- Must visit
Carmarthenshire Museum
The county museum in a former bishop’s palace, covering Roman finds, local history and changing displays in an atmospheric setting.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept
Cheapest price on 05 Sept
£11
Average ticket price on 05 Sept
£11
Fastest journey on 05 Sept
1 h 53 m
Average journey duration on 05 Sept
1 h 57 m
Trains on 05 Sept
3
Distance
88 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen will cost around £11 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
Fast trains
On Sat 05 Sept, we found 3 trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 1 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 5 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.
10:491h53Cardiff12:42Carmarthen£111One-way0 changes- 8:471h53Cardiff10:40Carmarthen£111One-way0 changes
- 15:472h05Cardiff17:52Carmarthen£121One-way0 changes
- 8:471h53Cardiff10:40Carmarthen£111One-way0 changes
- 10:491h53Cardiff12:42Carmarthen£111One-way0 changes
- 15:472h05Cardiff17:52Carmarthen£121One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Carmarthen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Carmarthen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £11 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £11, while a train costs an average of £11.
Distance: 88 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£11 Average Price | £11 Average Price Cheapest | £18 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 30m Average total duration 2h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Carmarthen is a coach with an average price of £11.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Carmarthen:
A coach is £0.18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Carmarthen costing on average £11.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Carmarthen is by train with an average journey time of 1h 52m.
Other travel options to Carmarthen take longer:
Coach takes on average 2h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Carmarthen including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £11 compared to roughly £18 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £7. The journey takes 1h 52m versus 1h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Carmarthen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Carmarthen trains for tomorrow, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:47 Cardiff | 1h53 | 10:40 Carmarthen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:49 Cardiff | 1h53 | 12:42 Carmarthen | 0 changesdirect | |
| 15:47 Cardiff | 2h05 | 17:52 Carmarthen | 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 Carmarthen 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
05 Sept
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
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09 Sept
09 Sept
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11 Sept
11 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Carmarthen trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
- 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Carmarthen
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:27, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 1h 40m.
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
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 1h 40m |
First train 3:27 |
Last train 23:57 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Carmarthen trainsTransport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Carmarthen from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 Transport for Wales Duration
1h 40m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£9
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
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 Great Western Railway Duration
1h 58m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£29
Great Western Railway frequency
2 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 Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
1h 39m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£51
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
9 a day
Complete guide to Carmarthen
Things to do in Carmarthen
Discover the best of Carmarthen — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Carmarthen trip today.
- Recommended
Carmarthen Roman Amphitheatre Museum
Small museum on the old Roman amphitheatre site, introducing Roman Moridunum and the archaeology of early Carmarthen.
- Recommended
Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Writing Shed
Museum telling the story of Dylan Thomas and his family in a restored chapel, with exhibits on writing, broadcasting and local roots.
- Must visit
Carmarthen Park
Large public park with formal gardens, play areas, riverside walks and a hilltop monument, ideal for a relaxed break near the centre.
- Recommended
King Street
Historic market quarter with independent shops, old arcades and everyday town life, good for browsing and seeing central Carmarthen on foot.
- Recommended
Parc y Belyn
Riverside green space and woodland paths beside the Towy, popular for walking, wildlife watching and easy access from the town centre.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
Traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables and leeks. A staple of rural west Wales, valued for its hearty, slow-cooked flavour.
- Vegetarian
Bara Brith
A rich fruit loaf or tea bread with dried fruit and spices, commonly sliced and served with butter. Long associated with Welsh baking and teatime.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Small oatcakes cooked on a bakestone, often split and toasted with butter or cheese. A traditional Welsh breakfast and teatime bread.
The Warren
Popular casual restaurant known for burgers, brunch and modern comfort food in a lively town-centre setting.
The Corries
Stylish restaurant and bar serving modern British dishes, cocktails and varied seasonal plates in an elegant atmosphere.
The Old Moathouse
Well-known traditional pub with classic Welsh and British meals, local ales and a relaxed historic setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than in Cardiff or London, while local transport and everyday costs stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for a budget meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a mid-range meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is appreciated if service is not included. Round up taxi fares, and tipping in cafés is optional.
TrawsCymru
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £8.00
To the city centre
Carmarthen Railway Station, Carmarthen -> Carmarthen Bus Station, Carmarthen
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Most local buses in Carmarthenshire have a standard adult single fare of £2.00. Check route-specific operator pages before longer trips.
- TrawsCymru says some buses accept contactless payment and tickets can also be bought in the TrawsCymru app. Keep cash as a backup on smaller local services.
FAQs: Cardiff to Carmarthen train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £11.
The train journey from Cardiff to Carmarthen covers a distance of 88 km and takes approximately 1h 40m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Carmarthen is 88 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Carmarthen leaves at 3:27.
The last train from Cardiff to Carmarthen departs at 23:57.
Trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Carmarthen. The service operates 7 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
To get from Cardiff to Carmarthen, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Carmarthen is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Carmarthen station (CMN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Carmarthen is by train, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Cardiff to Carmarthen offers scenic views, including rolling hills, charming villages, and glimpses of the Welsh countryside, making it a pleasant travel experience.
Yes, a day trip from Cardiff to Carmarthen is feasible with a journey time of 1h 40m and a distance of 88 km. Trains run 6 times per day.
Spending two to three days in Carmarthen allows visitors to explore its historic sites, enjoy local markets, and take in the surrounding natural beauty, such as the Brecon Beacons and coastal areas.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Carmarthen
Most Cardiff to Carmarthen trains use the Cardiff Central to Carmarthen station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen
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.
Heath High LevelHeath High Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QT
City-centre transport
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level 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 Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: 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.
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.
Which Carmarthen station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen most often arrive at Carmarthen. Some services arrive at Ferryside, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Carmarthen arrival station.
CarmarthenCarmarthen station, Station Road, Carmarthen, Carmarthenshire, SA31 2BE+44 3450507080
City-centre transport
Getting to Carmarthen from Carmarthen city centre
BusT1x, T1, T1a · 3m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Carmarthen train station facilities and services
Carmarthen has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Carmarthen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carmarthen.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carmarthen: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Carmarthen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carmarthen: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1. Platform 2 can be accessed via the ramp at the end of Platform 1 and across a foot crossing, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Carmarthen and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Carmarthen
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