- Must visit
Dorset Museum & Art Gallery
Dorchester’s major museum explores Dorset history through archaeology, Roman finds and local stories in a modern setting.
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Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Dorchester
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Dorchester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £44 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 56m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £44, while a train costs an average of £67.
Distance: 100 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£67 Average Price | £44 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 15m Average total duration 7h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Dorchester is a coach with an average price of £44.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Dorchester:
A coach is £23 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Dorchester costing on average £67.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Dorchester is by train with an average journey time of 3h 26m.
Other travel options to Dorchester take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 45m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Dorchester including taking a coach and train.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Dorchester 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Dorchester trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Dorchester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Dorchester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Dorchester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Dorchester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Dorchester run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £59 but you can travel from only £44 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 20:27. The fastest train covers the 100 km distance in 2h 50m.
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 £44
Distance 100 km |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £59 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 20:27 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Best time to book 2 days |
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 £44
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Dorchester trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Dorchester from £44. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
2h 50m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£59
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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
Complete guide to Dorchester
Things to do in Dorchester
Discover the best of Dorchester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dorchester trip today.
- Recommended
Thomas Hardy's Birthplace
Former home of novelist Thomas Hardy, preserved with period rooms and displays that illuminate his life and writing.
- Recommended
Max Gate
Atmospheric Victorian townhouse where Hardy lived later in life, with original rooms, garden and literary interpretation.
- Must visit
Maumbury Rings
Broad grassy hill and Roman amphitheatre remains used as a walking area, with elevated views and a strong sense of local history.
- Recommended
South Street
Traffic-free shopping street lined with historic buildings, useful for a central stroll between museums, churches and markets.
- Recommended
Borough Gardens
Riverside green space with paths, play areas and open lawns, popular for a relaxed walk close to central Dorchester.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
A Dorset coastal classic of hand-picked crab meat, often simply dressed to showcase the sweet flavour of locally landed shellfish.
Dorset Knob Sausage
Traditional Dorset sausage made with pork and rusk, known for its herb seasoning and long-standing place in local farming cookery.
- Vegetarian
Dorset Knob
A hard, twice-baked Dorset bread biscuit, traditionally eaten with cheese or dunked in tea; a distinctive county speciality.
Yalbury Cottage Restaurant
Stylish town-centre restaurant known for modern British cooking, quality local produce and a smart but welcoming atmosphere.
The Wise Man Inn
Traditional pub near Dorchester serving hearty British dishes and local ales in a historic, relaxed setting.
The Piggery Bakery
Popular café and bakery on the brewery site, good for coffee, brunch, pastries and casual lunches in an airy setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: lodging and dining are mid-priced, while local buses and cafés are fairly reasonable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a basic lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
FAQs: Cardiff to Dorchester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Dorchester 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 Dorchester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Dorchester can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £59, while the average price tends to be around £67.
The train journey from Cardiff to Dorchester covers a distance of 100 km and takes approximately 2h 50m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Dorchester is 100 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Dorchester leaves at 4:54.
The last train from Cardiff to Dorchester departs at 20:27.
Trains from Cardiff to Dorchester run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Dorchester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Dorchester.
To get from Cardiff to Dorchester, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Dorchester.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Dorchester is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Dorchester South (DCH).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Dorchester is by coach, costing approximately £44.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Dorchester 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 Dorchester offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque countryside of Somerset and the rolling hills of Dorset. Travellers can enjoy glimpses of charming villages and lush landscapes along the way.
A day trip from Cardiff to Dorchester is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 50m. However, there are 5 trains per day for this journey.
To explore Dorchester's key attractions like the Dorset County Museum, Maiden Castle, and the Tutankhamun Exhibition, a stay of 2 to 3 days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Dorchester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Dorchester
Most Cardiff to Dorchester trains use the Cardiff Central to Dorchester West station pair, with some services arriving at Dorchester South. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Dorchester 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 Dorchester
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 Dorchester station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Dorchester most often arrive at Dorchester South. Some services arrive at Dorchester West, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Dorchester arrival station.
Dorchester SouthDorchester South station, Station Approach, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 1QX
City-centre transport
Getting to Dorchester South from Dorchester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Weymouth Avenue
Dorchester South train station facilities and services
Dorchester South has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester South.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dorchester South.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dorchester South.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dorchester South: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dorchester South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester South: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 Station. Some step-free access to all platforms - please check details - Ramp to Platform 1 at approx 1:14 gradient (to London) via Booking Hall, or level via car park (1 step via side gate next to Booking Hall when closed). Ramp at approx 1:20 to Platform 2 (to Weymouth) from separate entrance. Interchange via street over 1km so no reasonable step-free access between platforms, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Dorchester WestDorchester West station, Damers Road, Dorchester, Dorset, DT1 2LB
City-centre transport
Getting to Dorchester West from Dorchester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesFront of the station
Dorchester West train station facilities and services
Dorchester West has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dorchester West.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dorchester West: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dorchester West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dorchester West: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station - “Some step-free access to all platforms.”- This station has a degree of step free access to the platforms. Access between platforms is via a stepped footbridge. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Dorchester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dorchester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Dorchester
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