- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£352
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£352
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
8 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
8 h 59 m
Trains on 17 Sept
3
Distance
634 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Aberdeen to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Aberdeen to Cardiff will cost around £352 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £352.
To travel from Aberdeen to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.
W00587+
L87074+
G38890
W34268+
L87079+
W44838
W33999+
L88050+
G38892+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central
W00587+
L87074+
G38890
W34268+
L87079+
W44838
W33999+
L88050+
G38892+
Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow CentralOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Aberdeen to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 9h 27m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £67, while a train costs an average of £110.
Distance: 634 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£110 Average Price | £67 Average Price Cheapest | £132 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 27m Average total duration Fastest 8h 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 25m Average total duration 14h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Aberdeen to Cardiff:
A coach is £43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Aberdeen to Cardiff costing on average £110.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 14h 55m.
The journey is about 12m faster (8h 57m by train vs 9h 9m by car) and roughly £22 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls (£110 vs £132). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Aberdeen to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W00587+ G38890+ L87074 | 12:07 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 8h47 | 20:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W33999+ Bus from Glasgow Queen Street to Glasgow Central+ G38892+ L88050 | 12:45 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 9h10 | 21:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
W34268+ L87079+ W44838 | 14:03 Aberdeen station (ABD) | 8h59 | 23:02 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Aberdeen to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 8h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £69 but you can travel from only £49 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 16:04. The fastest train covers the 634 km distance in 8h 26m.
Distance 634 km |
Average train duration 8h 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £69 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 8h 26m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 16:04 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Aberdeen to Cardiff by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Aberdeen to Cardiff trains use the Aberdeen to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Aberdeen and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi is available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport).
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Parking.
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Fully Accessible - lifts and footbridge Blue Badge spaces: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need