- 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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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Darlington
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£70
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£83
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 27 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 41 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
356 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Darlington is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Darlington will cost around £83 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
Fast trains
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Darlington, including 2 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 356 km distance in an average of 5 h 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 55 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.
10:535h55Cardiff16:48Darlington£701One-way0 changes
15:455h27Cardiff21:12Darlington£951One-way0 changes
- 15:455h27Cardiff21:12Darlington£951One-way0 changes
- 10:535h55Cardiff16:48Darlington£701One-way0 changes
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 an average ticket price of £42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 38m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £42, while a train costs an average of £42.
Distance: 356 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£42 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest | £74 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 38m Average total duration Fastest 5h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 32m Average total duration 8h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg 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 Darlington is a coach with an average price of £42.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Darlington:
A coach is £0.57 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Darlington costing on average £42.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Darlington is by train with an average journey time of 5h 8m.
Other travel options to Darlington take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 2m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Darlington including taking a train and coach.
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 £42 compared to roughly £74 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £32. The journey takes 5h 8m versus 5h 2m 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 Cross Country.
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 Darlington train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Darlington trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:46 Cardiff | 6h02 | 12:48 Darlington | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:53 Cardiff | 5h55 | 13:48 Darlington | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:45 Cardiff | 5h21 | 15:06 Darlington | 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 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.
Fri
18 Sept
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
24 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Darlington trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, 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 CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, 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 CrossCountry 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 Transport for Wales, 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 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. 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 £25
Distance 356 km |
Average train duration 5h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 5h 21m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 19:12 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
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 £25
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Darlington trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Darlington from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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 CrossCountry Duration
5h 21m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£27
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
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
6h 55m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£58
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
5h 8m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£288
Cross Country frequency
5 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
5h 3m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) 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 £27, while the average price tends to be around £42.
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 1 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 £25.
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.
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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