- Must visit
Aberdeen Art Gallery
Aberdeen’s main art gallery with Scottish and international works, a sculpture court and changing exhibitions in a restored civic building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen
Showing times and prices for 25 Aug
Cheapest price
£314
Average price
£331
Fastest journey
9 h 7 m
Average duration
9 h 36 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
634 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen will cost around £331 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £314.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Aberdeen every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 9 h 36 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 10 h 4 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.
8:539h07Cardiff18:00Aberdeen£3141One-way0 changes- 5:5410h04Cardiff15:58Aberdeen£3481One-way0 changes
- 8:539h07Cardiff18:00Aberdeen£3141One-way0 changes
- 5:5410h04Cardiff15:58Aberdeen£3481One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Aberdeen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Aberdeen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, and a train costs an average of £70.
Distance: 634 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£112 Average Price | £67 Average Price Cheapest |
9h 42m Average total duration Fastest 9h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 49m Average total duration 15h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.6kg 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
Cardiff to Aberdeen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Aberdeen trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:53 Cardiff | 9h53 | 21:46 Aberdeen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:45 Cardiff | 9h24 | 22:09 Aberdeen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 13:45 Cardiff | 9h24 | 23:09 Aberdeen | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Aberdeen 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.
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25 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Aberdeen trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Aberdeen
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £70 but you can travel from only £42 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 16:04. The fastest train covers the 634 km distance in 9h 16m.
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 £42
Distance 634 km |
Average train duration 9h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price £70 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 9h 16m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 16:04 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
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 £42
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Aberdeen trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Aberdeen from £42. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 16m
Cheapest Price
£70
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
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
9h 56m
Cheapest Price
£79
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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 51m
Cheapest Price
£526
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day
Transport for Wales
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 48m
Cheapest Price
£222
Transport for Wales frequency
11 a day
Complete guide to Aberdeen
Things to do in Aberdeen
Discover the best of Aberdeen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberdeen trip today.
- Must visit
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
A maritime museum overlooking the harbour, covering shipbuilding, fishing and North Sea oil through models, objects and interactive displays.
- Recommended
The Gordon Highlanders Museum
A small museum dedicated to the Gordon Highlanders, with military artefacts, medals and stories from more than two centuries of service.
- Must visit
Duthie Park
A central Victorian park with formal lawns, floral displays and a large glasshouse complex beside key shopping streets.
- Must visit
Old Aberdeen
The university quarter with cobbled lanes, old collegiate buildings and a quieter atmosphere that contrasts with the modern city centre.
- Recommended
Union Street
A broad city-centre avenue lined with granite buildings, shops, theatres and gardens, useful for orientating yourself in central Aberdeen.
- Gluten-free
Cullen Skink
A rich, creamy haddock soup with milk, onions and potatoes. It is a north-east Scottish classic closely associated with Aberdeen’s fishing heritage.
Haggis
A traditional Scottish pudding made with oats, suet, onions and sheep’s offal. It is a national staple often served in Aberdeen pubs and homes.
- Gluten-free
Finnan Haddie
Smoked haddock, usually naturally dyed pale yellow, prized around Aberdeen for its firm texture and deep smoky flavour from the north-east coast.
The Bay Fish & Chips
Well-known local fish bar serving excellent fish and chips and other takeaway favourites close to the beach.
Moonfish Cafe
Stylish city-centre restaurant serving modern Scottish cooking with strong local seafood and meat options in a relaxed, smart setting.
Silver Darling
Popular seafood restaurant near the harbour, known for fresh fish, shellfish and classic Scottish plates in an unfussy setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in peak periods, but dining, buses and everyday costs are generally manageable for tourists.
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
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafés usually do not expect tips.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.25
- Day pass
- £5.80
To the city centre
Aberdeen Airport -> Union Square, Aberdeen
- Distance
- 11 km
- Travel time
- 30 min
- Contactless payment is available on First Bus services in Aberdeen; the operator also offers Tap On, Tap Off fare capping.
- For airport trips, buses run direct to the city centre in about 30 min; taxis are quicker at about 15 min but usually cost around £16.
FAQs: Cardiff to Aberdeen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £70, while the average price tends to be around £112.
The train journey from Cardiff to Aberdeen covers a distance of 634 km and takes approximately 9h 16m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Aberdeen is 634 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Aberdeen leaves at 4:15.
The last train from Cardiff to Aberdeen departs at 16:04.
Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
To get from Cardiff to Aberdeen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Aberdeen is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Aberdeen station (ABD).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Aberdeen is by coach, costing approximately £42.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Cardiff to Aberdeen offers some scenic views, particularly through the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside and the picturesque landscapes of the Scottish Lowlands, making it a pleasant experience for travellers.
A day trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 16m, and there are 4 trains available per day.
In Aberdeen, you can explore the Aberdeen Art Gallery with its impressive collection of fine and contemporary art, and take a walk along the Aberdeen Beach Esplanade for stunning views of the North Sea. Visit the Cruickshank Botanic Garden for a serene experience, and explore the historic Provost Skene's House. Enjoy performances at His Majesty's Theatre, and discover the city's maritime history at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum. St Machar's Cathedral offers stunning architecture, while Duthie Park provides beautiful gardens and the David Welch Winter Gardens. The Gordon Highlanders Museum and the charming fishing village of Footdee (Fittie) are also notable sights.
Typically, a stay of 2 to 3 days is sufficient to explore Aberdeen's key attractions, including its historic architecture, museums, and nearby natural landscapes.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Aberdeen
Most Cardiff to Aberdeen trains use the Cardiff Central to Aberdeen station pair, with some services arriving at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Aberdeen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Aberdeen
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Aberdeen station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen most often arrive at Aberdeen. Some services arrive at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport), so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Aberdeen arrival station.
AberdeenAberdeen Railway Station, Guild Street, Aberdeen AB11 6LX, United Kingdom+44 345 748 4950
City-centre transport
Getting to Aberdeen from Aberdeen city centre
BusSeveral lines available
TrainScotRail services
National Rail services
Aberdeen train station facilities and services
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport)Dyce station, Station Road, Dyce, Aberdeenshire, AB21 7EQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) from Aberdeen city centre
TrainGlasgow Queen Street - Inverness, Aberdeen - Inverness, Aberdeen - Inverurie, Perth - Inverurie, Montrose - Inverurie, Dundee - Inverness · 8m · £4 · every ~3 min
BusEmber · 19m · £6 · every ~2 min
17K, 18B, 18A, 18 · 30m · every ~7 min
727 · 33m · £4 · every ~13 min
727 · 39m · £4 · every ~13 min
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) train station facilities and services
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport).
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Fully Accessible - lifts and footbridge Blue Badge spaces: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Aberdeen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Aberdeen and Cardiff
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