- Must visit
Secret Wartime Tunnels
Interactive wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle covering evacuation, defence and command operations. A compelling underground experience.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Dover
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept
Cheapest price on 23 Sept
£58
Average ticket price on 23 Sept
£61
Fastest journey on 23 Sept
4 h 1 m
Average journey duration on 23 Sept
4 h 5 m
Trains on 23 Sept
4
Distance
314 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Dover is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Dover will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
Fast trains
On Wed 23 Sept, we found 4 trains from Cardiff to Dover, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 314 km distance in an average of 4 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 1 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 8 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.
9:504h05Cardiff13:55Dover£581One-way0 changes- 9:494h08Cardiff13:57Dover£621One-way0 changes
- 10:504h05Cardiff14:55Dover£621One-way0 changes
- 10:134h01Cardiff14:14Dover£621One-way0 changes
- 10:134h01Cardiff14:14Dover£621One-way0 changes
- 10:504h05Cardiff14:55Dover£621One-way0 changes
- 9:504h05Cardiff13:55Dover£581One-way0 changes
- 9:494h08Cardiff13:57Dover£621One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Dover
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Dover among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £35 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 8m. 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 £35, while a train costs an average of £82.
Distance: 314 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£82 Average Price | £35 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 8m Average total duration Fastest 3h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 42m Average total duration 7h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Dover is a coach with an average price of £35.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Dover:
A coach is £47 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Dover costing on average £82.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Dover is by train with an average journey time of 3h 38m.
Other travel options to Dover take longer:
Coach takes on average 7h 12m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Dover including taking a coach and train.
Live departures
Cardiff to Dover train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Dover trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20:18 Cardiff | 3h55 | 0:13 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 23 September | |||||
| 9:49 Cardiff | 4h08 | 13:57 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:50 Cardiff | 4h05 | 13:55 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:13 Cardiff | 4h01 | 14:14 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:50 Cardiff | 4h05 | 14:55 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Dover 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.
Wed
23 Sept
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29 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Dover trains with Omio?
Southeastern as well as Great Western Railway offer trains services from Cardiff to Dover.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Dover.
Why book with Omio vs Southeastern?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Southeastern, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Dover.
- 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 Southeastern with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Dover.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Dover.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Dover.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Dover
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Dover run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 20:49. The fastest train covers the 314 km distance in 3h 10m.
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 £15
Distance 314 km |
Average train duration 3h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 20:49 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 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 £15
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Southeastern from Cardiff to Dover trainsGreat Western Railway, Southeastern trains will get you between Cardiff and Dover from £15. 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
3h 10m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£44
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
Southeastern
About
Southeastern is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London to Kent, Sussex, Surrey and parts of East Anglia. It runs services from early morning until late at night, seven days a week. Southeastern has a range of train types, including high-speed Javelin trains, commuter-friendly Metro services, and the classic InterCity services. Ticket types include Advance, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Anytime tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Southeastern are London to Kent, London to Eastbourne, and London to Hastings.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Southeastern Duration
4h 33m
Cheapest Southeastern Price
£68
Southeastern frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small hand luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at the end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps for boarding
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Dover
Things to do in Dover
Discover the best of Dover — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dover trip today.
- Recommended
Dover Museum
Museum inside Dover Museum displaying the Bronze Age Boat and local archaeology. Essential for the town’s deep maritime history.
Dover Transport Museum
Specialist museum on Dover’s maritime, military and social history, run by local volunteers. A good lesser-known stop near the seafront.
- Must visit
White Cliffs of Dover
Famous chalk cliff viewpoint with sweeping Channel panoramas and coastal paths. One of Dover’s signature outdoor experiences.
- Recommended
Western Heights
Historic fortifications and paths above town with big views, tunnels and dramatic earthworks. A rewarding area for walkers and history fans.
- Recommended
South Foreland
Clifftop reserve and walking area near South Foreland Lighthouse, known for sea views, birdlife and open coastal scenery.
- Gluten-free
Dover Sole
Fresh Dover sole, usually grilled or pan-fried with lemon and butter. Landed on the Kent coast, it is the town’s best-known seafood speciality.
- Gluten-free
Kent Oysters
Native oysters from the Kent coast, often served raw with lemon. They reflect Dover’s long maritime and shellfish traditions.
Kent Fish Stew
A rich fish stew from nearby Kent ports, made with mixed white fish and shellfish. It showcases the day’s coastal catch.
Cullins Yard
Popular harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fish and chips, grilled fish and casual waterside dining.
The White Cliffs Hotel Restaurant
Historic hotel restaurant with British and European cooking, suited to a quieter meal near Dover Castle.
Mr White's English Chophouse
Smart brasserie in the seafront hotel serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a polished setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually a little cheaper than London, while local buses and casual meals remain manageable for most tourists.
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
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip about 10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi fares can be rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Stagecoach Bus App
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2
- Day pass
- £5
To the city centre
Dover Priory -> Dover Town Centre
- Distance
- 500 m
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless payment is available on all Stagecoach buses in Dover.
- Dover Priory is about 500 m west of Dover town centre, so walking is practical for many central destinations.
FAQs: Cardiff to Dover train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Dover 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 Dover, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Dover can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £82.
The train journey from Cardiff to Dover covers a distance of 314 km and takes approximately 3h 10m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Dover is 314 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Dover leaves at 4:25.
The last train from Cardiff to Dover departs at 20:49.
Trains from Cardiff to Dover run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Dover.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Dover.
To get from Cardiff to Dover, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Dover.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Dover is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Dover Priory (DVP).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Dover is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Dover 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 Dover offers varied scenery, ranging from the rolling hills and countryside of South Wales to the more urban landscapes as you approach London, followed by views of the Kent countryside.
A day trip from Cardiff to Dover is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 10m. There are 6 train trips available per day. The distance is 314 km.
In Dover, visitors can explore the historic Dover Castle with its medieval tunnels and panoramic views of the English Channel. The iconic White Cliffs of Dover offer scenic walking trails and stunning coastal vistas. For history enthusiasts, the Dover Museum showcases the town's history, including exhibits on the Bronze Age boat, while the Roman Painted House displays ancient Roman wall paintings. Samphire Hoe provides a unique nature reserve for walking and wildlife spotting. Additionally, you can explore the Dover Western Heights, take a boat tour to view the White Cliffs from the sea, visit the Dover Transport Museum, enjoy the picturesque Kearsney Abbey Gardens, and discover the South Foreland Lighthouse with guided tours and coastal views.
For a comprehensive visit, spending 2 to 3 days in Dover should suffice. This allows time to explore key attractions such as Dover Castle, the White Cliffs, and the Dover Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Dover.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Dover
Most Cardiff to Dover trains use the Cardiff Central to Dover Priory station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Dover 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 Dover
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 Dover station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Dover arrive at Dover Priory. Dover Priory is 1 km from Dover city centre.
Dover PrioryDover Priory station, Station Approach, off Folkestone Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Dover Priory from Dover city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt
Dover Priory train station facilities and services
Dover Priory has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dover Priory.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Dover Priory.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dover Priory. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dover Priory: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dover Priory: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dover Priory: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs via booking hall, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: At the front of the station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Dover
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Dover and Cardiff
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