- 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 on 09 Oct
£37
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£55
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
3 h 25 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
3 h 41 m
Trains on 09 Oct
5
Distance
240 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge to Cardiff will cost around £55 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
On Fri 09 Oct, we found 5 trains from Cambridge to Cardiff, including 5 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 240 km distance in an average of 3 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 25 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 55 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.










Trains from Cambridge to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 3h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 240 km distance in 2h 49m.
Distance 240 km |
Average train duration 3h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 2h 49m |
First train 4:08 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G14934+ C82672 | On time 5:59 Cambridge South | 3h37 | 9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Tube from Farringdon to London Paddington+ G14935+ W45427 | On time 6:25 Cambridge South | 3h47 | 10:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G00955 · G01101 | On time 6:57 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h29 | 12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G14936+ C82676 | On time 6:59 Cambridge South | 3h38 | 10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Tube from Farringdon to London Paddington+ G14937+ W45401 | On time 7:25 Cambridge South | 3h42 | 11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W34617+ W45401+ C37160 | Delayed 9:41 7:25Cambridge South | 4h45 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+ G14938+ C82681 | On time 7:59 Cambridge South | 3h41 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G00956 · G01102 | On time 8:00 Cambridge station (CBG) | 5h25 | 13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
Tube from Farringdon to London Paddington+ W34617+ W45408 | On time 8:25 Cambridge South | 3h45 | 12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
Tube from Farringdon to London Paddington+ W34618+ W45489 | On time 8:51 Cambridge station (CBG) | 3h46 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
P76270+ Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ G14939 | On time 8:52 Cambridge South | 4h24 | 13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
G00959 · G01107 | On time 8:53 Cambridge South | 5h32 | 14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
Tube from Farringdon to London Paddington+ W34618+ W45489 | On time 8:55 Cambridge South | 3h42 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W35417+ W45489+ C37213 | Delayed 11:13 8:55Cambridge South | 4h41 | 13:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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
The most popular day trips by train from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Cheltenham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cardiff on Omio.

Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 39m.

Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 54m.

Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 50m.

Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 10m.

Cheltenham is a Regency spa town known for elegant architecture, garden squares and a lively festival calendar. It is especially associated with jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival, balanced by a refined town-centre atmosphere.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 0m.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge 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 Cambridge to Cardiff trains use the Cambridge South to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Cambridge and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cambridge is 1 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.
Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:
Cambridge North has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.
Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.
Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cambridge North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible taxis: Details of the nearest taxi will be supplied by station staff, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, 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.
Llanishen is 5 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Llanishen has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Llanishen.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Llanishen: Parking.
Available at Llanishen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Llanishen: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
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