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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 31 May
Cheapest price
£76
Average price
£113
Fastest journey
4 h 1 m
Average duration
4 h 5 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
124 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff will cost around £113 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £76.
Fast trains
To travel from Bournemouth to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.
C33097 · GW228600+
G39608+
L8018312:504h49Bournemouth station (BMH)17:39Cardiff Central (CDF)£761One-way3 changes- C33098 · GW228100+G38855+L8018913:505h04Bournemouth station (BMH)18:54Cardiff Central (CDF)£761One-way3 changes
- W34984 · GW229600+G38846+L801378:504h58Bournemouth station (BMH)13:48Cardiff Central (CDF)£761One-way3 changes
- W34990 · GW229300+G38899+L801579:504h59Bournemouth station (BMH)14:49Cardiff Central (CDF)£761One-way3 changes
- W35001 · GW228800+G38852+L8017911:505h06Bournemouth station (BMH)16:56Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way3 changes
- C03044 · C01227+L801378:504h01Bournemouth station (BMH)12:51Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way2 changes
- C03054 · C50047+L8017110:504h03Bournemouth station (BMH)14:53Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way2 changes
- C03059 · C00840+L8017911:504h06Bournemouth station (BMH)15:56Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way2 changes
- C03069 · C50042+L8018913:504h06Bournemouth station (BMH)17:56Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way2 changes
- C03049 · C01226+L801579:504h07Bournemouth station (BMH)13:57Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bournemouth to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £12, and a train costs an average of £39.
Distance: 124 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£71 Average Price | £21 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bournemouth to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 30 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L80289+C42276 · GW082300+W44829 | On time 19:22 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h48 | 0:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
 G00926+W34650 | Delayed 19:45 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h40 | 22:27 22:27Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G00926+W34650 | On time 19:45 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h42 | 23:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| Sunday 31 May | |||||
| C03038 · C01228+L78766 | 7:36 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h39 | 12:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C03044 · C01227+L80137 | 8:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h01 | 12:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W34984 · GW229600+L80137+G38846 | 8:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h58 | 13:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| C01226+G00863 | 9:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h17 | 13:57 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03049 · C01226+L80157 | 9:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h07 | 13:57 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W34990 · GW229300+L80157+G38899 | 9:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h59 | 14:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| C50047+G00867 | 10:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h13 | 14:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03054 · C50047+L80171 | 10:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h03 | 14:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C33095 · GW229100+G38920+L80171 | 10:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 5h05 | 15:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| C00840+G00874 | 11:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h16 | 15:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03059 · C00840+L80179 | 11:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h06 | 15:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| W35001 · GW228800+L80179+G38852 | 11:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 5h06 | 16:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| C50040+G00880 | 12:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h18 | 16:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C33097 · GW228600+G39608+L80183 | 12:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h49 | 17:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| C03064 · C50040+L80183 | 12:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h08 | 16:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C50042+G00885 | On time 13:40 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h16 | 17:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| C03069 · C50042+L80189 | 13:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 4h06 | 17:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| C33098 · GW228100+L80189+G38855 | 13:50 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 5h04 | 18:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bournemouth 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.
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Why should you book Bournemouth to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway and more offer trains services from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
- 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 Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bournemouth to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 124 km distance in 2h 52m.
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 £12
Distance 124 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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 £12
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway from Bournemouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway trains will get you between Bournemouth and Cardiff from £12. 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 Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
£39
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
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 55m
Cheapest Price
£71
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 38m
Cheapest Price
£42
South Western Railway frequency
13 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Price
£185
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
FAQs: Bournemouth to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The train journey from Bournemouth to Cardiff covers a distance of 124 km and takes approximately 2h 52m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Bournemouth to Cardiff is 124 km.
The first train from Bournemouth to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Bournemouth to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
To get from Bournemouth to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
The train station in Bournemouth that goes to Cardiff is Bournemouth station (BMH), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Bournemouth to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The Bournemouth to Cardiff train offers a mix of scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling countryside and along parts of the picturesque South West coast. Passengers can enjoy glimpses of charming rural landscapes and coastal vistas during the journey.
A day trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff is not feasible, as the journey duration is 2h 52m. However, there are 7 train trips per day. The distance is 124 km.
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 Bournemouth to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bournemouth and Cardiff
Bournemouth
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Bournemouth is Bournemouth. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bournemouth for your trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Parking
Dining
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:40 Saturday 05:40 - 20:40 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Premium
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on both platforms. The National key toilets are located on both platforms; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Bournemouth
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Southampton / Brockenhurst: Station entrance on Halfords side. To Poole: Station entrance on Asda side.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 12:30 Saturday 07:50 - 13:40 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Pokesdown
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Bournemouth: Christchurch Road (A35) Bus Stop by Bell Inn To Christchurch: Christchurch Road (A35) lay by outside Station
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Bournemouth.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Heath High Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Most popular train connections from Bournemouth
More options for your journey from Bournemouth to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Bournemouth
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