- Must visit
National Science and Media Museum
National museum for film, television and photography, with major galleries and cinema screens. Ideal for interactive displays and visual culture.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bradford
Showing times and prices for 21 Aug
Cheapest price
£53
Average price
£63
Fastest journey
4 h 56 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
275 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bradford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bradford will cost around £63 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £53.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Bradford 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 275 km distance in an average of 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 56 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 59 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.
7:534h57Cardiff12:50Bradford£531One-way0 changes- 14:514h59Cardiff19:50Bradford£681One-way0 changes
- 9:534h56Cardiff14:49Bradford£681One-way0 changes
- 9:534h56Cardiff14:49Bradford£681One-way0 changes
- 7:534h57Cardiff12:50Bradford£531One-way0 changes
- 14:514h59Cardiff19:50Bradford£681One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Bradford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bradford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £23, and a train costs an average of £39.
Distance: 275 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£59 Average Price | £28 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 4h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg 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 Bradford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bradford trains for tomorrow, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:53 Cardiff | 4h57 | 12:50 Bradford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:53 Cardiff | 4h56 | 14:49 Bradford | 0 changesdirect | |
| 14:51 Cardiff | 4h59 | 19:50 Bradford | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Bradford 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
21 Aug
21 Aug
Sat
22 Aug
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23 Aug
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
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25 Aug
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Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Why should you book Cardiff to Bradford trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Cardiff to Bradford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Bradford.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bradford.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Bradford.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bradford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bradford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bradford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Bradford run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 25m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £39 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:57, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 275 km distance in 4h 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 £23
Distance 275 km |
Average train duration 4h 25m |
Cheapest ticket price £39 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 55m |
First train 2:57 |
Last train 23:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 3 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 £23
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Bradford trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Bradford from £23. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
5h 31m
Cheapest Price
£92
CrossCountry frequency
4 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
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 Duration
4h 55m
Cheapest Price
£39
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
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 Bradford
Things to do in Bradford
Discover the best of Bradford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bradford trip today.
- Must visit
Hockney Gallery at Salts Mill
Arts centre and gallery in Saltaire showing works by David Hockney and changing exhibitions. Worth visiting for both the art and the riverside setting.
- Recommended
Impressions Gallery
Compact city-centre gallery with changing exhibitions of contemporary art and community projects. A useful stop for Bradford’s current creative scene.
- Must visit
Saltaire
Planned Victorian village of stone terraces, mill buildings and riverside paths. Excellent for architecture, walking and a feel for Bradford’s industrial heritage.
- Recommended
Little Germany
Historic quarter of grand nineteenth-century warehouses and cobbled streets. Best explored on foot for architecture, details and quieter city-centre views.
- Recommended
Centenary Square
Central public square beside City Hall and the museum, used for events and framed by key civic buildings. A practical starting point for sightseeing.
Curry and Chips
A long-standing Bradford takeaway staple: curried lamb or chicken served with chips. It reflects the city’s South Asian heritage and late-night food culture.
Bradford-Style Curry
Slow-cooked meat curry, often lamb or chicken, served with roti or naan. Bradford is famous for Kashmiri and Pakistani styles shaped by its communities.
- Gluten-free
Seekh Kebab
Minced lamb or chicken grilled on skewers in tandoori spices. A classic at Bradford curry houses and a favourite for its smoky flavour.
Salt's Diner
Stylish restaurant in Saltaire serving polished British cooking with seasonal ingredients in a smart yet relaxed dining room.
International Restaurant
Long-established local favourite for Punjabi and Kashmiri curries, kebabs and tandoori dishes in a relaxed, no-frills setting.
MyLahore Bradford
Popular Bradford curry house known for Kashmiri-influenced dishes, grilled meats and a busy, welcoming atmosphere near the city centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Bradford is cheaper than many UK city breaks, with lower hotel, dining and local transport costs than London, Manchester or Edinburgh.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £6-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-28 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up taxi fares. Cafés usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £5.00
To the city centre
Bradford Interchange -> Bradford City Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- First Bus states adult tickets can be bought with contactless payment on board or in the First Bus app.
