- Must visit
National Library of Wales
National library galleries showing art, photography and manuscripts in a major cultural institution with changing exhibitions and sea-facing grounds.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Aberystwyth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£45
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£56
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
3 h 57 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
3 h 58 m
Trains on 19 Sept
7
Distance
121 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Aberystwyth will cost around £56 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Aberystwyth you need to make at least one change.
G39012 · G3861018:224h01Cardiff Central (CDF)22:23Aberystwyth station (AYW)£451One-way1 change- G39034 · V1276311:233h58Cardiff Central (CDF)15:21Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39031 · V127649:233h57Cardiff Central (CDF)13:20Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39041 · V1276017:233h59Cardiff Central (CDF)21:22Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39036 · V1276213:253h57Cardiff Central (CDF)17:22Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39031 · V127649:233h57Cardiff Central (CDF)13:20Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39036 · V1276213:253h57Cardiff Central (CDF)17:22Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39034 · V1276311:233h58Cardiff Central (CDF)15:21Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39041 · V1276017:233h59Cardiff Central (CDF)21:22Aberystwyth station (AYW)£521One-way1 change
- G39012 · G3861018:224h01Cardiff Central (CDF)22:23Aberystwyth station (AYW)£451One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Aberystwyth
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Aberystwyth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £41 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 23m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £41, while a train costs an average of £48.
Distance: 121 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£48 Average Price | £41 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 23m Average total duration Fastest 3h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 29m Average total duration 6h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is a coach with an average price of £41.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Aberystwyth:
A coach is £7 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Aberystwyth costing on average £48.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 53m.
Other travel options to Aberystwyth take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 59m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Aberystwyth including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £48 compared to roughly £27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-20.77. The journey takes 3h 53m versus 2h 47m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Aberystwyth train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Aberystwyth trains for today, Friday 18 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G39040 · V11250 | On time 17:22 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h14 | 21:36 Aberystwyth station (AYW) | 1 change | |
| Saturday 19 September | |||||
| G39031 · V12764 | 9:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h57 | 13:20 Aberystwyth station (AYW) | 1 change | |
| G39034 · V12763 | 11:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h58 | 15:21 Aberystwyth station (AYW) | 1 change | |
| G39036 · V12762 | 13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h57 | 17:22 Aberystwyth station (AYW) | 1 change | |
| G38956 · G38597 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h27 | 18:20 Aberystwyth station (AYW) | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Aberystwyth 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.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
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23 Sept
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24 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Aberystwyth trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
- 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Aberystwyth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Aberystwyth run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £24 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:19, the last at 19:38. The fastest train covers the 121 km distance in 3h 41m.
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
Distance 121 km |
Average train duration 3h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £24 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 41m |
First train 4:19 |
Last train 19:38 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Aberystwyth trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Aberystwyth from £24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£24
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Aberystwyth
Things to do in Aberystwyth
Discover the best of Aberystwyth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Aberystwyth trip today.
- Recommended
Ceredigion Museum
Museum on the seafront covering local history, archaeology and social life in Ceredigion. A compact, useful introduction to the town and region.
- Recommended
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
University arts centre gallery presenting contemporary exhibitions alongside a busy programme of performance and cinema. A strong modern cultural venue.
- Must visit
Aberystwyth Promenade
Long Victorian promenade facing Cardigan Bay, ideal for a coastal walk, sunset views and access to the pier, beach and central seafront landmarks.
- Must visit
Constitution Hill
Hilltop viewpoint and walking area with sweeping views of the town and coast. Popular for short walks and for the cliff railway connection.
- Recommended
Castle Grounds and South Beach
Popular beach beside the castle and promenade, good for a relaxed walk, sea views and watching the sunset close to the town centre.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. A classic Welsh comfort dish often served in cafés and pubs.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
Cawl is a traditional Welsh soup or stew of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a staple dish strongly linked with Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Bara Brith
Bara brith is a spiced Welsh tea loaf packed with dried fruit, usually served sliced with butter. It is a beloved teatime bake across Wales.
Little Devil's Cafe
Stylish restaurant and bar known for steaks, burgers and varied mains, suited to casual dinners in central Aberystwyth.
Baravin
Established town-centre restaurant serving Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, with a lively yet comfortable atmosphere.
The Harbourmaster
Well-known harbourfront seafood restaurant and fishmonger, popular for fresh local catch in a relaxed setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: lodging is often cheaper than major cities, while dining and local transport are fairly priced for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up in cafés and taxis, but it is not expected for every purchase.
TrawsCymru
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £1.50
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Aberystwyth railway station -> Aberystwyth Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.4 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- On TrawsCymru buses, adult single fares are distance-based from £1.50 to £4.00, and you can pay by contactless card or cash.
- Aberystwyth railway station is less than a five-minute walk from the town centre, so walking is usually the simplest arrival option.
FAQs: Cardiff to Aberystwyth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Aberystwyth 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 Aberystwyth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Aberystwyth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £24, while the average price tends to be around £48.
The train journey from Cardiff to Aberystwyth covers a distance of 121 km and takes approximately 3h 41m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is 121 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Aberystwyth leaves at 4:19.
The last train from Cardiff to Aberystwyth departs at 19:38.
Trains from Cardiff to Aberystwyth run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
To get from Cardiff to Aberystwyth, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Aberystwyth is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Aberystwyth station (AYW).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is by train, costing approximately £24.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Aberystwyth in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is considered scenic, offering views of the picturesque Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and charming small towns along the route.
A day trip from Cardiff to Aberystwyth is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 41m, and the frequency of trains is 3 per day over a distance of 121 km.
To fully explore Aberystwyth, including its scenic coastlines, historical sites, and cultural offerings, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Aberystwyth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Aberystwyth
Most Cardiff to Aberystwyth trains use the Cardiff Central to Aberystwyth station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Aberystwyth 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 Aberystwyth
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.
Which Aberystwyth station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Aberystwyth arrive at Aberystwyth. Aberystwyth is from Aberystwyth city centre.
AberystwythAberystwyth station, Alexandra Road, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 1LH+44 3333211202
City-centre transport
Getting to Aberystwyth from Aberystwyth city centre
Bus304 · 3m · every ~1 min
Aberystwyth train station facilities and services
Aberystwyth has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Aberystwyth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Aberystwyth. 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 Aberystwyth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Aberystwyth: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberystwyth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Access to the station platform is possible via a short accessible ramp with handrails or four steps with handrails, 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, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Aberystwyth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Aberystwyth and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Aberystwyth
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