Bournemouth to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Thu 16 Jul
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Cross Country
South Western Railway
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Cross Country
South Western Railway
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2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 16 Jul

Cheapest price

£56

Average price

£102

Fastest journey

3 h 23 m

Average duration

3 h 36 m

Trains per day

6

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 £102 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.

Fast trains

To travel from Bournemouth to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayG15007+South Western RailwayL80195
    9:223h27
    Bournemouth station (BMH)
    12:49Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £561One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15005+South Western RailwayL78764
    8:183h28
    Bournemouth station (BMH)
    11:46Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £561One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15009+South Western RailwayL80201
    10:223h23
    Bournemouth station (BMH)
    13:45Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £631One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW35417+CrossCountryG00861
    9:453h51
    Bournemouth station (BMH)
    13:36Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1311One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayW34624+CrossCountryG00866
    10:453h52
    Bournemouth station (BMH)
    14:37Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £1311One-way
    1 change

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 £38.

Distance: 124 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£70

Average Price

£20

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

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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, Wednesday 15 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15005+South Western RailwayL78764
Delayed
8:11 8:18Bournemouth station (BMH)
3h28
11:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW34618+CrossCountryG00858
Delayed
9:37 8:40Bournemouth station (BMH)
3h56
12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15007+South Western RailwayL80195
Delayed
9:11 9:22Bournemouth station (BMH)
3h27
12:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35417+CrossCountryG00861
Delayed
10:37 9:45Bournemouth station (BMH)
3h51
13:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15009+South Western RailwayL80201
Delayed
10:10 10:22Bournemouth station (BMH)
3h23
13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW34624+CrossCountryG00866
Delayed
11:41 10:45Bournemouth station (BMH)
3h52
14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change

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.

Thu
16 Jul
Fri
17 Jul
Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul

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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 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
£38
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
£38
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
£70
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
£182
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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £70.
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

Most Bournemouth to Cardiff trains use the Bournemouth to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Bournemouth
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Bournemouth station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff leave from Bournemouth. The station is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre at Bournemouth station, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8HX.
BournemouthBournemouth station, Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH8 8HX+44 345 600 0650WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Bournemouth from Bournemouth city centre

Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus13, 5, 6, 50, m1, 12, 13A, N5, N1, 11, 21 · 6m · £2 · every ~74 min
m1, 5, 6, 50, 13, 12, 13A, 21, 11, N5, N1 · 7m · £2 · every ~74 min

Bournemouth train station facilities and services

Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: 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.

PokesdownPokesdown station, Christchurch Road, Pokesdown, Dorset, BH7 6DLWifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Pokesdown from Bournemouth city centre

Pokesdown is 4 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPoole - London Waterloo, Poole - Eastleigh, Weymouth - London Waterloo, Weymouth - Southampton Central, Bournemouth - Basingstoke, Bournemouth - London Waterloo, Poole - Brockenhurst, Bournemouth - Winchester, Poole - Winchester, Weymouth - Woking, Weymouth - Eastleigh, Poole - Southampton Central · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Busm2, 1A, 1B, 1C, 22, N2 · 17m · £2 · every ~58 min
m2, 1A, 1B, 1C, 22, N2 · 18m · £2 · every ~58 min

Pokesdown train station facilities and services

Pokesdown has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Pokesdown.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Pokesdown.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Pokesdown.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Pokesdown: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Pokesdown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

More options for your journey from Bournemouth to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Bournemouth to Cardiff train

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