- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£40
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£47
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
2 h 8 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
2 h 45 m
Trains on 23 Sept
4
Distance
147 km
Cheap tickets
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 £47 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £40.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 4 trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 147 km distance in an average of 2 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 8 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 28 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.
11:232h17Basingstoke13:40Cardiff£401One-way0 changes- 9:292h08Basingstoke11:37Cardiff£401One-way0 changes
- 7:383h08Basingstoke10:46Cardiff£541One-way0 changes
- 7:243h28Basingstoke10:52Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
- 9:292h08Basingstoke11:37Cardiff£401One-way0 changes
- 11:232h17Basingstoke13:40Cardiff£401One-way0 changes
- 7:383h08Basingstoke10:46Cardiff£541One-way0 changes
- 7:243h28Basingstoke10:52Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Basingstoke to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Basingstoke to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 55m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £62.
Distance: 147 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£62 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest | £30 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Basingstoke to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £43.
This is compared to other travel options from Basingstoke to Cardiff:
A coach is £18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Basingstoke to Cardiff costing on average £62.
The fastest way to travel from Basingstoke to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 2h 25m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 5h 21m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Basingstoke and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £62 compared to roughly £30 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-31.12. The journey takes 2h 25m versus 2h 16m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Basingstoke to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Basingstoke to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 23 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:24 Basingstoke | 3h28 | 10:52 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:38 Basingstoke | 3h08 | 10:46 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:29 Basingstoke | 2h08 | 11:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:23 Basingstoke | 2h17 | 13:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Basingstoke to Cardiff by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept
29 Sept
Why should you book Basingstoke to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Basingstoke to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:38. The fastest train covers the 147 km distance in 1h 44m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance 147 km |
Average train duration 2h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 1h 44m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 22:38 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Basingstoke to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Basingstoke and Cardiff from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£43
Great Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
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.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
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.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
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.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.35
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment on board, including tap on and tap off for adult single and day tickets.
- Cardiff Central is within easy walking distance of the main city centre streets, so walking is often quickest for central destinations.
FAQs: Basingstoke to Cardiff train
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Basingstoke to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £43, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Basingstoke to Cardiff covers a distance of 147 km and takes approximately 1h 44m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Basingstoke to Cardiff is 147 km.
The first train from Basingstoke to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Basingstoke to Cardiff departs at 22:38.
Trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
To get from Basingstoke to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
The train station in Basingstoke that goes to Cardiff is Basingstoke station (BSK), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Basingstoke to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Basingstoke to Cardiff offers a pleasant mix of urban and rural landscapes, with views of the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and the scenic countryside of South Wales, making it an enjoyable experience for travellers.
A day trip from Basingstoke to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 1h 44m, slightly exceeding the 120-minute limit. However, with a frequency of 5 trains per day, it remains a viable option for longer visits.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Basingstoke to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Basingstoke and Cardiff
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.
Departure train stations in Basingstoke
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Basingstoke station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Basingstoke to Cardiff leave from Basingstoke. The station is 1 km from Basingstoke city centre at Basingstoke station, Station Hill, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 5NB.
BasingstokeBasingstoke station, Station Hill, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 5NB+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Basingstoke from Basingstoke city centre
Bus3, 11, 16 · 5m · £2 · every ~28 min
Basingstoke 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
Food and drink options are available at Basingstoke.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Basingstoke. ATMs are available at Basingstoke.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Basingstoke.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Basingstoke: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Basingstoke: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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 CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Most popular train connections from Basingstoke
More options for your journey from Basingstoke to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Basingstoke
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