- Must visit
Towner Eastbourne
Modern art gallery with changing exhibitions, Towner collection displays and strong links to Sussex artists and culture.
Cheapest price on 04 Sept
£59
Average ticket price on 04 Sept
£78
Fastest journey on 04 Sept
4 h 28 m
Average journey duration on 04 Sept
4 h 32 m
Trains on 04 Sept
4
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Eastbourne is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Eastbourne will cost around £78 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £59.
On Fri 04 Sept, we found 4 trains from Cardiff to Eastbourne, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 4 h 32 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 28 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 38 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.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Eastbourne among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £71 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 9m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £71, while a train costs an average of £71.
Distance: 254 km
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£71 Average Price Cheapest | £55 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 30m sooner (3h 39m by train vs 4h 9m by car). Tickets start at around £71 compared to roughly £55 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Eastbourne trains for tomorrow, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:49 Cardiff | 4h28 | 13:17 Eastbourne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:18 Cardiff | 4h33 | 13:51 Eastbourne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:49 Cardiff | 4h28 | 14:17 Eastbourne | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 10:13 Cardiff | 4h38 | 14:51 Eastbourne | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare 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 Eastbourne run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:49, the last at 20:05. The fastest train covers the 254 km distance in 4h 27m.
Distance 254 km |
Average train duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 27m |
First train 4:49 |
Last train 20:05 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of Eastbourne — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Eastbourne trip today.
Modern art gallery with changing exhibitions, Towner collection displays and strong links to Sussex artists and culture.
Local history museum in a manor house, covering Eastbourne's past through archaeology, objects and changing displays.
Military museum inside the Redoubt, showing uniforms, weapons and stories linked to coastal defence and wartime Eastbourne.
Dramatic chalk headland with lighthouse views and coastal walks. One of the area's signature landscapes and photo spots.
Long seafront promenade backed by gardens, hotels and theatres. Ideal for walking, people-watching and classic resort views.
Formal gardens beside the seafront with ponds, lawns and flowerbeds. A relaxing green space near theatres and galleries.
A classic seaside supper of battered white fish with chips. Eastbourne’s coastal setting makes it a staple local treat, often eaten fresh by the seafront.
Native or rock oysters served raw or dressed. Sussex and nearby Channel waters have a long shellfish tradition, making oysters a notable local delicacy.
Crab landed on the Sussex coast, often served simply in sandwiches or salads. It is valued for its sweet flavour and strong connection to local fishing.
Smart restaurant close to the seafront, known for seasonal British dishes, careful cooking and a calm fine-dining atmosphere.
Long-established seafront Italian restaurant serving pizza, pasta and seafood in a lively, classic dining room.
Stylish seafront bistro known for seafood, grills and modern British cooking in a relaxed setting with sea views.
Eastbourne is moderate for UK seaside breaks, with mid-priced hotels, typical restaurant costs and low local bus fares, though summer and seafront stays cost more.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafés.
Official public transport app
Eastbourne Station -> Eastbourne Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Eastbourne 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 Eastbourne, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Eastbourne trains use the Cardiff Central to Eastbourne station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Eastbourne 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.
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Eastbourne has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Eastbourne.
Wi-Fi is available at Eastbourne. ATMs are available at Eastbourne.
Ticket office support is available at Eastbourne.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Eastbourne: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Eastbourne: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Eastbourne: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free access to all platforms. Assistance Meeting Point is on the concourse. This station doesn't have tactile surfaces along all platform edges. Please pay attention to where the platform surface changes from smooth to paved or contact us for assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All Southern ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself 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: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need