- Recommended
Guildford Museum
Town museum covering Guildford’s history, archaeology and crafts in historic buildings near the castle. A practical starting point for local heritage.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Guildford
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 19 Sept
Cheapest price on 19 Sept
£61
Average ticket price on 19 Sept
£61
Fastest journey on 19 Sept
2 h 12 m
Average journey duration on 19 Sept
2 h 27 m
Trains on 19 Sept
6
Distance
183 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Guildford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Guildford will cost around £61 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £61.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Guildford you need to make at least one change.
W35184 · C4235212:202h12Cardiff Central (CDF)14:32Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change- W35181 · C4235011:202h12Cardiff Central (CDF)13:32Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- W35172 · C423458:232h46Cardiff Central (CDF)11:09Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- C42289 · C423479:192h50Cardiff Central (CDF)12:09Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- C42256 · W34475 · C423468:273h05Cardiff Central (CDF)11:32Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way2 changes
- W35184 · C4235212:202h12Cardiff Central (CDF)14:32Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- W35181 · C4235011:202h12Cardiff Central (CDF)13:32Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- C42290 · C4234810:202h14Cardiff Central (CDF)12:34Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- W35172 · C423458:232h46Cardiff Central (CDF)11:09Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
- C42289 · C423479:192h50Cardiff Central (CDF)12:09Guildford station (GLD)£611One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Guildford
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Guildford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a train costs an average of £51.
Distance: 183 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£51 Average Price | £26 Average Price Cheapest | £37 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 40m Average total duration Fastest 2h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 23m Average total duration 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Guildford is a coach with an average price of £26.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Guildford:
A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Guildford costing on average £65.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Guildford is by train with an average journey time of 2h 20m.
Other travel options to Guildford take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Guildford including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (2h 20m by train vs 2h 45m by car). Tickets start at around £65 compared to roughly £37 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Guildford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Guildford trains for tomorrow, Saturday 19 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W35172 · C42345 | 8:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h46 | 11:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
| C42256 · W34475 · C42346 | 8:27 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h05 | 11:32 Guildford station (GLD) | 2 changes | |
| C42289 · C42347 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h50 | 12:09 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
| C42290 · C42348 | 10:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h14 | 12:34 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
| W35181 · C42350 | 11:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h12 | 13:32 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
| W35184 · C42352 | 12:20 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h12 | 14:32 Guildford station (GLD) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Guildford 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.
Sat
19 Sept
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
23 Sept
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24 Sept
24 Sept
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25 Sept
25 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Guildford trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Guildford.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Guildford.
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 Guildford.
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 Guildford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Guildford
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Guildford run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:43. The fastest train covers the 183 km distance in 2h 12m.
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 £19
Distance 183 km |
Average train duration 2h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price £30 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 12m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 22:43 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £19
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Guildford trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Guildford from £19. 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 12m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£30
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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 11m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£123
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Guildford
Things to do in Guildford
Discover the best of Guildford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Guildford trip today.
- Recommended
Guildford House Gallery
Arts and crafts house museum with period interiors, garden and changing displays. It offers insight into domestic life and local collecting.
- Recommended
Shalford Mill
Working watermill on the River Wey with milling machinery, flour production and guided interpretation. It combines industrial history with a riverside setting.
- Must visit
High Street
Guildford’s steep cobbled main street lined with historic buildings, independent shops and familiar landmarks. Ideal for exploring the town centre on foot.
- Recommended
River Wey Navigation
Riverside walking area with locks, boats and towpaths. It is one of the town’s most relaxing spots for a stroll close to the centre.
- Recommended
Guildford Castle Grounds
Open green space around the castle with flower beds, lawns and seating. A pleasant central pause with views and easy access to nearby heritage sites.
- Gluten-free
Surrey Ham
A Surrey ham cured and baked with a sweet spice glaze. Long linked with county cookery and often served cold in pubs or at festive tables.
- Gluten-free
Norbury Blue
A soft white cheese from nearby villages in Surrey. Traditionally eaten fresh with bread or salads and valued as a historic local farmhouse cheese.
Steak and Kidney Pudding
A rich steamed suet pudding filled with steak and kidney. A classic Surrey and wider English pub dish, hearty and traditional in cold weather.
Turkish Kitchen
Well-known Turkish restaurant with charcoal-grilled meats, meze and warm service. Smart casual and good for groups or family meals.
Raviz
Refined modern British dining in a polished riverside setting. Known for tasting menus and carefully presented seasonal dishes.
Positano
Popular local spot for sourdough pizza and relaxed drinks. Casual atmosphere with reliable pizzas, small plates and a lively crowd.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for southern England: rooms and dining cost more than many UK towns, but local buses and casual eats keep short stays manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Surrey Connect
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £2.00
To the city centre
Guildford Railway Station -> Guildford Friary Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Guildford Park and Ride fares on the official Surrey County Council page show £2.00 single and £2.00 day return from 14 July 2025; check that page before travel.
- Bus fares in Guildford vary by operator and route. If you need rail station onward travel information, use the official National Rail Guildford station page.
FAQs: Cardiff to Guildford train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Guildford 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 Guildford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Guildford can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £59, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Cardiff to Guildford covers a distance of 183 km and takes approximately 2h 0m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Guildford is 183 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Guildford leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Guildford departs at 22:43.
Trains from Cardiff to Guildford run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Guildford.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Guildford.
To get from Cardiff to Guildford, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Guildford.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Guildford is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Guildford station (GLD).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Guildford is by coach, costing approximately £19.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Guildford 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 Guildford offers varied scenery, including picturesque views of the Welsh countryside and the rolling hills of southern England, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
A day trip from Cardiff to Guildford is not feasible due to the journey time of 2h 0m. However, there are 6 trains available per day.
Two to three days in Guildford is ideal to explore its historic sites, enjoy local dining, and experience the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Guildford.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Guildford
Most Cardiff to Guildford trains use the Cardiff Central to Guildford station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Guildford 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 Guildford
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 Guildford station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Guildford arrive at Guildford. Guildford is 1 km from Guildford city centre.
GuildfordGuildford station, Station Approach, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 4UT
City-centre transport
Getting to Guildford from Guildford city centre
Bus53 · 2m · £2
18 · 16m · £2 · every ~2 min
Guildford train station facilities and services
Guildford has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Guildford.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Guildford.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Guildford.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Guildford: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Guildford: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Guildford: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: There is level access to the booking hall and all platforms from the main entrance in Walnut Tree Close. There is no step free access from the Guildford Park Road entrance. There is step free access to and interchange between all platforms via steep ramps. A staff operated powered wheelchair is available for customers. Please speak to a member of staff or our Assisted Travel team, Accessible taxis: The taxi rank is located outside the main station entrance (platform 2), 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: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Guildford
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Guildford and Cardiff
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