Cardiff to Aberdeen train with Avanti West Coast

Fri 10 Jul
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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen

Showing times and prices for 10 Jul

Cheapest price

£173

Average price

£259

Fastest journey

9 h 24 m

Average duration

10 h 3 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 £259 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £173.

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 10 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 24 m .

The slowest trains will take 10 h 42 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.

  • Avanti West Coast
    13:459h24
    Cardiff
    23:09Aberdeen
    £1731One-way
    0 changes
  • Avanti West Coast
    4:3410h42
    Cardiff
    15:16Aberdeen
    £3451One-way
    0 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 £38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 13m. 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 £38, and a train costs an average of £92.

Distance: 634 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£210

Average Price

£60

Average Price

Cheapest

9h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 13m

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

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 tomorrow, Friday 10 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West Coast4:34 Cardiff
10h42
15:16 Aberdeen0 changesdirect
Avanti West Coast13:45 Cardiff
9h24
23:09 Aberdeen0 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.

Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul
Tue
14 Jul
Wed
15 Jul
Thu
16 Jul

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
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £92 but you can travel from only £38 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 16:04. The fastest train covers the 634 km distance in 9h 7m.

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 £38
Distance
634 km
Average train duration
9h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£92
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
9h 7m
First train
4:15
Last train
16:04
Cheapest Month
Sept
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 £38

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 £38. 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 7m
Cheapest Price
£126
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 55m
Cheapest Price
£92
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
£524
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day

Transport for Wales

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 48m
Cheapest Price
£221
Transport for Wales frequency
11 a day

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £92, while the average price tends to be around £210.
The train journey from Cardiff to Aberdeen covers a distance of 634 km and takes approximately 9h 7m. 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 £38.
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 7m, 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 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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
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.

Ninian ParkNinian Park station, Leckwith Road, Ninian Park, Cardiff, CF11 8AHParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre

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

TrainCardiff Central - Milford Haven, Cardiff Central - Carmarthen, Cardiff Central - Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil - Aberdare, Cardiff Central - Pembroke Dock, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus4, 611, 95 · 5m · £2 · every ~9 min

Ninian Park train station facilities and services

Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, 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.

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Aberdeen Cardiff to Aberdeen train

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