- Must visit
Maidstone Museum
Town museum in a Tudor manor with local history, Japanese decorative arts and changing exhibitions.
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Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Maidstone
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Maidstone among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £63 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 54m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £63, while a train costs an average of £63.
Distance: 258 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
£63 Average Price Cheapest | £51 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 54m Average total duration Fastest 3h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m 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 Maidstone is a train with an average price of £63.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Maidstone is by train with an average journey time of 3h 24m.
Yes, you can take a train between Cardiff and Maidstone.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (3h 24m by train vs 3h 35m by car). Tickets start at around £63 compared to roughly £51 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Maidstone 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.
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Why should you book Cardiff to Maidstone trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Maidstone.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Maidstone.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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 Maidstone
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Maidstone run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £63 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:50, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 258 km distance in 4h 41m.
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 258 km |
Average train duration 3h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price £63 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 41m |
First train 1:50 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Maidstone trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Maidstone from £63. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
4h 41m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£63
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Maidstone
Things to do in Maidstone
Discover the best of Maidstone — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Maidstone trip today.
- Recommended
Kent Life Heritage Farm Park
Living history farm museum with historic buildings, rural exhibits and hands-on interpretation of Kent life.
Hazlitt Arts Centre Gallery
Contemporary art gallery in the museum complex, showing rotating exhibitions by regional and national artists.
- Must visit
Mote Park
Large public park with lake, woodland walks, boating and open space close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Brenchley Gardens
Riverside green space linking key sights, ideal for a gentle walk with views of historic buildings and boats.
- Recommended
Millennium River Park
Popular town-centre park with formal gardens, bandstand and seasonal floral displays near the museum.
- Vegetarian
Kentish Huffkins
Kentish huffkins are light bread rolls traditionally served with savoury fillings or fruit preserves, long associated with Kent baking and local tea tables.
- Vegetarian
Gypsy Tart
Gypsy tart is a classic Kent dessert with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar, baked in a pastry case and especially linked with school dinners in the county.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish cobnut is a fresh cultivated hazelnut from Kent, prized in season for its sweet flavour and long tradition in the county’s orchards and market gardens.
Castle View Restaurant
Contemporary restaurant in Leeds Castle grounds serving modern British dishes in an elegant historic setting popular for special meals.
Mu Mu
Popular pub and dining room serving British classics, grill dishes and Sunday roasts in a smart yet relaxed town-centre setting.
Brenchley
Well-known riverside chain brasserie for steaks, burgers and British comfort food, with broad appeal and a lively casual atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: accommodation and dining are below London, but rail fares and central hotel prices can still add up for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service may be included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Arriva Bus app
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- >= £2
- Day pass
- >= £101.25
To the city centre
Maidstone East -> Fremlin Walk, Maidstone
- Distance
- 330 m
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Maidstone local bus services are operated by Arriva; buy tickets and check live departures in the Arriva Bus app.
- Maidstone East is about a 5-minute walk from Fremlin Walk in the town centre. Check the operator before travel for current accepted payment methods.
FAQs: Cardiff to Maidstone train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Maidstone 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 Maidstone, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Maidstone can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £63, while the average price tends to be around £63.
The train journey from Cardiff to Maidstone covers a distance of 258 km and takes approximately 4h 41m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Maidstone is 258 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Maidstone leaves at 1:50.
The last train from Cardiff to Maidstone departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Maidstone run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Maidstone.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Maidstone.
To travel from Cardiff to Maidstone, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Maidstone.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Maidstone is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Maidstone East (MDE).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Maidstone is by train, costing approximately £63.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Maidstone in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The Cardiff to Maidstone train journey offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the picturesque landscapes of the Welsh countryside and parts of the Kent countryside. However, certain segments may be more urban.
A day trip from Cardiff to Maidstone is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 41m. Trains run 5 times per day.
To fully explore Maidstone and its attractions, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Maidstone.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Maidstone
Most Cardiff to Maidstone trains use the Cardiff Central to Maidstone East station pair, with some services arriving at Maidstone Barracks. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Maidstone 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 Maidstone
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.
Which Maidstone station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Maidstone most often arrive at Maidstone East. Some services arrive at Maidstone Barracks, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Maidstone arrival station.
Maidstone EastMaidstone East station, Station Road, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1QN+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone East from Maidstone city centre
Maidstone East is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus150 · 14m
Maidstone East train station facilities and services
Maidstone East has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone East.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone East. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone East: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone East: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone East: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B1. This station has a degree of step-free access to the platform, which may be in both directions or in one direction only - please check details - Step free access to platform 1 for services towards London from the main side entrance. Step free access to platform 2 for services away from London. Step free access to platform 3, terminal platform, for services towards London. There is step free interchange via road and steep paths in excess of 200 metres. From the Ticket office the step free access to all platforms is via the station forecourt, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: platform 1, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 05:30 - 01:00 Saturday 05:30 - 01:00 Sunday 06:30 - 23:59, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Maidstone BarracksMaidstone Barracks station, Buckland Hill, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 0SQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone Barracks from Maidstone city centre
Maidstone Barracks is 1 km from Maidstone city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainTonbridge - Strood, Paddock Wood - Strood, Maidstone West - Strood, Tonbridge - Gillingham · 2m · £0.90 · every ~4 min
Bus25A · 25m · £2
Maidstone Barracks train station facilities and services
Maidstone Barracks has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Bike Parking, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone Barracks.
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone Barracks: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone Barracks: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C. This station does not have step free access.Steps to all platforms down from main road.Interchange between platforms via steps up to road bridge. Unstaffed station. There are no station staff but there are staff to assist on the trains, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: On platform 1, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Maidstone WestStation Approach, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 8RJ, United Kingdom+44 345 322 7021
City-centre transport
Getting to Maidstone West from Maidstone city centre
BusSeveral local bus services available
TrainSoutheastern services
Maidstone West train station facilities and services
Maidstone West has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Maidstone West.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Maidstone West. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Maidstone West. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Maidstone West: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Maidstone West: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Maidstone West.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Premier Inn Maidstone, Travelodge Maidstone Central, The Townhouse Hotel.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Maidstone
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Maidstone and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Maidstone
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