Cardiff to Cambridge train with Great Western Railway

Sat 18 Jul
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Cambridge

Showing times and prices for 18 Jul

Cheapest price

£65

Average price

£98

Fastest journey

4 h 9 m

Average duration

4 h 29 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

240 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Cambridge will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £65.

Fast trains

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

  • Great Western RailwayW35184+ThameslinkC02736+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon
    12:204h15
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:35Cambridge South
    £651One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35184+Greater AngliaP76345+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street
    12:204h42
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:02Cambridge South
    £651One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35184+TubeTube from London Paddington to Stratford (London)+Greater AngliaL55772 · P76351
    12:205h24
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:44Cambridge South
    £651One-way
    3 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC42441 · W34494+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Liverpool Street+Greater AngliaP76345
    12:005h02
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    17:02Cambridge South
    £1311One-way
    3 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35184+ThameslinkC02736+TubeTube from London Paddington to London St Pancras International
    12:204h15
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    16:35Cambridge South
    £1311One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Cambridge

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Cambridge among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 59m. 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 £12, and a train costs an average of £34.

Distance: 240 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£58

Average Price

£21

Average Price

Cheapest

4h 29m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 47m

Average total duration

6h 17m

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 Cambridge train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Cambridge trains for today, Friday 17 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayG15041+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC93376
On time
8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h25
12:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayW34974 · G14899+Great NorthernC93376+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross
On time
8:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h16
12:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW35432+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45467
On time
9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h20
13:39 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15006 · G14900+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG27008
On time
9:28 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h15
13:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW35178+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77014
On time
10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h25
14:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15008 · G14902+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77014
On time
10:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
14:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15187 · G14903+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77018
On time
11:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
15:13 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15045+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45476
On time
11:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h21
15:39 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15010 · W34490+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77024
On time
11:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
15:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15188 · W34493+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77028
On time
12:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
16:13 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15046+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77034
On time
12:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h25
16:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15012 · G14904+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77034
On time
12:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h13
16:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW35434+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45470
On time
13:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h21
17:39 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15013 · G14905+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC82671
On time
13:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h36
18:06 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15189 · G14906+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC82673
On time
14:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h35
18:35 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW35188+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernG77058
On time
14:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h25
18:43 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15015 · G14907+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC82675
On time
14:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h35
19:05 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayY41675 · G14908+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC8267714:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h36
19:35 Cambridge station (CBG)3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15049+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45390
On time
15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h21
19:39 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15017 · W34510+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC82679
On time
15:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h38
20:08 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayG15190 · W34513+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45388
On time
15:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h40
20:39 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW35435+TubeTube from London Paddington to London Kings Cross+Great NorthernC82690
On time
16:21 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h44
21:05 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes
Great Western RailwayG15019 · G14909+Great NorthernC82690+Elizabeth lineC37905
On time
16:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h38
21:05 Cambridge station (CBG)
4 changes
Great Western RailwayG15019 · G14909+Greater AngliaP76392+Elizabeth lineC37905
On time
16:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h40
21:07 Cambridge station (CBG)
3 changes
Great Western RailwayW35198+TubeTube from London Paddington to Farringdon+ThameslinkW45475
On time
17:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h21
21:39 Cambridge station (CBG)
2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Cambridge 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.

Sat
18 Jul
Sun
19 Jul
Mon
20 Jul
Tue
21 Jul
Wed
22 Jul
Thu
23 Jul
Fri
24 Jul

Why should you book Cardiff to Cambridge trains with Omio?

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

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 Cambridge.
  • 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Cambridge.

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 Cambridge.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Cambridge.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Cambridge

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Cambridge run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £12 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 00:42, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 240 km distance in 3h 46m.

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 £12
Distance
240 km
Average train duration
3h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
£34
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 46m
First train
0:42
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
63 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 £12

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Cambridge trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Cambridge from £12. 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 46m
Cheapest Price
£37
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 Duration
5h 17m
Cheapest Price
£34
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 Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest Price
£178
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
3 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Cambridge train

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

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Cambridge can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Cardiff to Cambridge covers a distance of 240 km and takes approximately 3h 46m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Cambridge is 240 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Cambridge leaves at 0:42.
The last train from Cardiff to Cambridge departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Cambridge run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Cambridge.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Cambridge.
To get from Cardiff to Cambridge, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Cambridge.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Cambridge is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Cambridge station (CBG).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Cambridge is by coach, costing approximately £12.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Cambridge 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 Cambridge offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, featuring views of the Welsh countryside, the Severn Estuary, and charming English villages, making parts of the trip quite picturesque.
A day trip from Cardiff to Cambridge is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 46m. Trains run 6 times per day. The distance is 240 km.
In Cambridge, you can enjoy punting on the River Cam for scenic views of the colleges and bridges, visit the interactive Cambridge Science Centre, explore the historic Market Square for local produce and crafts, attend a performance at the Cambridge Arts Theatre, or take a guided walking tour to discover the city's rich history. Some of the best sights include King's College Chapel, The Fitzwilliam Museum, The Backs, Trinity College, and the Cambridge University Botanic Garden.
Two to three days in Cambridge allows you to explore its historic university, enjoy punting on the River Cam, visit the Fitzwilliam Museum, and stroll around the city's beautiful gardens and colleges.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Cambridge.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Cambridge

Most Cardiff to Cambridge trains use the Cardiff Central to Cambridge station pair, with some services arriving at Cambridge North. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cambridge 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 Cambridge
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 · £0.89 · 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 Cambridge

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cambridge Cardiff to Cambridge train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone