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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 11 Jan
Cheapest price
£131
Average price
£131
Fastest journey
5 h 22 m
Average duration
5 h 32 m
Trains per day
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 £131 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £131.
Fast trains
To travel from Cambridge to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
C75404 · C75090+
L1681313:015h30
Cambridge station (CBG)18:31Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
2 changes
C75398 · C75086+L1676711:015h33
Cambridge station (CBG)16:34Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
2 changes
GN082100 · X97351+
Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+L1676510:015h39
Cambridge station (CBG)15:40Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
3 changes
C75401 · C7525312:015h22
Cambridge station (CBG)17:23Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
1 change
GN082600 · X97352+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+L1676409:015h34
Cambridge station (CBG)14:35Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
3 changes
C75401 · C7525312:015h22
Cambridge station (CBG)17:23Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
1 change
C75404 · C75090+L1681313:015h30
Cambridge station (CBG)18:31Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
2 changes
C75398 · C75086+L1676711:015h33
Cambridge station (CBG)16:34Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
2 changes
GN082600 · X97352+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+L1676409:015h34
Cambridge station (CBG)14:35Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
3 changes
GN082100 · X97351+Tube from London Kings Cross to London Paddington+L1676510:015h39
Cambridge station (CBG)15:40Cardiff Central (CDF)
£1311One-way
3 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cambridge to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 36m. 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 £16, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 240 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£65 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg 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
Cambridge to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 10 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 04:34
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06:08 Cambridge | 3h29 | 09:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:23 Cambridge | 4h14 | 11:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:53 Cambridge | 3h44 | 11:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:08 Cambridge | 3h29 | 11:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:14 Cambridge | 3h22 | 12:36 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 04:18 Cambridge | 6h10 | 10:28 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge to Cardiff by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sun
11 Jan
11 Jan
Mon
12 Jan
12 Jan
Tue
13 Jan
13 Jan
Wed
14 Jan
14 Jan
Thu
15 Jan
15 Jan
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16 Jan
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17 Jan
17 Jan
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cambridge to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 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 3h 21m.
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 36m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 21m |
First train 04:08 |
Last train 21:20 |
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
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Thameslink from Cambridge to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, 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 Rail
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 Duration
3h 21m
Cheapest Price
£34
Great Western Rail 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 Duration
4h 54m
Cheapest Price
£134
CrossCountry frequency
2 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 Duration
3h 39m
Cheapest Price
£184
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
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cambridge to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £16.
The train distance from Cambridge to Cardiff is 240 km.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
The last train from Cambridge to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
A day trip from Cambridge to Cardiff is not feasible as the travel time is 3h 21m each way. However, trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 240 km.
There is no night train service from Cambridge to Cardiff.
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.
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 covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 3h 21m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Cambridge that goes to Cardiff is Cambridge station (CBG), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Cambridge to Cardiff leaves at 4:08.
Trains from Cambridge to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cambridge to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Cambridge to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cambridge to Cardiff.
To get from Cambridge to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cambridge and Cardiff
Cambridge
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Cambridge is Cambridge. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cambridge for your trip from Cambridge to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:00 Saturday 05:10 - 23:00 Sunday 07:00 - 22:55
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The accessible toilets are on platform 4
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Platforms 1, 4 and 7
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Cycle point is by the Car Park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cambridge
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement buses depart from the front of the station
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar Rental
Information Deskinformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Station foyer
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting rooms are available on each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Adjacent station building.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from information point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 028 2878
Public transport options for Cambridge North
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: From bus stop on station forecourt.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Cambridge.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- 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
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- 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
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- 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)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- 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.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- 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
Most popular train connections from Cambridge
More options for your journey from Cambridge to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Cambridge
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