Cambridge to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Fri 09 Oct
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Thameslink
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Great Western Railway
    4:213h47
    Cambridge
    8:08Cardiff
    £371One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    11:123h25
    Cambridge
    14:37Cardiff
    £551One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    9:213h55
    Cambridge
    13:16Cardiff
    £591One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    10:103h30
    Cambridge
    13:40Cardiff
    £591One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    8:213h49
    Cambridge
    12:10Cardiff
    £631One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cambridge to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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 £16
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
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 £16

Live departures

Cambridge to Cardiff train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
TubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14934+Great NorthernC82672
On time
5:59 Cambridge South
3h37
9:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14935+ThameslinkW45427
On time
6:25 Cambridge South
3h47
10:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG00955 · G01101
On time
6:57 Cambridge station (CBG)
5h29
12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
TubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14936+Great NorthernC82676
On time
6:59 Cambridge South
3h38
10:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14937+ThameslinkW45401
On time
7:25 Cambridge South
3h42
11:07 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34617+ThameslinkW45401+Elizabeth lineC37160
Delayed
9:41 7:25Cambridge South
4h45
12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
TubeTube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14938+Great NorthernC82681
On time
7:59 Cambridge South
3h41
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG00956 · G01102
On time
8:00 Cambridge station (CBG)
5h25
13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34617+ThameslinkW45408
On time
8:25 Cambridge South
3h45
12:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34618+ThameslinkW45489
On time
8:51 Cambridge station (CBG)
3h46
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Greater AngliaP76270+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayG14939
On time
8:52 Cambridge South
4h24
13:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
CrossCountryG00959 · G01107
On time
8:53 Cambridge South
5h32
14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
TubeTube from Farringdon to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayW34618+ThameslinkW45489
On time
8:55 Cambridge South
3h42
12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35417+ThameslinkW45489+Elizabeth lineC37213
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

Why should you book Cambridge to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Thameslink or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Cambridge to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cambridge to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cambridge to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Thameslink or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cambridge to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cambridge to Cardiff.

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Thameslink from Cambridge to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Thameslink trains will get you between Cambridge and Cardiff from £16. 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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£47
Great Western Railway frequency
6 a day
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 CrossCountry Duration
4h 31m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£46
CrossCountry frequency
3 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

Thameslink

About
Thameslink is a train service that operates in the United Kingdom. It is operated by Govia Thameslink Railway and serves the counties of Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, London, and Surrey. The trains run from early morning until late at night, with some services running 24 hours a day. There are a variety of train types available, including Class 700 Desiro City, Class 377 Electrostar, Class 387/1 Electrostar, and Class 319/0. Ticket types include Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. The most popular routes for Thameslink are London to Brighton, London to Bedford, and London to Luton.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Thameslink Duration
4h 4m
Cheapest Thameslink Price
£174
Thameslink frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund available if service is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on some routes offering drinks and snacks
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets free of charge. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

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.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Best day trips from Cardiff by train

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.

A view of Bristol

Day trip from Cardiff to Bristol by train

Why visit Bristol for the day?

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.

How to get from Cardiff to Bristol by train?

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.

A view of Bath

Day trip from Cardiff to Bath by train

Why visit Bath for the day?

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.

How to get from Cardiff to Bath by train?

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.

A view of Swansea

Day trip from Cardiff to Swansea by train

Why visit Swansea for the day?

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.

How to get from Cardiff to Swansea by train?

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.

A view of Newport

Day trip from Cardiff to Newport by train

Why visit Newport for the day?

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.

How to get from Cardiff to Newport by train?

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.

A view of Cheltenham

Day trip from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train

Why visit Cheltenham for the day?

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.

How to get from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train?

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.

FAQs: Cambridge to Cardiff train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cambridge to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £46, while the average price tends to be around £96.
The train journey from Cambridge to Cardiff covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 2h 49m. Trains run 9 per day.
The train distance from Cambridge to Cardiff is 240 km.
The first train from Cambridge to Cardiff leaves at 4:08.
The last train from Cambridge to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cambridge to Cardiff run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cambridge to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cambridge to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Cambridge to Cardiff.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Cardiff is Cambridge South, and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Cambridge to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cambridge to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the English countryside, rolling hills, and picturesque villages, especially as the train passes through parts of the Cotswolds and the Severn Estuary before reaching Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Cambridge to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Cardiff

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.

Departure train stations in Cambridge
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Cambridge SouthTrumpington, Cambridge CB2 9FQ, UK
CambridgeCambridge station, Station Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB1 2JW+44 8450507080WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge from Cambridge city centre

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

BusU1, U2 · 11m · every ~11 min
Tour · 13m · £2
75 · 15m
A · 15m · £2 · every ~11 min

Cambridge train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge. ATMs are available at Cambridge.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cambridge.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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 NorthCambridge North Station, Cowley Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 0WZ+44 8450507080WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cambridge North from Cambridge city centre

Cambridge North is 3 km from Cambridge city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Liverpool Street - Cambridge North, Stansted Airport - Norwich, Cambridge - Norwich, London Liverpool Street - Ely, Stansted Airport - Lowestoft, Cambridge - Cambridge North, Bishops Stortford - Cambridge North, Audley End - Cambridge North, Audley End - Norwich · 3m · £2 · every ~6 min
BusB · 12m · £2 · every ~8 min
114 · 18m
2, B · 23m · £2 · every ~19 min

Cambridge North train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cambridge North.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Cambridge North.

Tickets and information

Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cambridge North: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cambridge North: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

More options for your journey from Cambridge to Cardiff

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

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