Cardiff to Dublin train

Trains from Cardiff to Dublin

Many travellers each year make the trip from the Welsh capital to the Irish capital. Unfortunately, you cannot travel all the way to Dublin from Cardiff by train as part of the journey must be taken oversea on a ferry. However, you can find trains from Cardiff to the port city of Holyhead where you can book connecting journeys on the ferry from Holyhead to Dublin. Trains depart from Cardiff twice a day roughly 12h apart. They run every day of the week, except Sundays, and take roughly 5h to arrive in Holyhead. From Holyhead it takes roughly 3h 15min to arrive in Dublin and there are around four departures each day.

Cardiff to Dublin Train Time: Daily Departures

Trains depart from Cardiff to Dublin via Holyhead twice a day. There is a morning departure at roughly 7:50 a.m. and an evening departure at roughly 7:34 p.m. Trains run every day of the week except Sundays. The ferries from Holyhead to Dublin depart roughly four times a day. There is an early morning departure at roughly 2:15 a.m., two day departures at around 9:00 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. and a night departure at 8:30 p.m.

How long is the journey by train from Cardiff to Dublin?

The journey from Cardiff to Dublin by train is made up of two legs. The first leg of the journey is completed by train. With the trains usually departing from Cardiff Central station and arriving in Holyhead station, this leg of the journey usually takes roughly 5h. The second leg of the journey is completed by ferry. The ferry usually departs from the Port of Holyhead and arrives at Dublin Port. This usually takes roughly 3h 15min. The Port of Holyhead is very close to Holyhead station but note that the stopover time is usually around 2h 30min, taking your total travel time to roughly 9h 45min. Remember to factor in the time it will take you to get to the station in Cardiff and the time it will take to arrive at your final destination in Dublin.

Dublin Students Trinity College. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Cardiff to Dublin?

Departure train station: The main departure station is the Cardiff Central Station. It has self service ticket machines, baby change tables and a wheelchair ramp for boarding is available if needed. The station has step free access for platforms zero through eight. A first class lounge is located near Platform one. The station is located in the heart of Cardiff, it is just a roughly 3min walk from the city centre to the station.

Arrival train station: The arrival train station is Dublin Port. Ireland's main port, it is located roughly 5min from the Dublin city centre by car. Buses and taxis are available directly from the port and there is a tram stop opposite the entrance. There is a coffee shop near the arrivals area as well as a number of vending machines located throughout the port, so you'll be able to get something to eat and drink after your long journey from Cardiff.

Which train companies travel from Cardiff to Dublin?

Arriva Trains Wales, operates the trains that provide the first leg of the journey from Cardiff to Dublin. Their trains depart twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. They don't run on Sundays, but do run every other day of the week. Stena Line operates the ferries that take you from Holyhead and into Dublin. Their ferries depart four times a day, every day of the week.

Arriva Trains Wales trains from Cardiff to Dublin

Arriva Trains Wales trains cannot take you directly from Cardiff to Dublin, but they will take you as close as you can get. As they arrive at Holyhead Station it is very easy to walk across the station to the Port where you can catch the ferry to Dublin. The total trip takes roughly 9h 45min and the Arriva Wales Trains leg of the trip takes roughly 3h 15min. Their trains run twice daily, once at around 7:50 a.m. and again at around 7:34 p.m.

Train Cardiff to Dublin: Services on Board

Arriva Trains Wales has a number of services on board to help your trip run extra smooth. They have at seat catering, bringing you refreshments, snacks and meals as the journey goes on. Some of these are scheduled and some can be booked or ordered ahead of time. Arriva Trains Wales trains can carry bicycles, however, they can usually only carry two on each train, you can reserve a spot for your bicycle as soon as you have reserved your ticket. Their trains have folding seating sections, providing extra space for wheelchair users, or young children in pushchairs.

Passenger assistance can be booked ahead of your trip and assistance can be provided in both boarding and alighting the train. Onboard the ferry you can book your own private suite with a bed, television and ensuite. Alternatively, the Hygge Lounge is a space to relax on large, reclining seats. Free movies and Wi-Fi mean there's plenty of entertainment to be found on board, especially for restless young kids. With a range of snacks and meals as well as a bar and cafe serving barista coffee, you can be sure you'll be well fed and rested when you arrive in Dublin.

How to find cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Dublin?

As there are just two providers covering a single trip from Cardiff to Dublin the best way to find cheaper train tickets will be to stay flexible with your travel plans. You may be able to find cheaper tickets on a specific day or one departure time may be different to another. When travelling from Cardiff to Dublin you may also be able to find cheaper tickets if you take a ferry that requires you to wait longer at the station after arriving by train. Additionally, tickets will be cheaper if you travel Standard on the train and Economy on the ferry.

Dublin Park Cathedral St.Patrick. Source: Shutterstock

To Dublin by train—travel tips

Dublin is a large city filled with history. The Kilmainham Gaol Museum is a unique museum providing a glimpse into what life was once like in this 19th century prison. The Guinness Storehouse is a classic visit for any first time Dublin tourist, exploring the history and technology behind the city's famous export, even those who aren't a fan of the Irish beer will enjoy making their way up the seven-storey storehouse.

Dublin is filled with numerous bars and restaurants that any visitor will enjoy. The city has Michelin starred restaurants including Delahaunt near Iveagh gardens and Mr. Fox Restaurant in Parnell Square. For breakfast Two Pups Coffee is a renowned cafe with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

To get a little nature in, St Stephens Green is a large park in the heart of the city, spot some swans or wander around the park keeping an eye out for performers. Something of a hidden gem, The Little Museum of Dublin located in St Stephens Green is famous for its short 29min tours of its eclectic collection of Irish history that will spark any visitors interest.