£28.30 |
Hop on a Train from Cathays to Manchester Piccadilly – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Cathays to Manchester Piccadilly by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!
On average, the journey takes around 4hrs 38 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Manchester Piccadilly), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 3hrs 35 mins. With roughly 25 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 143-mile (230 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, Northern Rail, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!
The best part? Tickets start from just £28.30 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.
So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Manchester Piccadilly!
The travel time between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 38 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 35 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Cathays to Manchester Piccadilly is 3hrs 35 mins.
Train ticket prices from Cathays to Manchester Piccadilly can start from as little as £28.30 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 25 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 06:27, and the last train of the day leaves at 23:59.
First class tickets on trains between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Manchester Piccadilly, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Cathays & Manchester Piccadilly. However, there are 25 possible journeys which require a change.
Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and Northern Rail are the main train operating companies running services between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Cathays and Manchester Piccadilly, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Tuesday 3rd June | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 06:08 Cathays | 09:59 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Cardiff Central Bristol Parkway | 3 hrs 51 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:27 Cathays | 10:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 46 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:08 Cathays | 10:59 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Cardiff Central Bristol Parkway | 3 hrs 51 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:38 Cathays | 11:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 08:38 Cathays | 12:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:02 Cathays | 12:59 Manchester Piccadilly | 2 changes | Cardiff Central Bristol Parkway | 3 hrs 57 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:38 Cathays | 13:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 10:38 Cathays | 14:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 11:38 Cathays | 15:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:38 Cathays | 16:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 35 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:37 Cathays | 17:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 36 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 14:32 Cathays | 18:13 Manchester Piccadilly | 1 change | Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 41 mins | Get Tickets | |
Positioned within the dynamic city of Cardiff, Cathays station serves as a pivotal gateway for local commuters and travelers. Its strategic location near Cardiff University makes it an essential hub for students and visitors alike. As part of the wider UK rail network, Cathays provides efficient services that connect you effortlessly to an array of destinations within and beyond Wales. Whether you're catching a train to Cardiff Central for a city-center adventure or heading out to scenic Barry Island, Cathays station is your dependable departure point.
At Cathays, convenience is a priority. The station offers a ticket office open during weekdays from 06:30 to 19:30. On Saturdays, hours are reduced, yet adequate for a casual weekend jaunt. Automated ticket machines ensure ease of access outside these hours, and with the ability to collect tickets purchased online, your journey begins with minimal fuss. For those concerned with accessibility, the platform configuration may pose challenges with the absence of step-free access across platforms. However, helpful station staff and facilities like induction loops and customer help points are in place to ensure assistance is readily available. CCTV coverage adds an extra layer of security for all travelers.
Navigating beyond the rails is easy at Cathays. The rail replacement bus stop and regular local buses are conveniently located on Park Place, making it simple to plan an onward journey. Though Cathays does not provide ongoing taxi or cycle hire services directly, Cardiff's robust network of public transport ensures you're never far from your next connection.
While the station facilitates efficient ticketing, it misses amenities like shopping outlets, refreshment stands, and public Wi-Fi. Planning ahead by grabbing refreshments prior to arrival could be essential. For cyclists, safe bicycle storage with CCTV ensures your bicycles remain secure during extended visits. Though amenities such as a waiting room are lacking, available seating areas ensure a comfortable stopover.
Cathays is your starting point for an array of adventures. Why not explore Barry’s picturesque seaside or immerse yourself in Swansea’s vibrant culture? For those interested in urban exploration, a quick trip to Cardiff Queen Street offers central city excitement. Here are a few key routes to consider: take the scenic journey from Cathays to Barry Island or revel in the academic and cultural offerings just a train ride away, such as from Cathays to Cardiff Central.
Cathays train station is more than just a stop—it's the beginning of a journey, connecting you not only to Cardiff's rich offerings but also to broader locations across the UK. While it may lack some comforts, its strategic placement and robust connections ensure an efficient travel experience. Next time you're planning to venture from Cardiff, consider joining the many passengers who choose Cathays as their travel companion. Grab your tickets with ease, embark on an adventure, and explore the myriad of possibilities this charming station opens up.
With a plethora of destinations at your fingertips and the convenience of ticket purchases and travel updates at your disposal, Cathays station stands as a testament to efficient rail travel in the UK. Remember, wherever your journey takes you next, a smooth start begins with planning and an open mind. Happy travels!
Manchester Piccadilly is an iconic travel hub, bustling with energy and packed with features to smooth your journey. Serving millions of passengers each year, it stands as a crucial entry and exit point for both the city of Manchester and its surrounding areas. Whether you're a daily commuter or a tourist navigating the UK rail system, understanding the facilities and services at Manchester Piccadilly can enhance your travel experience significantly.
Manchester Piccadilly expertly caters to passenger needs with a variety of facilities. The ticket office operates diligently from as early as 4:30 am to 10:30 pm through the week, ensuring you can grab a ticket for those early morning travels. For those tech-savvy commuters, ticket machines are readily available and accessible, allowing smooth online ticket collection. The station is well-equipped for accessibility; offering step-free access, ramps, and tactile warning strips for the visually impaired make it a user-friendly place for all travelers.
The station boasts free public Wi-Fi, ATM machines, and a plethora of shops and dining options. Coffee lovers will appreciate the numerous kiosks, while those in need of essentials can visit the mini supermarkets and pharmacies located within the station. The station even went the extra mile to ensure comfort by providing lounges, including a 1st Class Lounge and an Assisted Travel Lounge, making it an amenable waiting experience.
Getting to and from Manchester Piccadilly is a breeze with its robust transport links. Metrolink trams connect you to key destinations like Bury, Rochdale, and Manchester Airport, among others. For those preferring buses, a network of frequent local services are operated by 'First' and 'Stagecoach'. There's also a free bus service that runs every ten minutes around the city center—a convenient option for quick city hops.
The taxi rank located at the Fairfield Street exit offers service between 2 am to 5 am, giving you round-the-clock availability. If you're looking to explore the city on two wheels, Brompton bicycles are available for hire with two flexible tariffs. Additionally, if you're embarking on a flight, Manchester International Airport is just 9-10 miles away with several direct train services throughout the day. Car hire agents are also a short walk from the station, providing flexibility in travel.
If you have a penchant for exploring, Manchester Piccadilly serves as the starting point for many fascinating journeys. The station offers direct links to major destinations such as London Euston, Liverpool Lime Street, and Glasgow Central. Local routes include convenient trips to nearby spots like Stockport and Manchester Airport, ensuring you're never far from a new adventure.
Whether your travels stem from business, leisure, or curiosity, Manchester Piccadilly is more than just a train station—it's a gateway to new experiences and connections. Leveraging its exceptional facilities and detailed information will set you up for a successful journey, unlocking the vast and vibrant landscapes of the UK. Don't just arrive; embark on your journey with enthusiasm and ease from Manchester Piccadilly, where the rhythm of the railways meets the heartbeat of the city.