- Must visit
National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool
A living-history museum with recreated waterfront scenes, costumed interpreters and the full-sized warship HMS Trincomalee.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£216
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£216
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
6 h 7 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
6 h 7 m
Trains on 18 Sept
1
Distance
380 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Hartlepool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Hartlepool will cost around £216 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £216.
On Fri 18 Sept, we found 1 trains from Cardiff to Hartlepool, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 380 km distance in an average of 6 h 7 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 7 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 7 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 Hartlepool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £61, while a train costs an average of £86.
Distance: 380 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£86 Average Price | £61 Average Price Cheapest | £77 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 20m Average total duration Fastest 5h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration 8h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Hartlepool:
A coach is £25 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Hartlepool costing on average £86.
Other travel options to Hartlepool take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 11m.
Tickets start at around £86 compared to roughly £77 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-8.60. The journey takes 5h 50m versus 5h 26m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Hartlepool trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:45 Cardiff | 6h07 | 13:52 Hartlepool | 2 changes | |
![]() | 9:45 Cardiff | 6h06 | 15:51 Hartlepool | 2 changes | |
![]() | 10:10 Cardiff | 5h41 | 15:51 Hartlepool | 3 changes | |
![]() | 11:45 Cardiff | 6h07 | 17:52 Hartlepool | 2 changes | |
![]() | 13:45 Cardiff | 6h08 | 19:53 Hartlepool | 2 changes | |
![]() | 14:10 Cardiff | 5h43 | 19:53 Hartlepool | 3 changes | |
![]() | 16:45 Cardiff | 5h41 | 22:26 Hartlepool | 2 changes | |
![]() | 17:10 Cardiff | 5h16 | 22:26 Hartlepool | 3 changes | |
![]() | 21:45 Cardiff | 13h24 | 11:09 Hartlepool | 2 changes | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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 Hartlepool run on average 3 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £86 but you can travel from only £53 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 18:00. The fastest train covers the 380 km distance in 7h 9m.
Distance 380 km |
Average train duration 5h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price £86 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 7h 9m |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 18:00 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Discover the best of Hartlepool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hartlepool trip today.
A living-history museum with recreated waterfront scenes, costumed interpreters and the full-sized warship HMS Trincomalee.
A naval museum ship at Hartlepool’s historic quay, offering insight into life aboard a 19th-century Royal Navy frigate.
A local military museum in a coastal battery, featuring artillery, wartime artefacts and stories of Hartlepool’s bombardment.
The historic old quarter of Hartlepool, known for sea views, older streets, heritage sites and a distinct local character.
A regenerated marina district with waterside walks, boats, public spaces and easy access to Hartlepool’s main visitor attractions.
A long sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, coastal views and easy access to the seafront and Headland.
A Teesside staple of minced beef and onions in gravy under mashed potato. Filling pub fare long eaten across Hartlepool and nearby industrial towns.
Battered or breaded haddock or cod with chips, tied to Hartlepool’s fishing and seaside culture. Best enjoyed hot with salt, vinegar and mushy peas.
Shredded suet pudding of beef, onions and stock wrapped in cloth. A classic North East comfort dish linked with Sunday dinners and working-class cooking.
Well-known seafront fish and chip shop and restaurant serving classic British seaside fare in a casual setting.
Stylish Indian restaurant known locally for curries and tandoori dishes, with polished service and a comfortable dining room.
Popular marina restaurant for seafood, steaks and grills in a smart but relaxed waterside setting.
Hartlepool is generally cheaper than larger UK city breaks, with modest hotel rates, affordable meals and low local transport costs for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares if helpful. Cafes usually do not expect tips, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Hartlepool Rail Station -> Hartlepool Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Hartlepool 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 Hartlepool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Hartlepool trains use the Cardiff Central to Hartlepool station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Hartlepool 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.
Grangetown is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Grangetown 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 Grangetown.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Grangetown: Parking.
Available at Grangetown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Grangetown: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. The station platforms are only accessible by stairs, 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.
Hartlepool has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Hartlepool.
Ticket office support is available at Hartlepool.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Hartlepool: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Hartlepool: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Hartlepool: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A station, There is only one platform and no major access difficulties. Step free access from car park to station entrance. Approximately 70 unmarked spaces, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, 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