Cardiff to Brighton train with Great Western Railway

Sat 22 Aug
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Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Brighton

Showing times and prices for 22 Aug

Cheapest price

£41

Average price

£68

Fastest journey

3 h 37 m

Average duration

3 h 46 m

Trains per day

12

Distance

224 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £41.

Fast trains

To travel from Cardiff to Brighton you need to make at least 2 changes.

  • Great Western RailwayC42264+SouthernG88663
    13:304h35
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    18:05Brighton station (BTN)
    £411One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayC42262+SouthernG88655
    12:304h35
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:05Brighton station (BTN)
    £511One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western RailwayC42292+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Victoria+Gatwick ExpressG27088
    13:203h37
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:57Brighton station (BTN)
    £561One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC42293+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkC02652
    14:213h52
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    18:13Brighton station (BTN)
    £561One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35184+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Victoria+Gatwick ExpressG27086
    12:203h37
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:57Brighton station (BTN)
    £561One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 57m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £22.

Distance: 224 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£51

Average Price

£20

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 5m

Average total duration

5h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

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 Brighton train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for today, Friday 21 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15040+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45524
On time
6:24 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
10:13 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15001+SouthernG88588
On time
6:28 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h37
11:05 Brighton station (BTN)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35166+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45408
On time
6:51 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h57
10:48 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35167+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Victoria+Gatwick ExpressG77311
On time
7:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h34
10:57 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15003+SouthernG88600
On time
7:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h38
12:05 Brighton station (BTN)
1 change
Great Western RailwayW35169+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45525
On time
7:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h54
11:43 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15046+Gatwick ExpressG77372+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Victoria
On time
12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h39
15:57 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15012+SouthernG88654
On time
12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h35
17:05 Brighton station (BTN)
1 change
Great Western RailwayG15047 · G15103+ThameslinkW45546
On time
12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h53
16:43 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15047+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45546
On time
12:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h53
16:43 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW35434+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Victoria+Gatwick ExpressG77375
On time
13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h39
16:57 Brighton station (BTN)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15013+SouthernG88662
On time
13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h35
18:05 Brighton station (BTN)
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 Brighton 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.

Sat
22 Aug
Sun
23 Aug
Mon
24 Aug
Tue
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug

Why should you book Cardiff to Brighton trains with Omio?

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

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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Brighton.
  • 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 Brighton.

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 Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £22 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 224 km distance in 3h 39m.

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 £15
Distance
224 km
Average train duration
3h 57m
Cheapest ticket price
£22
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 39m
First train
4:12
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
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 £15

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Brighton trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Brighton from £15. 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 39m
Cheapest Price
£22
Great Western Railway frequency
7 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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
£180
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day

Complete guide to Brighton

Things to do in Brighton

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

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Contemporary art gallery in the Royal Pavilion Garden, showing major exhibitions in a restored historic building.

  • Recommended

Brighton Museum & Art Gallery

Museum inside the Royal Pavilion Estate covering local history, fashion, decorative art and changing exhibitions.

Centre for Contemporary Arts Brighton

Seafront gallery dedicated to photography and contemporary visual culture, with changing exhibitions and events.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside city. Hotels and dining are pricier than many British towns, but buses, casual eats and supermarket options help keep daily costs manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£20-35 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.

Train from Cardiff to Brighton: Journey Details

The train from Cardiff to Brighton is operated by First Great Western and Southern Trains, with a journey time of between four and five hours depending on whether connections are made in London or Southampton Central. Trains run from around 5:00 a.m. until just before 7:00 p.m., with two to three trains per hour. Later trains involve an overnight journey and there is a reduced service on Sundays.

Taking the Train from Cardiff

Cardiff Central is the busiest station in Wales. It is located in the heart of the city, close to Cardiff Bay. Regional trains operate into Cardiff from the Vale of Glamorgan and West Wales. Buses arrive at Cardiff Central Bus Station, opposite the Railway Station. Local buses are operated by Cardiff Bus and ECT, with regular services from all parts of Cardiff city centre and suburbs. Taxis are available at the station.

Getting into Brighton by Train

Brighton is a lively and attractive seaside town, with one of the few remaining Victorian piers in the country. Visitor attractions include the Brighton Pavilion with its exotic domes, the old shopping Lanes, Sea World Aquarium and the Brighton Eye, located at the entrance to the Palace Pier. Brighton Railway Station is a few minutes bus ride from the historic centre of Brighton, the Esplanade and beaches. It is a busy hub, which serves central London, Gatwick and Luton airports and towns along the South Coast. Frequent local bus services around the town are operated by the Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company. During university terms, the Big Lemon Bus Company also operates a frequent and economical service on weekdays. Brighton has a weekend night bus service and there is a secure bicycle garage and taxi ranks at the station.

FAQs: Cardiff to Brighton train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Brighton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £22, while the average price tends to be around £54.
The train journey from Cardiff to Brighton covers a distance of 224 km and takes approximately 3h 39m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Brighton is 224 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 4:12.
The last train from Cardiff to Brighton departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Brighton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Brighton.
To get from Cardiff to Brighton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Brighton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Brighton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Brighton station (BTN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Brighton is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Brighton 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 Brighton offers passengers views of the picturesque Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and charming towns along the way, though much of the route also comprises urban areas and less scenic industrial views.
A day trip from Cardiff to Brighton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 39m. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 224 km.
In Brighton, you can explore the vibrant street art scene with guided tours, visit the British Airways i360 for panoramic views, enjoy performances at the Brighton Dome, and take a scenic walk along the Undercliff Walk. Experience the nightlife in lively bars and clubs. Best sights include the exotic Royal Pavilion, historic Brighton Pier, popular Brighton Beach, charming Lanes, and the Brighton Museum & Art Gallery.
Two to three days are generally sufficient to explore Brighton's main attractions, enjoy its vibrant culture, and relax by the seaside.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Brighton.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Brighton

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

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.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, 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 Brighton

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Brighton Cardiff to Brighton train

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