- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff will cost around £51 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £50.
On Sat 07 Nov, we found 3 trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 147 km distance in an average of 2 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 18 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 27 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:38. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 1h 43m.
Distance 147 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 43m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 22:38 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
The table below shows live departures for Basingstoke to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Saturday 7 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:20 Basingstoke | 2h18 | 7:38 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:25 Basingstoke | 3h27 | 10:52 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:23 Basingstoke | 3h02 | 14:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Cardiff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Basingstoke 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 Basingstoke to Cardiff trains use the Basingstoke to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Basingstoke and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Basingstoke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Basingstoke.
Wi-Fi is available at Basingstoke. ATMs are available at Basingstoke.
Ticket office support is available at Basingstoke.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Basingstoke: Parking, WC.
Available at Basingstoke: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Basingstoke: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. This station has step-free access to all platforms via lifts from the main entrance. The rear entrance has level access to Platforms 4 and 5 (and to other platforms via lifts) but is only open Monday-Friday 0600 until 1000 and from 1500 until 2345 (closed at weekends) - outside these times a stepped subway must be used. The alternative step-free route from the rear to the main entrance via the street is approximately 380m and includes missing dropped kerbs and sections of route without a pavement. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, 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.
Check train stations information for Basingstoke and Cardiff, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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