- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£23
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
51 m
Trains per day
15
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Cardiff will cost around £23 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
Of the 15 trains that leave Bristol for Cardiff every day 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 41 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 53 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.
G01044
G15215 · G14936
G15214 · G14934
G15494
G15517 · G14935
C48821
G15002
G14998
G15492
G15494Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 41 km
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£18 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 51m Average total duration 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15004 | 10:03 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h49 | 10:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15518 · G14937 | On time 10:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h00 | 11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15495 | On time 10:27 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h52 | 11:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15216 · G14938 | On time 10:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h02 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15005 | 11:03 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h44 | 11:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15217 · W34617 | On time 11:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h02 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15496 | On time 11:27 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h50 | 12:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15218 · W34618 | On time 11:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15007 | 12:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h44 | 12:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
C48896 · G14939 | On time 12:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h08 | 13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15497 | On time 12:23 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 13:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15219 · W35417 | On time 12:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 13:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15009 | 13:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h43 | 13:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15220 · W34622 | On time 13:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 14:08 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15011 | On time 14:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h45 | 14:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15522 · G14940 | 14:09 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 15:08 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15499 | On time 14:27 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h55 | 15:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15221 · W35418 | On time 14:39 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h57 | 15:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W34999 | 15:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h43 | 15:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y41809 · W34629 | On time 15:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 16:06 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15500 | On time 15:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h48 | 16:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15222 · W34630 | On time 15:39 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15014 | On time 16:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 16:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
V11686 · W34632 | On time 16:10 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 17:09 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15501 | On time 16:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h54 | 17:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15223 · W34634 | On time 16:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 17:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15016 | On time 17:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 17:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15224 · W35419 | On time 17:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 18:06 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15502 | On time 17:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 18:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y41819 · W34637 | 17:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15018 | On time 18:04 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 18:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15527 · G14941 | 18:10 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h00 | 19:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15503 | On time 18:27 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h56 | 19:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15225 · G14942 | On time 18:40 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 19:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15020 | On time 19:00 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h53 | 19:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G01044 | 5:20 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h01 | 6:21 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
C47821 | 5:53 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h54 | 6:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15492 | 6:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 7:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14998 | 6:56 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 7:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34663 | 7:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 8:06 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15493 | 7:25 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h54 | 8:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15213 · W35415 | 7:40 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15000 | 7:55 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h53 | 8:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15526 · G14933 | 8:08 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h00 | 9:08 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15494 | 8:29 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h53 | 9:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15214 · G14934 | 8:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
G15002 | 8:55 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 9:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15517 · G14935 | 9:13 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 10:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C48821 | 9:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h49 | 10:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15215 · G14936 | 9:39 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 41m.
Distance 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 41m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:38 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 6 days |
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
Trains depart from Bristol for Cardiff at a high frequency throughout the day, with a journey time of between 35 minutes and one hour. Trains depart from both the city's main station, Bristol Temple Meads and its second largest, Bristol Parkway. Trains on these routes are operated by Great Western Railway.
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff operate at a high frequency, with around two direct services per hour departing from Bristol Temple Meads, plus at least one direct service per hour departing from Bristol Parkway. The first trains from each station depart early in the morning and the last services, late in the evening.
Trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central take approximately one hour, with the faster services taking just under 50 minutes. Passengers travelling from Bristol Parkway can enjoy an even quicker journey of just over 30 minutes.
Departure train station: there are two departure stations in Bristol for those travelling by train to Cardiff. The first is the city's main station, Temple Meads, famously designed by Brunel and located just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. It has numerous facilities including toilets, shops and ATMs. Trains also depart from Bristol Parkway, which is located on the northern outskirts of the city, close to the University of the West of England.
Arrival train station: trains from both Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway arrive at Cardiff Central, the city's main rail terminus. Cardiff Central is located just to the south of the city centre, moments from the main shopping area. This large railway station has numerous facilities including toilets, ATMs, waiting areas, cafes and shops.
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff are provided by Great Western Railway. This includes trains that depart from both Bristol Temple Meads and from Bristol Parkway.
Great Western Railway is the primary rail operator in the UK's Southwest region and operates all trains from Bristol to Cardiff. Great Western operates frequent services with up to two direct trains per hour from Britsol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central and at least one direct train per hour from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central.
Great Western Railway (GWR) offers both standard and first-class seats. First-class passengers can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks as well as extra legroom, spacious seats and at-seat service. GWR's Passenger Assist service is available to disabled and elderly passengers, you can book this by calling the rail company directly before you travel.
Bicycles can be taken on board provided a space has been reserved. This can be reserved anytime from the point of booking right up until the train arrives. Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic pets may be taken on board at no extra charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead and all other animals in a secure pet carrier.
Many services offer onboard dining whilst free WiFi is available on all GWR trains.
It's easy to secure low cost train travel from Bristol to Cardiff. The lowest prices are available when you book in advance and may be even more affordable if you are fleixble about the time and date you travel on. Sometimes journeys that involve a change or trains which are a bit slower are considerably lower in price too. Compare a range of times, dates and journey speeds to find the best possible price.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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 Bristol to Cardiff trains use the Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Bristol and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bristol Temple Meads 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, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bristol, Airport has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Dexters, Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Airport. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage storage is available at Bristol, Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bristol, Airport: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Holiday Inn Bristol Airport, Winford Manor Hotel.
Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Montpelier: Parking.
Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Montpelier: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform, Accessible taxis: No, Ramp for train access: No, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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