- Bradford Interchange sits on the edge of Bradford City Centre, so many central places are walkable from the station.
FAQs: Cardiff to Bradford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bradford 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 Bradford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Bradford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £39, while the average price tends to be around £59.
The train journey from Cardiff to Bradford covers a distance of 275 km and takes approximately 4h 55m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Bradford is 275 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Bradford leaves at 2:57.
The last train from Cardiff to Bradford departs at 23:40.
Trains from Cardiff to Bradford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Bradford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Bradford.
To get from Cardiff to Bradford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Bradford.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Bradford is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Bradford Interchange (BDI).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Bradford is by coach, costing approximately £23.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Bradford 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 Bradford offers a mix of urban and countryside views. Passengers can enjoy scenic landscapes as the train travels through the Welsh countryside and the rolling hills of the Pennines, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Cardiff to Bradford is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 55m each way. However, there are 4 train services available per day.
To fully explore Bradford's cultural sites, museums, and nearby attractions, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Bradford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Bradford
Most Cardiff to Bradford trains use the Cardiff Central to Bradford Interchange station pair, with some services arriving at Bradford Forster Square. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bradford 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 Bradford
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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
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.
BirchgroveBirchgrove station, Caerphilly Road, Birchgrove, Cardiff, CF14 4SY+44 333 321 1202
City-centre transport
Getting to Birchgrove from Cardiff city centre
Birchgrove is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Coryton, Penarth - Coryton · 8m · £2 · every ~4 min
Cardiff Central - Coryton, Penarth - Coryton · 12m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus27, 86 · 17m · £2 · every ~16 min
27 · 41m · £2 · every ~15 min
Birchgrove train station facilities and services
Birchgrove 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 Birchgrove.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Birchgrove: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Birchgrove: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Birchgrove: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access is available from Waun y Groes Avenue, 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.
Which Bradford station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Bradford most often arrive at Bradford Interchange. Some services arrive at Bradford Forster Square, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Bradford arrival station.
Bradford InterchangeBradford Interchange station, Bridge Street, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 1TU+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to Bradford Interchange from Bradford city centre
Bus662, 820, 864 · 6m · £3 · every ~13 min
Bradford Interchange train station facilities and services
Bradford Interchange has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Interchange.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Bradford Interchange.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Interchange.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bradford Interchange: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bradford Interchange: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Interchange: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and a wheelchair is available if pre-booked via 0800 138 5560, or by asking for help at the Station Supervisors office next to platform 1. There are also escalators and lifts available from the bus station below up to the rail station. Please note that escalators and lifts are not operated by Northern or Network Rail, Accessible public telephones: in the interchange, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Bradford Forster SquareBradford Forster Square station, Forster Square, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD1 4HY+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Bradford Forster Square from Bradford city centre
Bus622, 626, 680 · 2m · £0.90 · every ~12 min
Bradford Forster Square train station facilities and services
Bradford Forster Square has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Bradford Forster Square.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Bradford Forster Square.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bradford Forster Square.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bradford Forster Square: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bradford Forster Square: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bradford Forster Square: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and ramps are available. Lift available 06:00 - 19:00 Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday, however there is an alternative accessible route without having to use lift, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
FrizinghallFrizinghall station, Frizinghall Road, Frizinghall, West Yorkshire, BD9 4LD+44 8002006060
City-centre transport
Getting to Frizinghall from Bradford city centre
Frizinghall is 3 km from Bradford city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainBradford Forster Square - Skipton, Bradford Forster Square - Ilkley, Bradford Forster Square - Leeds, Bradford Forster Square - Lancaster, Bradford Forster Square - Shipley · 3m · £0.90 · every ~9 min
Bus662 · 17m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
662 · 23m · £2 · every ~13 min
Frizinghall train station facilities and services
Frizinghall has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Frizinghall.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Frizinghall: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Frizinghall: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Frizinghall: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, Station is unstaffed. However no problems for disabled or wheelchair users as the access to the platforms is via the road and a ramp. Step free access from car park to platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, 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 Bradford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Bradford and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Bradford
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