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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth
Showing times and prices for 19 Apr
Cheapest price
£56
Average price
£69
Fastest journey
3 h 56 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Trains per day
3
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 £69 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £56.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Bournemouth every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 124 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 3 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.
11:254h10Cardiff15:35Bournemouth£561One-way0 changes- 10:253h56Cardiff14:21Bournemouth£761One-way0 changes
- 9:185h03Cardiff14:21Bournemouth£761One-way0 changes
- 10:253h56Cardiff14:21Bournemouth£761One-way0 changes
- 11:254h10Cardiff15:35Bournemouth£561One-way0 changes
- 9:185h03Cardiff14:21Bournemouth£761One-way0 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 prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £55.
Distance: 124 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£72 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration 6h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Bournemouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bournemouth trains for today, Saturday 18 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L23178 · P32213+ L73763 | On time 8:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 12:00 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 changes | |
| L23120 · GW174800+P61404 | On time 8:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 12:20 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 changes | |
L23179+ C72473 | On time 8:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 12:11 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 change | |
| L23180 · P32223+L73767 | On time 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h41 | 13:00 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 changes | |
| L23180+C72476 | On time 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h53 | 13:12 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 change | |
| L23122 · L23021+C72476 | On time 9:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 13:12 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 changes | |
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.
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19 Apr
19 Apr
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20 Apr
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22 Apr
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25 Apr
25 Apr
Why should you book Cardiff to Bournemouth trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as first_great_western 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 first_great_western 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?
- 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
Trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £55 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:38, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 124 km distance in 3h 22m.
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 £13
Distance 124 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £55 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 4:38 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 6 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 £13
Train companies: Great Western Railway, first_great_western from Cardiff to Bournemouth trainsGreat Western Railway, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Bournemouth from £13. 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 Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Price
£55
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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 49m
Cheapest Price
£116
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £55, while the average price tends to be around £72.
The train journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth covers a distance of 124 km and takes approximately 3h 22m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Bournemouth is 124 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Bournemouth leaves at 4:38.
The last train from Cardiff to Bournemouth departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth run approximately 6 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 £13.
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 3h 22m. 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
Cardiff
Bournemouth
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Public transport options for Heath High Level
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
The major train station for arrivals in Bournemouth is Bournemouth. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bournemouth for your journey to Bournemouth from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:40 Saturday 05:40 - 20:40 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Premium
Taxis
- Taxi: Yes
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on both platforms. The National key toilets are located on both platforms; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Bournemouth
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Southampton / Brockenhurst: Station entrance on Halfords side. To Poole: Station entrance on Asda side.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 12:30 Saturday 07:50 - 13:40 Sunday Closed
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Pokesdown
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Bournemouth: Christchurch Road (A35) Bus Stop by Bell Inn To Christchurch: Christchurch Road (A35) lay by outside Station
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bournemouth and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Bournemouth
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