- Must visit
Corinium Museum
Local museum with major Roman collections, mosaics and objects from ancient Corinium, ideal for understanding Cirencester’s history.
Cheapest price
£35
Average price
£35
Fastest journey
1 h 23 m
Average duration
1 h 23 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Cirencester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Cirencester will cost around £35 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Cirencester every day 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 23 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 23 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Cirencester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £21, and a coach costs an average of £22.
Distance: 88 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£24 Average Price Cheapest | £27 Average Price |
1h 51m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Cirencester run on average 12 times per day, taking around 1h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £21 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:45, the last at 22:58. The fastest train covers the 88 km distance in 1h 48m.
Distance 88 km |
Average train duration 1h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £21 |
Trains per day 12 |
Fastest train 1h 48m |
First train 4:45 |
Last train 22:58 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Discover the best of Cirencester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cirencester trip today.
Local museum with major Roman collections, mosaics and objects from ancient Corinium, ideal for understanding Cirencester’s history.
Arts venue with changing exhibitions, community projects and performances in the town centre, useful for contemporary local culture.
Gallery and working studios presenting craft, design and visual art, with regular exhibitions by regional and national makers.
Historic landscaped park with long avenues and walking routes, popular for peaceful strolls close to the town centre.
Main square lined with historic buildings, shops and the parish church, forming the heart of everyday life in Cirencester.
Pleasant town park with formal planting, open lawns and family space beside the abbey grounds and museum quarter.
A traditional Cotswold cheese made from Double Gloucester, rolled in dried chives and matured. It is a classic local pub cheese from nearby Gloucestershire.
A rich county speciality from Gloucestershire made with breadcrumbs, suet, dried fruit, sugar and spices, often steamed or baked for festive meals.
A rustic loaf long linked with Gloucestershire baking, traditionally using local apples and cider for a gently sweet, farmhouse character.
Friendly bistro-style restaurant focused on seasonal British food and carefully cooked classics in an intimate town-centre space.
Popular bakery café and deli for artisan breads, pastries, brunch and coffee. Casual, busy and well suited to breakfast or lunch.
Stylish town-centre restaurant serving modern British dishes with a relaxed brasserie feel. Good for seasonal meals and a smart but informal evening out.
Moderate for a Cotswolds town. Hotels can be pricey in peak season, but pubs and cafes are reasonable. Local buses are limited, so transport costs can add up.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is standard if service is not included. Taxis are often rounded up. In cafes, tipping is optional, such as small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Cirencester 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 Cirencester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Cirencester trains use the Cardiff Central to Kemble station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Cirencester train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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