- Recommended
Clacton Museum
Local history museum covering Clacton’s growth as a resort, wartime stories and seaside life. A useful starting point for understanding the town.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea and enjoy the approximately 301 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:18.
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 301 km |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 20:18 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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: Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea trainsGreat Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Clacton-on-Sea. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£158
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Clacton-on-Sea
Things to do in Clacton-on-Sea
Discover the best of Clacton-on-Sea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Clacton-on-Sea trip today.
- Recommended
Jaywick Martello Tower
Contemporary art gallery in a converted Martello tower at Jaywick. It combines exhibitions with the unusual experience of a historic coastal fort.
- Recommended
Naze Tower
Historic wartime site by the Naze with exhibitions on coastal defence, radar and military history. Worth the short trip from Clacton for history fans.
- Must visit
Clacton Beach
Long sandy beach backed by the promenade, popular for traditional seaside walks, paddling and broad coastal views across the North Sea.
- Recommended
Clacton Seafront Gardens
Landscaped seafront gardens beside the beach and promenade, ideal for relaxed walks, floral displays and easy access to the pier and town centre.
- Recommended
Holland-on-Sea Seafront
Quieter stretch of seafront east of the centre, known for beach huts, sea views and a more local atmosphere for walking and relaxing.
- Gluten-free
Essex Oysters
Fresh North Sea oysters from nearby Essex estuaries, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long local shellfish tradition.
- Gluten-free
Jellied Eels
Jellied eels are chopped eels set in savoury stock. They are an old East Anglian and Thames Estuary classic still recognised across Essex.
- Gluten-free
Smoked Eel
Hot smoked eel has a rich, oily flavour and reflects the long fishing and eel-curing heritage of the Essex coast and estuaries.
The Fish House
Casual harbourside-style seafood spot focused on fish, shellfish and simple British coastal dishes in an informal setting.
Armstrong's at the Pavilion
Popular seafront fish and chip shop known for freshly cooked classics and an easy-going traditional seaside atmosphere.
The Roaring Donkey
Well-known pub and dining venue offering British favourites, Sunday roasts and drinks in a comfortable, traditional setting.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Dining is fairly priced, but summer stays and family attractions can raise costs; local buses are reasonable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple café meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino or similar coffee.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and tip cafés only for table service or exceptional service.
First Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2–£3
- Day pass
- £5.80
To the city centre
Clacton-on-Sea -> Clacton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- First Bus adult single fares in Essex are distance-based, starting at £2 and capped at £3 on longer journeys.
- Clacton-on-Sea station is about a 10-minute walk from the town centre and seafront. PlusBus is available for combined rail and bus travel.
Best day trips from Clacton-on-Sea by train
The most popular day trips by train from Clacton-on-Sea are Colchester, London, Ipswich, Chelmsford and Stratford. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Clacton-on-Sea on Omio.
Day trip from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester by train
Why visit Colchester for the day?
Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.
How to get from Clacton-on-Sea to Colchester by train?
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:22, the last at 23:52. The fastest train covers the 21 km distance in 26m.
Day trip from Clacton-on-Sea to London by train
Why visit London for the day?
London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.
How to get from Clacton-on-Sea to London by train?
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:17, the last at 23:33. The fastest train covers the 94 km distance in 1h 14m.
Day trip from Clacton-on-Sea to Ipswich by train
Why visit Ipswich for the day?
Ipswich is one of England’s oldest towns, known for its waterfront and maritime past. Its medieval streets, parks and Suffolk atmosphere make it feel historic yet lived-in.
How to get from Clacton-on-Sea to Ipswich by train?
The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:22. The fastest train covers the 30 km distance in 46m.
Day trip from Clacton-on-Sea to Chelmsford by train
Why visit Chelmsford for the day?
Chelmsford is Essex’s county city, known for its cathedral and its links to Guglielmo Marconi. A compact centre, riverside parks and a relaxed modern feel give it an easy balance of history and everyday city life.
How to get from Clacton-on-Sea to Chelmsford by train?
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:56. The fastest train covers the 48 km distance in 49m.
Day trip from Clacton-on-Sea to Stratford by train
Why visit Stratford for the day?
Stratford-upon-Avon is best known as Shakespeare’s birthplace, with a historic centre of Tudor buildings and riverside theatre. It feels like a traditional English market town, shaped by literary heritage, calm walks along the Avon and a steady cultural atmosphere.
How to get from Clacton-on-Sea to Stratford by train?
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:15, the last at 23:37. The fastest train covers the 85 km distance in 1h 15m.
FAQs: Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea 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 Clacton-on-Sea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea is 301 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea departs at 20:18.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea 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 Clacton-on-Sea offers a mix of urban and rural scenery. Travellers can enjoy views of the Welsh countryside as the train leaves Cardiff, moving through the green valleys and rolling hills. As the journey progresses towards Clacton-on-Sea, the landscape transitions into the flat, agricultural fields of the English Midlands and East Anglia, before reaching the seaside charm of Clacton-on-Sea.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Clacton-on-Sea
Most Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea trains use the Cardiff Central to Clacton-on-Sea station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Clacton-on-Sea 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 Clacton-on-Sea
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.
Which Clacton-on-Sea station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea arrive at Clacton-on-Sea. Clacton-on-Sea is 1 km from Clacton-on-Sea city centre.
Clacton-on-SeaClacton-on-Sea station, Skelmersdale Road, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 6PU
City-centre transport
Getting to Clacton-on-Sea from Clacton-on-Sea city centre
Bus6, 6A, 98A, 2, 2A, 1B, 7, 1A, 1, 9A · 2m · £1 · every ~19 min
Clacton-on-Sea train station facilities and services
Clacton-on-Sea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Clacton-on-Sea. ATMs are available at Clacton-on-Sea.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Clacton-on-Sea. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0800 028 28 78, 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 Clacton-on-Sea: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Clacton-on-Sea: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Clacton-on-Sea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Accessible (Card Only) telephone available on concourse, Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Ticket machine located on station concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Clacton-on-Sea
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Clacton-on-Sea and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Clacton-on-Sea
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