Cheap train tickets to Cardiff

Sat 29 Aug
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Train tickets to Cardiff

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Showing the fastest and cheapest results for 29 Aug

Results include alternative arrival locations to Cardiff
  • Great Western RailwayW34605
    6:481h49
    London Paddington (PAD)
    8:37Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34636
    16:161h54
    London Paddington (PAD)
    18:10Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34641
    17:481h51
    London Paddington (PAD)
    19:39Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £571One-way
    0 changes

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 45m.

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 1h 5m.

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 51m.

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 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 11m.

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 5 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 12m.

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

Birmingham to Cardiff train

from £13
Direct trains available
1h54 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
  • West Midlands Trains
  • Transport for Wales
  • CrossCountry

Manchester to Cardiff train

from £20
Direct trains available
3h07 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • CrossCountry
  • Transport for Wales

Liverpool to Cardiff train

from £27
Direct trains available
3h27 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
  • Avanti West Coast
  • Transport for Wales
  • West Midlands Trains
  • CrossCountry

London to Cardiff train

from £40
Direct trains available
1h48 average duration
13trains per day
Served by
  • South Western Railway
  • Great Western Railway

Edinburgh to Cardiff train

from £55
Direct trains available
5h52 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
  • Transport for Wales
  • CrossCountry
  • Transpennine Express
  • London North Eastern Railway
  • Avanti West Coast
  • Caledonian Sleeper

Popular trains from Cardiff

Cardiff to Manchester train

from £23
Direct trains available
3h18 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
  • Transport for Wales
  • CrossCountry

Cardiff to London Stansted Airport train

from £34
Direct trains available
3h32 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Railway

Cardiff to London train

from £38
Direct trains available
1h49 average duration
14trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Railway
  • South Western Railway

Cardiff to Glasgow train

from £45
Direct trains available
6h22 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
  • Avanti West Coast
  • CrossCountry
  • Transport for Wales
  • Transpennine Express

Cardiff to Edinburgh train

from £54
Direct trains available
6h05 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
  • Transpennine Express
  • Transport for Wales
  • CrossCountry
  • Avanti West Coast

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 Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) to Cardiff trainsTravel to Cardiff on Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) 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 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 Duration
1h 48m
Cheapest Price
£40
Great Western Railway 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
£67
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
£126
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day

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.

station information and facilities

Train stations in Cardiff

Check where to Cardiff trains depart and arrive, plus the main train station details for this route.

Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff BayCardiff Bay station, Bute Street, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 5LEParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Bay from Cardiff city centre

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

TrainCardiff Central - Cardiff Bay, Pontypridd - Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Queen Street - Cardiff Bay, Radyr - Cardiff Bay · 3m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
Bus6, 305, Sky · 9m · £4 · every ~10 min

Cardiff Bay train station facilities and services

Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: 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.

Trains to Cardiff: related information

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

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