The cheapest and fastest trains from Bradford to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£66
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
5 h 7 m
Average duration
5 h 55 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bradford to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bradford to Cardiff will cost around £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £66.
Of the 5 trains that leave Bradford for Cardiff every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 275 km distance in an average of 5 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 43 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bradford to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bradford to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, and a train costs an average of £37.
Distance: 275 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£71 Average Price | £33 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 30m Average total duration 7h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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
Bradford to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Bradford to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Sunday 30 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 08:13 Bradford | 6h43 | 14:56 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 08:39 Bradford | 5h10 | 13:49 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 09:25 Bradford | 6h31 | 15:56 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 09:52 Bradford | 6h04 | 15:56 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:39 Bradford | 5h07 | 15:46 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bradford 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.
30 Nov
01 Dec
02 Dec
03 Dec
04 Dec
05 Dec
06 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bradford to Cardiff
Trains from Bradford to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 28m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £18 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 275 km distance in 5h 2m.
Distance 275 km |
Average train duration 4h 28m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 5h 2m |
First train 04:08 |
Last train 23:40 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3) from Bradford to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Northern Rail (3) trains will get you between Bradford and Cardiff from £18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Northern Rail (3)
FAQs: Bradford to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bradford 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bradford and Cardiff
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Saturday 06:10 - 19:00 Friday 06:10 - 20:00 Sunday 08:45 - 18:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and ramps are available. Lift available 06:00 - 19:00 Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday, however there is an alternative accessible route without having to use lift.
- 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
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at station front on St Blaise Way adjacent to service bus stop (25702).
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 20:15 Sunday 08:00 - 20:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and a wheelchair is available if pre-booked via 0800 138 5560, or by asking for help at the Station Supervisors office next to platform 1. There are also escalators and lifts available from the bus station below up to the rail station. Please note that escalators and lifts are not operated by Northern or Network Rail.
- Accessible public telephones: in the interchange
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Toilets and accessible toilets are available at the bus and coach Interchange next to the rail station.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at parcels bay adjacent to Platform 1, through the red gate.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. However no problems for disabled or wheelchair users as the access to the platforms is via the road and a ramp. Step free access from car park to platforms
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop close to the station. Busline 0871 200 2233
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport will pick up/drop off by the car park entrance on Frizinghall Road
- Metro: 0113 245 7676
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. Step free access to the platform from Heath Halt Road.
- Accessible public telephones: Low level/text public phones.
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Radyr) and Platform 2 (to Cardiff) from Waungron Road via ramps with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via the ramps and beneath the railway bridge on Waungron Road.
- 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
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Waun Gron Road
Most popular train connections from Bradford
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