- Recommended
Lancaster City Museum
City museum in the former town hall with local archaeology, natural history and decorative arts that explain Lancaster’s development.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Lancaster
Showing times and prices for 29 Aug
Cheapest price
£95
Average price
£105
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 16 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
289 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Lancaster is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Lancaster will cost around £105 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £95.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Lancaster you need to make at least one change.
C42290+
G66736+
C0137310:204h48Cardiff Central (CDF)15:08Lancaster station (LAN)£951One-way2 changes- W35181+G00864+W3379711:204h47Cardiff Central (CDF)16:07Lancaster station (LAN)£951One-way2 changes
- C42289+G66731+W337999:194h49Cardiff Central (CDF)14:08Lancaster station (LAN)£951One-way2 changes
G38952+W337999:534h15Cardiff Central (CDF)14:08Lancaster station (LAN)£1151One-way1 change- G39031+C013719:233h45Cardiff Central (CDF)13:08Lancaster station (LAN)£1151One-way1 change
- G39031+C013719:233h45Cardiff Central (CDF)13:08Lancaster station (LAN)£1151One-way1 change
- G39034+C0137311:233h45Cardiff Central (CDF)15:08Lancaster station (LAN)£1151One-way1 change
- G38952+W337999:534h15Cardiff Central (CDF)14:08Lancaster station (LAN)£1151One-way1 change
- W35181+G00864+W3379711:204h47Cardiff Central (CDF)16:07Lancaster station (LAN)£951One-way2 changes
- C42290+G66736+C0137310:204h48Cardiff Central (CDF)15:08Lancaster station (LAN)£951One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Lancaster
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Lancaster among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £40. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £40, and a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 289 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £51 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 4h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 20m Average total duration 6h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Lancaster 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.
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29 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Lancaster trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales operates all trains services from Cardiff to Lancaster.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Lancaster.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Lancaster.
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 Lancaster.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Lancaster
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Lancaster run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £40 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 19:41. The fastest train covers the 289 km distance in 4h 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 £40
Distance 289 km |
Average train duration 4h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 12m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 19:41 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
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 £40
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Lancaster trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Lancaster 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 Duration
4h 12m
Cheapest Price
£62
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 Lancaster
Things to do in Lancaster
Discover the best of Lancaster — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Lancaster trip today.
- Recommended
Lancaster Maritime Museum
Maritime museum in a historic customs house, covering Lancaster’s port, trade and seafaring links on St George’s Quay.
- Recommended
Judges' Lodgings Museum
Small museum inside the Judges’ Lodgings, with period rooms and displays about local life and furniture in an atmospheric historic house.
- Must visit
Williamson Park
Popular park with woodland walks, a butterfly house, play areas and broad views. It is a relaxed local favourite close to the centre.
- Recommended
St George's Quay
Historic riverside street lined with Georgian buildings, museums and old warehouses. Ideal for a walk linking the quay and city centre.
- Recommended
Lancaster Canal Towpath
Traffic-free canal-side route with locks, boats and waterside views. Excellent for walking or cycling at a slower pace through the city.
- Vegetarian
Lancaster Gingerbread
A crumbly, buttery shortcake biscuit long made in Lancaster. It is a classic local teatime treat tied to the city’s baking traditions.
- Gluten-free
Lancashire Hotpot
A traditional Lancashire hotpot of lamb or mutton, onions and sliced potatoes, slowly baked. It is one of the county’s best-known comfort dishes.
Full Lancashire Breakfast
A hearty full breakfast from Lancashire, commonly including eggs, bacon, sausage, black pudding and toast. It is a staple local morning meal.
Bellini's
Friendly independent restaurant specialising in stone-baked pizzas and Italian comfort food in a casual central setting.
Quite Simply French
Stylish bistro in the city centre serving modern British cooking with local produce in a relaxed, polished setting.
The Water Witch
Long-established canal-side pub known for cask ales, hearty British dishes and a traditional atmosphere near the city centre.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Lancaster is usually cheaper than Manchester or London for hotels and meals, while buses and trains can still add noticeable visitor costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is typical if service is not included. Round up for taxis. In cafés, tipping is optional, often just small change.
Stagecoach Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city centre
Lancaster Railway Station -> Lancaster Bus Station, Lancaster
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Stagecoach says contactless payment is available on all its buses in Morecambe and Lancaster.
- A DayRider can be better value than singles for multiple journeys in one day; app prices may be cheaper than on-bus prices.
FAQs: Cardiff to Lancaster train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Lancaster 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 Lancaster, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Lancaster can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £69.
The train journey from Cardiff to Lancaster covers a distance of 289 km and takes approximately 4h 12m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Lancaster is 289 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Lancaster leaves at 4:15.
The last train from Cardiff to Lancaster departs at 19:41.
Trains from Cardiff to Lancaster run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Lancaster.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Lancaster.
To get from Cardiff to Lancaster, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Lancaster.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Lancaster is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Lancaster station (LAN).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Lancaster is by coach, costing approximately £40.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Lancaster 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 Lancaster offers scenic views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of the coast, making it a pleasant and picturesque route.
A day trip from Cardiff to Lancaster is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 12m one way. However, there are 5 train trips per day.
To fully explore Lancaster, including its historical attractions, museums, and nearby countryside, spending 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Lancaster.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Lancaster
Most Cardiff to Lancaster trains use the Cardiff Central to Lancaster station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Lancaster 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 Lancaster
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.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, 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. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, 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 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.
Which Lancaster station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Lancaster arrive at Lancaster. Lancaster is 3 km from Lancaster city centre.
LancasterLancaster station, Meeting House Lane, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 5NW
City-centre transport
Getting to Lancaster from Lancaster city centre
Lancaster is 2 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthwest Chief · 65h 2m · £845
Pennsylvanian · 17h 47m · £423
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 65h 11m · £741
Southwest Chief, Texas Eagle · 75h 46m · £949
BusGreyhound US1210 · 69h 20m · £498
Lancaster train station facilities and services
Lancaster has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Lancaster.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, 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 Lancaster: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Lancaster: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts to All Platforms, accessible via taking the right hand entrance to the over bridge from the ticket office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Lancaster
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Lancaster and Cardiff
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