- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Holyhead
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Sept
Cheapest price on 08 Sept
£63
Average ticket price on 08 Sept
£75
Fastest journey on 08 Sept
4 h 44 m
Average journey duration on 08 Sept
4 h 50 m
Trains on 08 Sept
12
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 £75 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.
Fast trains
On Tue 08 Sept, we found 12 trains from Cardiff to Holyhead, including 4 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 226 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 44 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 1 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.
G38950 · G38413+
W342569:535h47Cardiff Central (CDF)15:40Holyhead station (HHD)£631One-way2 changes- G38950 · G38361 · G384139:535h47Cardiff Central (CDF)15:40Holyhead station (HHD)£661One-way2 changes
- G38950 · G38631 · G384139:535h47Cardiff Central (CDF)15:40Holyhead station (HHD)£741One-way2 changes
- G3903211:234h49Cardiff Central (CDF)16:12Holyhead station (HHD)£741One-way0 changes
- G390279:234h44Cardiff Central (CDF)14:07Holyhead station (HHD)£741One-way0 changes
- G390279:234h44Cardiff Central (CDF)14:07Holyhead station (HHD)£741One-way0 changes
- G3903211:234h49Cardiff Central (CDF)16:12Holyhead station (HHD)£741One-way0 changes
- G3903513:234h49Cardiff Central (CDF)18:12Holyhead station (HHD)£821One-way0 changes
- G3903715:234h49Cardiff Central (CDF)20:12Holyhead station (HHD)£741One-way0 changes
- G38955+W3392813:535h01Cardiff Central (CDF)18:54Holyhead station (HHD)£801One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Holyhead
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Holyhead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £61 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 22m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £61, while a train costs an average of £61.
Distance: 226 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£61 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 22m Average total duration Fastest 4h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Holyhead is a train with an average price of £61.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Holyhead is by train with an average journey time of 4h 52m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Holyhead.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £61 compared to roughly £51 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.16. The journey takes 4h 52m versus 4h 44m 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Holyhead train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Holyhead trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 8 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G39027 | 9:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h44 | 14:07 Holyhead station (HHD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38950 · G38361 · G38413 | 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h47 | 15:40 Holyhead station (HHD) | 2 changes | |
| G38950 · G38631 · G38413 | 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h47 | 15:40 Holyhead station (HHD) | 2 changes | |
| G38950 · G38413+W34256 | 9:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h47 | 15:40 Holyhead station (HHD) | 2 changes | |
| G39032 | 11:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h49 | 16:12 Holyhead station (HHD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38953 · G38637 · G38417 | 11:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h55 | 17:48 Holyhead station (HHD) | 2 changes | |
| G39035 | 13:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h49 | 18:12 Holyhead station (HHD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38955 · G38641 · G38393 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h47 | 19:40 Holyhead station (HHD) | 2 changes | |
| G38955+W33928 | 13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h01 | 18:54 Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 change | |
| G38991+W33906 | 14:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h04 | 19:54 Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 change | |
| G39037 | 15:23 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h49 | 20:12 Holyhead station (HHD) | 0 changesdirect | |
| G38957+W34276 | 15:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h04 | 20:55 Holyhead station (HHD) | 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 Holyhead by train
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.
Tue
08 Sept
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept
11 Sept
Sat
12 Sept
12 Sept
Sun
13 Sept
13 Sept
Mon
14 Sept
14 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Holyhead trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as Transport for Wales 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 Transport for Wales 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Holyhead
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Holyhead run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 if you book in advance.
There are 3 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 44m.
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 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 4:21 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Holyhead from £40. 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 44m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£40
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
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
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.
- Must visit
South Stack Cliffs
Dramatic coastal reserve with cliffs, seabirds, lighthouse views and well-marked walking routes on the edge of Holyhead Mountain.
- Recommended
Holyhead Breakwater Country Park
Harbour-side country park with quarry scenery, easy trails, birdlife and access towards the long Victorian breakwater.
