1,000+ travel companies
1,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Canterbury to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 01 Dec
Cheapest price
£41
Average price
£121
Fastest journey
3 h 55 m
Average duration
4 h 18 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
296 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Canterbury to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Canterbury to Cardiff will cost around £121 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.
Fast trains
Of the 4 trains that leave Canterbury for Cardiff every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 296 km distance in an average of 4 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 36 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.
08:213h55
Canterbury12:16Cardiff
£411One-way
0 changes
08:474h20
Canterbury13:07Cardiff
£541One-way
0 changes
06:194h21
Canterbury10:40Cardiff
£1831One-way
0 changes
04:334h36
Canterbury09:09Cardiff
£2041One-way
0 changes
08:213h55
Canterbury12:16Cardiff
£411One-way
0 changes
08:474h20
Canterbury13:07Cardiff
£541One-way
0 changes
06:194h21
Canterbury10:40Cardiff
£1831One-way
0 changes
04:334h36
Canterbury09:09Cardiff
£2041One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Canterbury to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Canterbury to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £36.
Distance: 296 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£73 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 43m Average total duration 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Canterbury to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Canterbury to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 23:41
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:33 Canterbury | 4h36 | 09:09 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 06:19 Canterbury | 4h21 | 10:40 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:21 Canterbury | 3h55 | 12:16 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 08:47 Canterbury | 4h20 | 13:07 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Canterbury 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.
Mon
01 Dec
01 Dec
Tue
02 Dec
02 Dec
Wed
03 Dec
03 Dec
Thu
04 Dec
04 Dec
Fri
05 Dec
05 Dec
Sat
06 Dec
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
07 Dec
Journey information
Overview: Train from Canterbury to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Canterbury to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 296 km distance in 3h 45m.
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 £17
Distance 296 km |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £36 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 05:07 |
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 £17
Train companies: Great Western Rail, Southeastern from Canterbury to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, Southeastern trains will get you between Canterbury and Cardiff from £17. 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 55m
Cheapest Price
£37
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
Southeastern
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£183
Southeastern frequency
16 a day
FAQs: Canterbury to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Canterbury 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 train journey from Canterbury to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural views, passing through the picturesque Kent countryside, historic towns, and the scenic landscapes of the Cotswolds, providing a pleasant visual experience.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Canterbury to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £17.
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 cost of a train ticket from Canterbury to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £73.
The train distance from Canterbury to Cardiff is 296 km.
A day trip from Canterbury to Cardiff is not feasible as the travel time is 3h 45m. However, there are 6 train journeys available per day. The distance between Canterbury and Cardiff is 296 km.
The last train from Canterbury to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
There is no night train service from Canterbury to Cardiff.
Booking trains from Canterbury 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 Canterbury to Cardiff covers a distance of 296 km and takes approximately 3h 45m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train station in Canterbury that goes to Cardiff is Canterbury West (CBW), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Canterbury to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
Trains from Canterbury to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Canterbury to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Canterbury to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Canterbury to Cardiff.
To get from Canterbury to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Canterbury and Cardiff
Canterbury
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Canterbury is Canterbury East. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Canterbury East for your trip from Canterbury to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 20:20 Saturday 06:10 - 20:20 Sunday 07:30 - 19:00 This station is not continuously staffed please see staffing times for details of when staff are available.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs.
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The Ticket Vending Machines's can only be accessed when the station building is open as they are in the booking hall
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 2 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on both platforms Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Canterbury East
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement bus stop in Station Road East, opposite the station entrance.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 19:30 Saturday 06:15 - 19:30 Sunday 08:30 - 17:00 Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs.
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: two within concourse.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains.
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Platform 1 - Available during staffing hours
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Only available when staff present
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Heated waiting room on platforms 1 and 2 Only available when staff present
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: downside platform - London end
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Canterbury West
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: 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 Canterbury.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car 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)
More options for your journey from Canterbury to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Canterbury
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
