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Popular departures
Train tickets to Cardiff
Select departure
Showing the fastest and cheapest results for 30 Nov
Results include alternative arrival locations to Cardiff
C2755911:431h51
London Paddington (PAD)13:34Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
C2746712:431h51
London Paddington (PAD)14:34Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
C2747510:431h50
London Paddington (PAD)12:33Cardiff Central (CDF)
£661One-way
0 changes
Trains to Cardiff
Cardiff is an important railway hub in southern Wales with local, regional and long-distance intercity trains passing through the city. Commuter services arrive at the station from the city suburbs and it is also on direct routes from stations in Gloucester, Nottingham, Birmingham and Manchester as well as from London Paddington. The route from London Paddington also provides a direct link between Cardiff and the cities of Swansea and Bristol. There are at least 30 departures a day from London to Cardiff with a journey time of just over two hours.
Which is the main train station in Cardiff?
Cardiff Central is the main station in the city and the stopping points for trains on the London Paddington to Swansea line via Cardiff. The station is an attractive listed building and is the busiest terminus in Wales. Its facilities include car and bicycle parking, ATMs, wifi, cafes, a newsagent and a small convenience store.
Popular trains to and from Cardiff
Popular trains to Cardiff
Swansea to Cardiff train
from £4
Direct trains available
0h43 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- Great Western Rail
Bristol to Cardiff train
from £8
Direct trains available
0h42 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
- CrossCountry
- Transport for Wales
- Great Western Rail
London to Cardiff train
from £35
Direct trains available
1h43 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
- South Western Railway
- Great Western Rail
Manchester to Cardiff train
from £36
Direct trains available
3h03 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
- CrossCountry
- Transport for Wales
Edinburgh to Cardiff train
from £90
Direct trains available
5h52 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- CrossCountry
- TransPennine Express
- Avanti West Coast
Popular trains from Cardiff
Cardiff to Bristol train
from £8
Direct trains available
0h27 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- CrossCountry
- Great Western Rail
Cardiff to London Stansted Airport train
from £23
Direct trains available
3h22 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
- Great Western Rail
Cardiff to London train
from £35
Direct trains available
1h47 average duration
19trains per day
Served by
- Great Western Rail
- South Western Railway
Cardiff to Manchester train
from £43
Direct trains available
3h17 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
- Transport for Wales
- CrossCountry
Cardiff to London Heathrow Airport train
from £63
Direct trains available
2h28 average duration
66trains per day
Served by
- Great Western Rail
Which train companies offer trains to Cardiff?
Trains from London Paddington to Cardiff are operated by Great Western Railway while other intercity services are provided by CrossCountry. All services from London are direct and take just over two hours to complete the journey.
Why travel by train to Cardiff?
Travelling by train to Cardiff from London is cost-effective and much faster than travelling by coach, plane or driving. Once on the train, passengers can sit back and relax in comfortable carriages with onboard facilities that include wifi, power outlets, tables, luggage space and toilets as well as buffet and trolley catering. There are two ticket classes and seats can be reserved if required.
Before you travel to Cardiff by train - good to know!
Named the capital of Wales as recently as 1955, Cardiff spreads out between an ancient hilltop fort and a revitalised waterfront that has become a leisure and entertainment focus for the city. As well as having plenty to offer visitors it is also a good base for exploring the beaches and countryside of southeast Wales as well as its ancient and industrial monuments. Highlights of a stay in Cardiff should include Cardiff Castle and Llandaff Cathedral. The city centre is compact enough to explore on foot and there is a good transport network of overground local trains, taxis and buses including shuttle buses to Cardiff Airport which is located 12 miles from the city.
Train companies: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western to Cardiff trainsTravel to Cardiff on Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western trains with Omio. When comparing schedules and tickets, we will also show you other options with multiple connections or other travel modes if they’re available.
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
1h 43m
Cheapest Price
£35
Great Western Rail frequency
15 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
South Western Railway
About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£68
South Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£133
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
station information and facilities
Train stations in Cardiff
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike 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)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information 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
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- 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.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Bay
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff). Step free access to Platform 2 (to Bridgend). Access between the platforms is via the level crossing
- 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
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Rhoose Cardiff International Airport
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at bus stop on Station Road adjacent to level crossing
Whitchurch (Cardiff)
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B Step free access to the platform from Pen y Dre.
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: On Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Whitchurch (Cardiff)
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Along the A470 (Northern Avenue) towards Cardiff at the bus stop after the junction with Caedelyn Road
Cardiff, Bus Interchange
Amenities at train station
Accessibilityinformation
Accessibility
- The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible
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
Trains to Cardiff: related information
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Trains from Cardiff
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