- Recommended
Holyhead Mountain
High hill walk above town with ancient hut circles, rough paths and some of the best panoramic views over Holyhead and the Irish Sea.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Welsh rarebit is toasted bread covered with a rich cheese, mustard and ale sauce, a classic Welsh comfort food long served in pubs and homes.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
Cawl is a traditional Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables, valued as a hearty everyday dish across north Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
Bara brith is a spiced Welsh tea loaf packed with dried fruit, traditionally served sliced with butter alongside tea.
The Harbourfront Bistro
Popular harbour-side pub and restaurant serving seafood, grills and classic pub meals in a relaxed setting near the marina.
Trearddur Bay Hotel
Established hotel restaurant and bar offering Welsh dishes, seafood and Sunday roasts in a traditional, comfortable setting.
The Stanley Arms
Well-known town-centre café and restaurant for generous breakfasts, lunches and homemade cakes in a friendly casual atmosphere.
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.
TfW
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- :null
- Day pass
- :null
To the city centre
Holyhead Station -> Holyhead Market Hall, Holyhead
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Holyhead Station is just under a 10-minute walk from the town centre.
- Check Isle of Anglesey bus timetables before travel, as local services and fares are operator-specific.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Holyhead can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £40, while the average price tends to be around £61.
The train journey from Cardiff to Holyhead covers a distance of 226 km and takes approximately 4h 44m. 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.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Holyhead.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Holyhead. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales, Transport for Wales.
To travel from Cardiff to Holyhead, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Holyhead.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Holyhead is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Holyhead station (HHD).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Holyhead is by train, costing approximately £40.
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.
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.
A day trip from Cardiff to Holyhead is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 44m. Trains run 6 times per day covering a distance of 226 km.
In Holyhead, you can enjoy the Anglesey Coastal Path for stunning coastal walks and breathtaking landscapes. Visit the bustling Holyhead Port to watch ferries and ships, and explore the local shops and cafes in the town centre. You can also take a boat tour to see the rugged coastline and nearby islands, or enjoy fishing and water sports in the surrounding waters. For sightseeing, don't miss the South Stack Lighthouse with its panoramic views, the Holyhead Maritime Museum, Holyhead Breakwater Country Park, and the historic St Cybi's Church. The Ucheldre Centre offers cultural experiences with art exhibitions and performances.
A visit to Holyhead can be comfortably enjoyed over 2 to 3 days, allowing time to explore local attractions like the South Stack Lighthouse, the Holyhead Maritime Museum, and the stunning coastal walking routes.
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 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.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cardiff BayCardiff Bay station, Bute Street, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 5LE
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Bay from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Bay is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Cardiff Bay, Pontypridd - Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Queen Street - Cardiff Bay, Radyr - Cardiff Bay · 3m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
Bus6, 305, Sky · 9m · £4 · every ~10 min
Cardiff Bay train station facilities and services
Cardiff Bay has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Bay.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Bay: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Bay: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Bay: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Which Holyhead station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Holyhead arrive at Holyhead. Holyhead is from Holyhead city centre.
HolyheadHolyhead station, Station Approach, London Road, Holyhead, Anglesey, LL65 2BT+44 8705755755
City-centre transport
Getting to Holyhead from Holyhead city centre
Bus545, 4 · 2m · £2 · every ~4 min
Holyhead train station facilities and services
Holyhead has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Holyhead.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Holyhead. ATMs are available at Holyhead.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Holyhead. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Holyhead: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Holyhead: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Holyhead: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B Step free access is via the Celtic Gateway Bridge, the ferry terminal, or via gates on to the platforms either side of Stena House. Transferring between platforms is step-free however distance between ferry terminal and Platform 1 is approximately 200m, 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, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 00:00 - 21:30 Sunday 07:00 - 00:00, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Holyhead
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Holyhead and Cardiff
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