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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£20
Average price
£20
Fastest journey
46 m
Average duration
46 m
Trains per day
22
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 £20 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £20.
Of the 22 trains that leave Bristol for Cardiff every day 16 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 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 47 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.
W349678:570h48Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)9:45Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes- C426988:220h48Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)9:10Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C422559:580h54Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:52Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C426999:250h50Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:15Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C42462 · W346098:380h58Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)9:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way1 change
- C4225710:590h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)11:45Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C4270413:250h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)14:11Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C478226:280h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)7:14Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C4270010:230h47Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)11:10Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
- C4270111:250h47Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:12Cardiff Central (CDF)£201One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bristol to Cardiff
Omio 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 train which can get you there in 1h 10m. 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 £9.
Distance: 41 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£20 Average Price | £6 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 49m Average total duration 1h 19m 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.
Live departures
Bristol to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff trains for today, Friday 10 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G14998 | On time 6:56 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 7:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| W34663 | On time 7:07 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 8:06 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15493 | On time 7:25 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h54 | 8:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15213 · W35415 | On time 7:40 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h59 | 8:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15000 | On time 7:56 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h52 | 8:48 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15494 | On time 8:29 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h53 | 9:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15214 · G14934 | On time 8:38 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15002 | On time 8:57 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h49 | 9:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C48821 | On time 9:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h49 | 10:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15215 · G14936 | On time 9:39 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15004 | On time 9:57 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h55 | 10:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15495 | On time 10:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 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 | On time 10:57 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h49 | 11:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15496 | On time 11:29 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h48 | 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 | On time 11:58 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 12:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15497 | On time 12:29 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h53 | 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 | On time 12:57 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h48 | 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G15498 | On time 13:25 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h51 | 14:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Y41800 · W34624 | On time 13:39 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G15011 | On time 14:01 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h48 | 14:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Saturday 11 July | |||||
| C47822 | 6:28 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 7:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol 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 Bristol to Cardiff trains with Omio?
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, Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 Bristol to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 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 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 41m |
First train 0:01 |
Last train 23:38 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Bristol and Cardiff from £4. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Trains from Bristol to 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.
Bristol to Cardiff train time: daily departures
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.
How long is the journey by train from Bristol to Cardiff?
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.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Bristol to Cardiff?
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.
Which train companies travel from Bristol to Cardiff?
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 Bristol to Cardiff
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.
Bristol to Cardiff trains: services on board
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.
How to find cheap train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff?
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.
FAQs: Bristol to Cardiff train
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Cardiff
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.
Getting to Bristol Temple Meads from Bristol city centre
Bristol Temple Meads 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 and drink
Food options include: The Pasty Shop, Starbucks, Upper Crust, Pumpkin Café, Hart's Bakery
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located near Platform 3.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 06:45 - 21:30. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol Temple Meads: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol Temple Meads: Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators. .
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center, Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center.
Getting to Bristol, Airport from Bristol city centre
Bristol, Airport is 11 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Bristol, Airport train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Dexters, Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the airport terminal.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bristol, Airport. Information desks are located in the main terminal.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Bristol, Airport. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bristol, Airport: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bristol, Airport: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bristol, Airport: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport, Holiday Inn Bristol Airport, Winford Manor Hotel.
Getting to Montpelier from Bristol city centre
Montpelier is 1 km from Bristol city centre. Public transport options include:
Montpelier train station facilities and services
Montpelier has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Montpelier.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Montpelier: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Montpelier: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
More options for your journey from Bristol to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Bristol
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