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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Northampton
Showing times and prices for 13 Nov
Cheapest price
£43
Average price
£45
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 23 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
179 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Northampton is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Northampton will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £43.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Northampton every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 179 km distance in an average of 3 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 22 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 23 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.
07:453h23
Cardiff11:08Northampton
£431One-way
0 changes
08:453h23
Cardiff12:08Northampton
£441One-way
0 changes
06:453h22
Cardiff10:07Northampton
£481One-way
0 changes
06:453h22
Cardiff10:07Northampton
£481One-way
0 changes
08:453h23
Cardiff12:08Northampton
£441One-way
0 changes
07:453h23
Cardiff11:08Northampton
£431One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Northampton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £17, and a train costs an average of £34.
Distance: 179 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £25 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 46m Average total duration Fastest 3h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cardiff to Northampton train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Northampton trains for today, Wednesday 12 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 01:03
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:45 Cardiff | 3h23 | 12:08 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Northampton by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
Thu
13 Nov
13 Nov
Fri
14 Nov
14 Nov
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15 Nov
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Northampton run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £34 but you can travel from only £17 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:05, the last at 23:02. The fastest train covers the 179 km distance in 3h 22m.
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 £17
Distance 179 km |
Average train duration 3h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price £34 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 04:05 |
Last train 23:02 |
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 £17
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Northampton trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Northampton from £17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 22m
Cheapest Price
£43
CrossCountry frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Great Western Rail
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 Duration
3h 34m
Cheapest Price
£39
Great Western Rail frequency
2 a day
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 19m
Cross Country frequency
9 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
first_great_western frequency
15 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to Northampton train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Northampton 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 Northampton, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Typically, spending 2-3 days in Northampton allows visitors to explore its main attractions, such as the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Delapré Abbey, and the historical sites in the town centre.
To get from Cardiff to Northampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
The train distance from Cardiff to Northampton is 179 km.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Northampton 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 Northampton covers a distance of 179 km and takes approximately 3h 22m. Trains run 6 per day.
The first train from Cardiff to Northampton leaves at 4:05.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Northampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £34, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Northampton is by coach, costing approximately £17.
The last train from Cardiff to Northampton departs at 23:02.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Northampton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Northampton station (NMP).
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Northampton.
Trains from Cardiff to Northampton run approximately 6 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Northampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Northampton.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Northampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Northampton
Cardiff
Northampton
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Birchgrove. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Birchgrove for your trip from Cardiff to Northampton.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Lost and Found Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
4 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. Step free access is available from Waun y Groes Avenue.
- 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.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transport options for Birchgrove
- Onward travel information: Available from Caerphilly Road (main road next to station)
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stops on A469 Caerphilly Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDining
TaxisAccessibility
HotelLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Bay
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibility
WCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
The major train station for arrivals in Northampton is Northampton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Northampton for your journey to Northampton from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 21:00 Saturday 06:00 - 21:00 Sunday 06:45 - 20:00 Peak demand is 0700-1000 1630-1830 Mon-Fri
Distance to city center
2 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: WHSmith and Enterprise car rental
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Main Concourse. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available at the Customer Information Point; the RADAR key is available from station security after 00:30 at night. The toilet facilities are available: Monday - Saturday 04:00-22:30 and Sunday 06:00-22:30.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Long stay car park and blue badge parking bays area.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for Northampton
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: In the event of engineering the bus/coach will collect from the layby/turning circle on the car park side of the station building. Please check the destination of your bus/coach before boarding.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Northampton
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Northampton and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Northampton
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