The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bristol
Cheapest price
£26
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
49 m
Average duration
51 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bristol is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bristol will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £26.
Of the 6 trains that leave Cardiff for Bristol every day 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 41 km distance in an average of 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 49 m .
The slowest trains will take 52 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.
P22983
P22723
P22982
P22725
P22797+
C72652
P22725
P22983
P22723
P22982
P22796+
C75133Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Bristol
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bristol among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 1h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £5, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 41 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 49m Average total duration 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration Fastest 1h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Bristol train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bristol trains for today, Thursday 8 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P22982 | On time 08:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 08:52 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0 changesdirect | |
P22723 | On time 08:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 09:19 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0 changesdirect | |
P22796+ C75133 | On time 08:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 09:30 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
P22983 | On time 09:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 09:51 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0 changesdirect | |
P22797+ C72652 | On time 09:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h53 | 10:12 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1 change | |
P22725 | On time 09:28 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h49 | 10:17 Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 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 Bristol 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.
08 Jan
09 Jan
10 Jan
11 Jan
12 Jan
13 Jan
14 Jan
15 Jan
16 Jan
17 Jan
18 Jan
19 Jan
20 Jan
21 Jan
22 Jan
23 Jan
24 Jan
25 Jan
26 Jan
27 Jan
28 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Bristol?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bristol
Trains from Cardiff to Bristol run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:41. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 27m.
Distance 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 19m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 27m |
First train 00:30 |
Last train 23:41 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, first_great_western from Cardiff to Bristol trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Bristol from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
first_great_western
Trains from Cardiff to Bristol
Travelling from Cardiff to Bristol is a breeze, with between 2 to 4 direct trains departing from Cardiff up until 1:00 p.m. All service arrive in less than an hour and trains include a variety of services including air conditioning and toilets
Which train companies go from Cardiff to Bristol?
There are two train companies travelling between Cardiff and Bristol. Great Western Rail provides the majority of routes, with Crosscountry offering a limited amount of journeys throughout the day.
How long is the train from Cardiff to Bristol?
All trains running from Cardiff to Bristol are direct routes with no changes or layovers required. All services should arrive in Bristol between 48 and 52 minutes after departure.
When are the first and last trains of the day from Cardiff to Bristol?
The first train departing from Cardiff to Bristol leaves at 6:29 a.m. and the last departs at 13:00 p.m, with no evening routes available. Trains usually depart 4 time per hour up until the last departure time, however, passengers should note that several hours feature only 1 or 2 booking options.
What facilities are available on trains from Cardiff to Bristol?
Great Western Rail offers a variety of facilities including power outlets, Wifi, media, AC, toilets, luggage and bicycle space, and seat reservation. However, please note there are no refreshments services available. Crosscountry do offer a refreshment service and the majority of the same services, however, they do not offer Wifi or seat reservation.
What is the departure and arrival station for trains from Cardiff to Bristol?
Departure Station: Trains from Cardiff to Bristol depart from Cardiff central station and the station itself is located within the heart of the city and is easily accessible by taxi or bus.
Arrival Station: All trains from Cardiff to Bristol terminate in Bristol Temple Meads station. Buses depart regularly from outside the station. You can also take the scenic route and choose to take the river ferry to the city centre. The journey takes roughly 45 minutes and comes highly recommended as a way for newcomers to take in the sights of the city.
FAQs: Cardiff to Bristol train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bristol 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 Bristol, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Bristol
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- 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
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Upper Crust
- Pumpkin Café
- Hart's Bakery
- Taxi: The taxi rank is available on the station forecourt. If you require an accessible taxi please approach a member of staff for assistance. To reach the station forecourt; exit through the ticket barriers, turn left and exit through the main doors. You can find more information about local taxi services here.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
- Toilets Location: Ladies, Gents and Baby Change are located in the Passenger Subway. The Baby Change is located next to the Ladies Toilets. An additional Baby Change facility is also located in the Accessible Toilet on Platform 13/15. Accessible Toilets are located on Platform 3 by the Help Desk and on Platform 13/15.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Radar Key available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The main storage location for bikes is at The Friary at Temple Quay, just to the right of the ramped exit from the long stay car park. A limited bike storage location can be found on Station Approach by Queen Anne's Gate. There is no longer any bike storage inside the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located near the main entrance.
- Bus lines: A1, 1, 2, 8, 39/349/X39, 70, 73, 178, 376
- Train lines: CrossCountry, Great Western Main Line, Severn Beach Line
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station front. Alternative: the lower approach road, outside the front of Bristol & Exeter House
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7 with short-term and long-term parking options available. Access via the A38 road.
- Dexters
- Brunel Bar & Kitchen
- Outside the main terminal.
- Elevators, ramps.
- £1
- Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport
- Holiday Inn Bristol Airport
- Winford Manor Hotel
- Cost £10
- Located in the main terminal
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main terminal
- Free
- Main Terminal: check-in desks, security, and departure gates
- Arrivals Hall: baggage claim and customs
- Parking: short-term and long-term options available
- Bus: Airport Flyer Express
- Train: Bristol Temple Meads station is the nearest major train station, connected by bus services
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform
- Accessible taxis: No
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Cheltenham Road
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Bristol
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

