Cardiff to Bournemouth train with Great Western Railway

Tue 01 Sept
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 01 Sept

Cheapest price on 01 Sept

£76

Average ticket price on 01 Sept

£110

Fastest journey on 01 Sept

2 h 57 m

Average journey duration on 01 Sept

3 h 29 m

Trains on 01 Sept

12

Distance

124 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth will cost around £110 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £76.

Fast trains

To travel from Cardiff to Bournemouth you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western RailwayG15013+South Western RailwayL80282
    13:303h36
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:06Bournemouth station (BMH)
    £761One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayG15012+South Western RailwayL80274
    12:303h35
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:05Bournemouth station (BMH)
    £761One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayY41669 · G15013+South Western RailwayL80282
    13:004h06
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:06Bournemouth station (BMH)
    £771One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15188 · G15012+South Western RailwayL80274
    12:004h05
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:05Bournemouth station (BMH)
    £771One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15185 · G15006+South Western RailwayL80242
    9:004h05
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:05Bournemouth station (BMH)
    £771One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Bournemouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £21 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 42m. 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 £21, while a train costs an average of £62.

Distance: 124 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£62

Average Price

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 10m

Average total duration

6h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Bournemouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bournemouth trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 1 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15184 · W34974+South Western RailwayL802348:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h05
12:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15041 · C48476+South Western RailwayL802348:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h47
12:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34974+South Western RailwayL802348:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
12:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15042+CrossCountryG010038:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h37
12:15 Bournemouth station (BMH)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15185 · G15006+South Western RailwayL802429:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h05
13:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35432 · C48481+South Western RailwayL802429:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h46
13:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15188 · G15012+South Western RailwayL8027412:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h05
16:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15046 · C48496+South Western RailwayL8027412:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h47
16:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15012+South Western RailwayL8027412:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h35
16:05 Bournemouth station (BMH)1 change
Great Western RailwayY41669 · G15013+South Western RailwayL8028213:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h06
17:06 Bournemouth station (BMH)2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35434+CrossCountryG0101813:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h57
16:15 Bournemouth station (BMH)1 change
Great Western RailwayG15013+South Western RailwayL8028213:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h36
17:06 Bournemouth station (BMH)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Bournemouth by train or coach

Compare train and coach 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.

Tue
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
Thu
03 Sept
Fri
04 Sept
Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept

Why should you book Cardiff to Bournemouth trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

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 or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
  • 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 124 km distance in 2h 55m.

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 £14
Distance
124 km
Average train duration
3h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
£29
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
2h 55m
First train
5:07
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Fri
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Bournemouth trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Bournemouth from £14. 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 55m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£29
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
4h 4m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£69
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 Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£112
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day

Complete guide to Bournemouth

Things to do in Bournemouth

Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.

  • Must visit

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum

Town-centre museum with local history, archaeology and changing exhibitions in a Victorian villa beside Bournemouth's gardens.

  • Recommended

Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre

Small local museum on Hengistbury Head covering archaeology, wildlife and the headland's long human history in a scenic coastal setting.

The Gallery at The Library

Free gallery inside Bournemouth Library showing contemporary art exhibitions, talks and touring displays in a central location.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside resort. Hotels rise in summer, but dining and local buses are usually cheaper than in London or Bath.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£50+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.

FAQs: Cardiff to Bournemouth train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £62.
The train journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth covers a distance of 124 km and takes approximately 2h 55m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Bournemouth is 124 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Bournemouth leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Bournemouth departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
To get from Cardiff to Bournemouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Bournemouth is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Bournemouth station (BMH).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Bournemouth is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth offers a pleasant mix of urban and countryside views, including glimpses of the River Severn, rolling hills, and coastal scenery as you approach Bournemouth.
A day trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth is not feasible, as the travel duration is 2h 55m. However, trains run 5 times per day. The distance is 124 km.
In Bournemouth, you can explore the Oceanarium, which showcases marine life from around the world, and enjoy the Lower Gardens with its floral displays and seasonal events. Visit Boscombe Chine Gardens for a mini-golf course and water play area, or head to Hengistbury Head for hiking and birdwatching. Discover the Bournemouth Aviation Museum's interactive exhibits on aviation history. Relax at Bournemouth Beach, known for its sandy stretch and water activities, and stroll along the Victorian Bournemouth Pier for entertainment and dining. Art lovers should visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, while St. Peter's Church offers stunning architecture and is the resting place of Mary Shelley. The Bournemouth Gardens provide a perfect setting for leisurely walks and picnics.
A 2 to 3-day visit to Bournemouth is generally sufficient to explore its main attractions, including its beaches, parks, and cultural sites.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Bournemouth

Most Cardiff to Bournemouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Bournemouth station pair, with some services arriving at Pokesdown. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth
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.

Heath High LevelHeath High Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QTParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre

Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min

Heath High Level train station facilities and services

Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Heath High Level: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, 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.

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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Bournemouth Cardiff to Bournemouth train

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