Cardiff to Holyhead train with Transport for Wales

Fri 23 Oct
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Holyhead

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Oct

Cheapest price on 23 Oct

£87

Average ticket price on 23 Oct

£100

Fastest journey on 23 Oct

4 h 49 m

Average journey duration on 23 Oct

4 h 56 m

Trains on 23 Oct

6

Distance

226 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Holyhead is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Holyhead will cost around £100 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £87.

Fast trains

On Fri 23 Oct, we found 6 trains from Cardiff to Holyhead, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 226 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 49 m .

The slowest trains will take 5 h 4 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.

  • Transport for WalesG39035
    13:234h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    18:12Holyhead station (HHD)
    £871One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG39037
    15:234h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    20:12Holyhead station (HHD)
    £871One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38955 · G38641 · G38393
    13:535h47
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:40Holyhead station (HHD)
    £911One-way
    2 changes
  • Transport for WalesY63472 · G38371
    16:164h59
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    21:15Holyhead station (HHD)
    £1001One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38957+Avanti West CoastW34276
    15:515h04
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    20:55Holyhead station (HHD)
    £1191One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Holyhead

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Holyhead run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 if you book in advance.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:21, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 226 km distance in 4h 36m.

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
Distance
226 km
Average train duration
4h 49m
Cheapest ticket price
£44
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
4h 36m
First train
4:21
Last train
21:35
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Sun
Least Busy Day
Sat
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

Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Holyhead trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Holyhead.

The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Holyhead can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £77.
The train journey from Cardiff to Holyhead covers a distance of 226 km and takes approximately 4h 36m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Holyhead is 226 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Holyhead leaves at 4:21.
The last train from Cardiff to Holyhead departs at 21:35.
Trains from Cardiff to Holyhead run approximately 7 times per day.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Holyhead. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.

Live departures

Cardiff to Holyhead train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Holyhead trains for tomorrow, Friday 23 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG39035
On time
13:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h49
18:12 Holyhead station (HHD)
0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38955 · G38641 · G38393
On time
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h47
19:40 Holyhead station (HHD)
2 changes
Transport for WalesG38955+Avanti West CoastW33928
On time
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h01
18:54 Holyhead station (HHD)
1 change
Transport for WalesG3903715:23 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h49
20:12 Holyhead station (HHD)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38957+Avanti West CoastW34276
On time
15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF)
5h04
20:55 Holyhead station (HHD)
1 change
Transport for WalesY63472 · G3837116:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h59
21:15 Holyhead station (HHD)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Holyhead trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Cardiff to Holyhead.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Holyhead.

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Holyhead.
  • 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.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Holyhead.

Train companies: Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast from Cardiff to Holyhead trainsTransport for Wales, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Cardiff and Holyhead from £44. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
4h 36m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£44
Transport for Wales frequency
7 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
5h 0m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£48
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Holyhead

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Holyhead.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Holyhead.

Complete guide to Holyhead

Things to do in Holyhead

Discover the best of Holyhead — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Holyhead trip today.

  • Recommended

Holyhead Maritime Museum

Local museum covering Holyhead's archaeology, maritime heritage and social history, set beside St Cybi's Church in the old town.

  • Recommended

South Stack Cliffs Visitor Centre

RSPB visitor centre with interpretation displays about seabirds, cliffs and migration, useful before walking the South Stack reserve.

South Stack Lighthouse Engine Room Exhibition

Former lighthouse engine room with exhibits on lighthouse technology and island life, visited alongside the South Stack tower.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels can rise in peak ferry periods, but casual dining and local transport are usually manageable for most travellers.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for a coffee.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Cafes: rounding up is fine. Taxis: round up or tip about 10% for good service.

Plan your visit to Holyhead

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Holyhead.

The train journey from Cardiff to Holyhead is indeed scenic, offering passengers views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and the stunning coastline as the route follows much of the North Wales coast.

FAQs: Cardiff to Holyhead train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Holyhead 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 Holyhead, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Booking trains from Cardiff to Holyhead in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Holyhead.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Holyhead

Most Cardiff to Holyhead trains use the Cardiff Central to Holyhead station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Holyhead 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 Holyhead
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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.

Train stations for Cardiff to Holyhead

Check train stations information for Cardiff and Holyhead, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Cardiff that goes to Holyhead is Cardiff Central, and it arrives at Holyhead.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Holyhead

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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