- Must visit
Secret Wartime Tunnels
Interactive wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle covering evacuation, defence and command operations. A compelling underground experience.
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 prices starting from £15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. 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 £15, and a train costs an average of £35.
Distance: 314 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 23m Average total duration 6h 53m 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 table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Dover trains for today, Saturday 8 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:20 Cardiff | 3h53 | 15:13 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:35 Cardiff | 4h38 | 16:13 Dover | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Dover run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 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 53m.
Distance 314 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 53m |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 20:49 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Dover — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dover trip today.
Interactive wartime tunnels beneath Dover Castle covering evacuation, defence and command operations. A compelling underground experience.
Museum inside Dover Museum displaying the Bronze Age Boat and local archaeology. Essential for the town’s deep maritime history.
Specialist museum on Dover’s maritime, military and social history, run by local volunteers. A good lesser-known stop near the seafront.
Famous chalk cliff viewpoint with sweeping Channel panoramas and coastal paths. One of Dover’s signature outdoor experiences.
Historic fortifications and paths above town with big views, tunnels and dramatic earthworks. A rewarding area for walkers and history fans.
Clifftop reserve and walking area near South Foreland Lighthouse, known for sea views, birdlife and open coastal scenery.
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.
Native oysters from the Kent coast, often served raw with lemon. They reflect Dover’s long maritime and shellfish traditions.
A rich fish stew from nearby Kent ports, made with mixed white fish and shellfish. It showcases the day’s coastal catch.
Popular harbour-side seafood restaurant known for fish and chips, grilled fish and casual waterside dining.
Historic hotel restaurant with British and European cooking, suited to a quieter meal near Dover Castle.
Smart brasserie in the seafront hotel serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a polished setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Dover Priory -> Dover Town Centre
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.

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.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options are available at Dover Priory.
ATMs are available at Dover Priory.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dover Priory: Parking, WC.
Available at Dover Priory: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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