- Recommended
Barnstaple Museum
Local museum on the square covering North Devon history, archaeology and everyday life in an accessible town-centre setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Nov
- Cheapest price on 05 Nov
- £36
- Average ticket price on 05 Nov
- £36
- Fastest journey on 05 Nov
- 3 h 47 m
- Average journey duration on 05 Nov
- 3 h 47 m
- Trains on 05 Nov
- 1
- Distance
- 76 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Barnstaple will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Fast trains
On Thu 05 Nov, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 3 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 47 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 47 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.
7:38 3h47 Cardiff 11:25 Barnstaple £36 1 One-way 0 changes
7:38 3h47 Cardiff 11:25 Barnstaple £36 1 One-way 0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Barnstaple
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £46 but you can travel from only £34 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:54, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 76 km distance in 2h 53m.
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 £34
Distance 76 km |
Average train duration 3h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £46 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 53m |
First train 5:54 |
Last train 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 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 £34
Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Barnstaple trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Barnstaple can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £46, while the average price tends to be around £67.
The train journey from Cardiff to Barnstaple covers a distance of 76 km and takes approximately 2h 53m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Barnstaple is 76 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Barnstaple leaves at 5:54.
The last train from Cardiff to Barnstaple departs at 22:30.
Trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Live departures
Cardiff to Barnstaple train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Barnstaple trains for today, Wednesday 4 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 5:07 Cardiff | 4h21 | 9:28 Barnstaple | 3 changes | |
| 6:57 Cardiff | 3h32 | 10:29 Barnstaple | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Why should you book Cardiff to Barnstaple trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry offer trains services from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry from Cardiff to Barnstaple trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and Barnstaple from £34. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 58m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£64
Great Western Railway frequency
5 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
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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 53m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£46
CrossCountry frequency
1 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
Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Barnstaple
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Yes, there is a night train from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Complete guide to Barnstaple
Things to do in Barnstaple
Discover the best of Barnstaple — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Barnstaple trip today.
- Recommended
The Burton at Bideford
Contemporary art gallery inside The Burton, showing changing exhibitions and craft-focused displays in a central modern venue.
Barnstaple Railway Museum
Family-focused heritage attraction with model railways, transport displays and interactive exhibits linked to local engineering history.
- Must visit
Tarka Trail
Long traffic-free walking and cycling route on a former railway line, linking Barnstaple with estuary scenery and nearby villages.
- Recommended
Rock Park
Riverside park with gardens, play areas and open lawns, popular for relaxed walks beside the River Taw near the town centre.
- Recommended
Butchers Row
Historic shopping street with period buildings, independent shops and a strong sense of Barnstaple’s traditional market-town character.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A rich Devon cream tea of scones, clotted cream and jam. In Devon tradition, cream goes on before jam, making it a local point of pride.
Devon Splits
Small sweet buns flavoured with dried fruit, lemon and spice. Traditionally eaten in Devon around festivals and with tea.
- Gluten-free
Kedgeree
A lightly curried rice dish with fish, often smoked haddock, plus eggs and butter. Popular across Devon as a hearty seaside supper.
Claytons & The Glasshouse
Popular Turkish restaurant known for grilled meats, meze and warm service. Lively yet comfortable for casual dinners in town.
62 The Bank + Bar + Bistro
Established town-centre bistro serving British and European dishes in a relaxed, polished setting. Good for lunch or an easy evening meal.
Giovanni's & Luca's
Long-running Italian restaurant with pizzas, pasta and classic mains. Friendly, dependable and suited to families and groups.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Rooms and dining cost less than in major tourist cities, while local buses and casual meals are fairly affordable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- 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 common if service is not included. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- >£2.00 cap
To the city centre
Barnstaple railway station -> Barnstaple Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Most local buses in Barnstaple are Stagecoach services; the Stagecoach Bus app is the official tool for tickets, live tracking and journey planning.
- The official capped single fare shown by Stagecoach is £2.00, and contactless payment is generally available on Stagecoach buses.
Plan your visit to Barnstaple
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Barnstaple.
The train journey from Cardiff to Barnstaple offers scenic views, including picturesque countryside landscapes and charming rural villages, especially as it winds through the tranquil areas of Devon.
FAQs: Cardiff to Barnstaple train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Barnstaple
Most Cardiff to Barnstaple trains use the Cardiff Central to Barnstaple station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple
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 Barnstaple station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple arrive at Barnstaple. Barnstaple is 1 km from Barnstaple city centre.
BarnstapleBarnstaple station, Station Road, Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 2AU+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Barnstaple from Barnstaple city centre
Bus21, 21A, 372, 301, 71, 72, 319, 155, 15, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19, 5B, 85 · 5m · £2 · every ~31 min
301, 921, 21B, 310, 309, 303, 19 · 9m · £2 · every ~14 min
Barnstaple train station facilities and services
Barnstaple has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food options include: Station Masters Cafe
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Barnstaple.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Barnstaple: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Barnstaple: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Barnstaple: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Train stations for Cardiff to Barnstaple
Check train stations information for Cardiff and Barnstaple, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Barnstaple is Cardiff Central, and it arrives at Barnstaple.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Barnstaple
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Barnstaple and Cardiff
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