- Must visit
Hopetown Darlington
Railway museum celebrating the Stockton and Darlington Railway with locomotives, carriages and stories of early rail travel.
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9:455h20Cardiff15:05Darlington£2871One-way0 changes- 7:455h08Cardiff12:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
- 8:455h22Cardiff14:07Darlington£3041One-way1 change
- 9:455h08Cardiff14:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
- 11:455h08Cardiff16:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
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15:545h03Cardiff20:57Darlington£3101One-way1 change- 7:455h08Cardiff12:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
- 9:455h08Cardiff14:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
- 11:455h08Cardiff16:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
- 13:455h08Cardiff18:53Darlington£3041One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Darlington
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Darlington among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £45. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £45, and a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 356 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£83 Average Price | £57 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 43m Average total duration Fastest 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration 7h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg 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 Darlington train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Darlington trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 G66712 · G01064 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h21 | 14:06 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
G66712 · G00698+ C01966 | 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h17 | 14:02 Darlington station (DAR) | 2 changes | |
G38967+ C24909 | 8:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h53 | 14:48 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| G01067 · G00701 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h08 | 14:53 Darlington station (DAR) | 1 change | |
| G01067 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h21 | 15:06 Darlington station (DAR) | 0 changesdirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Darlington 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.
Tue
04 Aug
04 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Darlington trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Darlington.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Darlington.
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 CrossCountry, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Darlington.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Darlington.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Darlington.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Darlington.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Darlington
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Darlington run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £51 but you can travel from only £45 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 19:12. The fastest train covers the 356 km distance in 5h 21m.
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 £45
Distance 356 km |
Average train duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £51 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 21m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 19:12 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £45
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Darlington trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Darlington from £45. 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 Duration
5h 55m
Cheapest Price
£63
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
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 21m
Cheapest Price
£51
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 8m
Cheapest Price
£287
Cross Country frequency
5 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 3m
Cheapest Price
£310
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
7 a day
Complete guide to Darlington
Things to do in Darlington
Discover the best of Darlington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Darlington trip today.
- Recommended
Raby Castle
Historic country house with art, furnishings and estate collections, offering a museum-style visit alongside parkland walks.
Hullabaloo Gallery
Local arts centre with changing exhibitions, performances and creative events in a restored Victorian building.
- Recommended
South Park
Large public park with bandstand, aviary, café-free green space, sports areas and pleasant paths close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Place
Historic market square surrounded by civic buildings and shops, useful for seeing the town centre's layout and daily life.
- Recommended
West Park
Popular woodland and lakeside park on the edge of Darlington with walking trails, sculpture and open green views.
Pease pudding stottie
A classic North-East pease pudding spread in a bread bun, often with ham. It is a long-standing local lunch tied to Teesside and County Durham.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Pease pudding
Slow-cooked split peas seasoned into a thick savoury paste. It is a regional staple traditionally served with ham or pork pies.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Stottie cake
A large round flat loaf with a soft crumb, common across North-East England. It is traditionally used for hearty sandwiches and local fillings.
The Orangery at Rockliffe Hall
Refined dining in a country house setting, known for modern British cooking and polished service. Best for a special meal near Darlington.
Spice Village
Stylish restaurant serving Indian small plates and grilled dishes in an upbeat modern setting. A popular choice for groups and evening meals.
Estabulo Darlington
Smart casual steakhouse focused on quality beef, burgers and hearty mains. Relaxed atmosphere suited to an easy dinner in town.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local buses and everyday costs are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Arriva UK Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.50
- Day pass
- £7.50
To the city centre
Darlington Railway Station -> Darlington Town Centre
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Adult single bus fares are capped at £2.50 in the North East; if you will make several trips, the £7.50 all-day ticket can be better value.
- Under-22 fares shown on official sites are cheaper, but the standard adult fare is the correct reference for visitors. Contactless payment may vary by operator, so check before boarding.
FAQs: Cardiff to Darlington train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Darlington 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 Darlington, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Darlington can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £51, while the average price tends to be around £83.
The train journey from Cardiff to Darlington covers a distance of 356 km and takes approximately 5h 21m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Darlington is 356 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Darlington leaves at 4:15.
The last train from Cardiff to Darlington departs at 19:12.
Trains from Cardiff to Darlington run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Darlington.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Darlington. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Cardiff to Darlington, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Darlington.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Darlington is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Darlington station (DAR).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Darlington is by coach, costing approximately £45.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Darlington 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 Darlington offers pleasant views, especially as it traverses through the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds and the rolling hills of the Pennines. Passengers can enjoy a mix of countryside scenery and charming towns along the route.
A day trip from Cardiff to Darlington is not feasible as the travel duration is 5h 21m. The journey covers 356 km and trains run 6 times per day.
Two to three days in Darlington should be sufficient to explore its key attractions, including the Head of Steam Railway Museum, South Park, and the Darlington Hippodrome, while also enjoying the local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Darlington.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Darlington
Most Cardiff to Darlington trains use the Cardiff Central to Darlington station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Darlington 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 Darlington
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.
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.
Waun-gron ParkWaun-Gron Park station, Waungron Road, Waungron Park, Cardiff, CF5 2BN+44 333 321 1202
City-centre transport
Getting to Waun-gron Park from Cardiff city centre
Waun-gron Park is 3 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil - Aberdare, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus61, 32, 101, 102 · 15m · £4 · every ~14 min
61, 32, 101, 102 · 18m · £4 · every ~14 min
Waun-gron Park train station facilities and services
Waun-gron Park 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 Waun-gron Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Waun-gron Park: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Waun-gron Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Waun-gron Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Radyr) and Platform 2 (to Cardiff) from Waungron Road via ramps with handrails and a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via the ramps and beneath the railway bridge on Waungron Road, 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.
Which Darlington station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Darlington arrive at Darlington. Darlington is from Darlington city centre.
DarlingtonDarlington station, Bank Top, Darlington, County Durham, DL1 4AA
City-centre transport
Getting to Darlington from Darlington city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesReplacement coach services depart from the station entrance
Darlington train station facilities and services
Darlington has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Darlington.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Darlington.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Darlington.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Darlington: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Darlington: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Darlington: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones, Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended, 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: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Darlington
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Darlington and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Darlington
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