- Recommended
MOMA Machynlleth
Independent museum and gallery on Heol Maengwyn with local history displays and changing art exhibitions. A useful introduction to the town.
Cheapest price on 14 Oct
£29
Average ticket price on 14 Oct
£37
Fastest journey on 14 Oct
3 h 21 m
Average journey duration on 14 Oct
3 h 31 m
Trains on 14 Oct
3
Distance
132 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Machynlleth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Machynlleth will cost around £37 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £29.
On Wed 14 Oct, we found 3 trains from Cardiff to Machynlleth, including 3 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 132 km distance in an average of 3 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 21 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 51 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.






Trains from Cardiff to Machynlleth run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 20:11. The fastest train covers the 132 km distance in 3h 9m.
Distance 132 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £37 |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 3h 9m |
First train 4:15 |
Last train 20:11 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 days |
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Machynlleth trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:22 Cardiff | 3h25 | 20:47 Machynlleth | 1 change | |
![]() | 18:23 Cardiff | 3h19 | 21:42 Machynlleth | 1 change | |
![]() | 19:38 Cardiff | 3h23 | 23:01 Machynlleth | 1 change | |
| Wednesday 14 October | |||||
![]() | 8:23 Cardiff | 3h21 | 11:44 Machynlleth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:23 Cardiff | 3h22 | 14:45 Machynlleth | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:54 Cardiff | 3h51 | 15:45 Machynlleth | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Machynlleth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Machynlleth trip today.
Independent museum and gallery on Heol Maengwyn with local history displays and changing art exhibitions. A useful introduction to the town.
Museum and gallery exploring modern Welsh art in a former chapel. Expect paintings, sculpture and temporary exhibitions in a central location.
Part of the Centre for Alternative Technology, this exhibition space presents practical environmental displays and design ideas for sustainable living.
Machynlleth's main street, lined with independent shops and historic buildings. Best for browsing, local character and easy access to key sights.
Woodland reserve south of town with waterfalls, waymarked trails and rich wildlife. Popular for peaceful walks close to Machynlleth.
Riverside reserve and walking area near the Dyfi estuary, known for birdlife and wide scenery. A good choice for a gentle outdoor visit.
Traditional Welsh broth with lamb or beef, root vegetables and leeks. A staple rural dish across mid-Wales, prized for its hearty, farmhouse character.
Rich fruit loaf made with tea, dried fruit and spices, usually sliced and served with butter. A classic Welsh tea-time bake found across the area.
Welsh cakes cooked on a bakestone or griddle, with currants and spice. They are a much-loved everyday treat in Wales, eaten warm or cold.
Well-known vegetarian café and deli serving wholesome lunches, cakes and coffee in a casual, community-focused setting.
Relaxed town-centre bistro known for seasonal dishes, good coffee and a friendly modern atmosphere.
Traditional pub setting with classic meals and drinks, popular for a straightforward local dining experience.
Moderate for the UK. Dining and stays are usually cheaper than big cities, but rural transport and limited choice can raise visitor costs.
Service is often included rarely outside cities. If not added, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up for taxis; cafés do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Machynlleth Station -> Machynlleth Town Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Machynlleth 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 Machynlleth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Machynlleth trains use the Cardiff Central to Machynlleth station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Machynlleth 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.
Machynlleth has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food options include: Blasau Delicatessen
Ticket office support is available at Machynlleth. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Machynlleth: Parking, WC.
Available at Machynlleth: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Machynlleth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Shrewsbury) via footbridge with lifts. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Machynlleth and Pwllheli) from the station car park, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need