- Must visit
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery
Main town museum with collections on Northampton's shoe industry, archaeology and art, plus family-friendly galleries.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Northampton
Showing times and prices for 13 Aug
Cheapest price
£38
Average price
£77
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 21 m
Trains per day
6
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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £38.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Northampton you need to make at least one change.
G01067+
Y808659:453h23Cardiff Central (CDF)13:08Northampton station (NMP)£381One-way1 change- G66712+Y808538:453h23Cardiff Central (CDF)12:08Northampton station (NMP)£421One-way1 change
W35178+Y80862+
Tube from London Paddington to London Euston10:183h37Cardiff Central (CDF)13:55Northampton station (NMP)£601One-way2 changes- G66735+W35178+C1780210:183h20Cardiff Central (CDF)13:38Northampton station (NMP)£981One-way2 changes
- G66730+W35432+Y808599:193h19Cardiff Central (CDF)12:38Northampton station (NMP)£1131One-way2 changes
- G66730+W35432+Y808599:193h19Cardiff Central (CDF)12:38Northampton station (NMP)£1131One-way2 changes
- G00854+Y80847+G150418:183h20Cardiff Central (CDF)11:38Northampton station (NMP)£1131One-way2 changes
- G66735+W35178+C1780210:183h20Cardiff Central (CDF)13:38Northampton station (NMP)£981One-way2 changes
- G66712+Y808538:453h23Cardiff Central (CDF)12:08Northampton station (NMP)£421One-way1 change
- G01067+Y808659:453h23Cardiff Central (CDF)13:08Northampton station (NMP)£381One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Northampton
Omio recommends booking the train 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 £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. 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 £13, and a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 179 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£55 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m 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 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17:18 Cardiff | 4h07 | 21:25 Northampton | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 13 August | |||||
| G15041+G00854+Y80847 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 11:38 Northampton station (NMP) | 2 changes | |
| G66712+Y80853 | On time 8:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h23 | 12:08 Northampton station (NMP) | 1 change | |
| W35432+G66730+Y80859 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h19 | 12:38 Northampton station (NMP) | 2 changes | |
| G01067+Y80865 | 9:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h23 | 13:08 Northampton station (NMP) | 1 change | |
| W35178+Tube from London Paddington to London Euston+Y80862 | 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h37 | 13:55 Northampton station (NMP) | 2 changes | |
| W35178+G66735+C17802 | 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 13:38 Northampton station (NMP) | 2 changes | |
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.
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13 Aug
13 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Northampton trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Northampton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Northampton.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Northampton.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Northampton.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Northampton.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Northampton.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Northampton
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Northampton run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £13 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 £13
Distance 179 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 4:05 |
Last train 23:02 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 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 £13
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Northampton trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Northampton from £13. 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
£27
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
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
3h 37m
Cheapest Price
£96
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
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 Duration
3h 32m
Cheapest Price
£59
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 22m
Cross Country frequency
7 a day
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 13m
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
15 a day
Complete guide to Northampton
Things to do in Northampton
Discover the best of Northampton — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Northampton trip today.
- Recommended
Northampton Battlefield Society Resource Centre
Independent museum at Delapré Abbey exploring the Battle of Northampton and local medieval history through immersive displays.
- Recommended
Abington Park Museum
Community museum preserving village and manor history in a traditional setting, offering a quieter local-history visit near Northampton.
- Must visit
Abington Park
Popular town park with a lake, museum, broad lawns and tree-lined paths, ideal for a relaxed walk close to the centre.
- Recommended
Racecourse Park
Major urban park with gardens, sports facilities and open green space, good for walking and seeing local daily life.
- Recommended
Market Square
Historic market square at the heart of Northampton, useful for shopping, events and soaking up the town-centre atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Northamptonshire Cheese
A crumbly hard cheese made in Northamptonshire since the 18th century. Its rich, nutty flavour makes it one of the county’s best-known traditional foods.
Northamptonshire Sausage
A traditional British sausage strongly associated with Northamptonshire, usually made with seasoned pork and herbs and served with mash or in breakfasts.
Northamptonshire Pork Pie
A local style of pork pie linked to Northamptonshire’s boot and market town heritage, with hot-water crust pastry and seasoned pork filling.
Saffron
Well-known town centre restaurant focused on Turkish and Mediterranean cooking, with generous portions and a lively atmosphere.
Phipps NBC Western House
Historic riverside pub and brewery tap for Phipps NBC ales, with hearty British food and a relaxed traditional atmosphere.
Hibiscus at Delapré Abbey
Elegant restaurant in Delapré Abbey serving modern British dishes in a refined heritage setting suited to a longer meal.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for England: rooms and dining cost less than London, while buses and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
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 upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.80-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
In restaurants, 10-12.5% is usual if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, though spare change is appreciated.
Smart Mover
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £6.90
To the city centre
Northampton Station -> Northampton Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.8 km
- Travel time
- 15 min
- Adult Buzz Card day travel in Northampton is £6.90 and is sold by the driver on most town bus services.
- Contactless payment is available on many local buses, but availability can vary by operator, so check before boarding if you need to pay by card.
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.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Northampton can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £55.
The train journey from Cardiff to Northampton covers a distance of 179 km and takes approximately 3h 22m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Northampton is 179 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Northampton leaves at 4:05.
The last train from Cardiff to Northampton departs at 23:02.
Trains from Cardiff to Northampton run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Northampton.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Northampton.
To get from Cardiff to Northampton, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Northampton.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Northampton is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Northampton station (NMP).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Northampton is by coach, costing approximately £13.
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 offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with views of the Welsh countryside, rolling hills, and small towns along the way, though it is not typically considered a notably scenic route.
A day trip from Cardiff to Northampton is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 22m. However, there are 6 trains available per day. The distance is 179 km.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Northampton.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Northampton
Most Cardiff to Northampton trains use the Cardiff Central to Northampton station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Northampton 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 Northampton
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 Northampton station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Northampton arrive at Northampton. Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre.
NorthamptonNorthampton station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton, Northamptonshire, NN1 1SP+44 3301235247
City-centre transport
Getting to Northampton from Northampton city centre
Northampton is 2 km from Northampton city centre. Public transport options include:
Bus8, 8A · 14m · £2 · every ~8 min
Northampton train station facilities and services
Northampton has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Northampton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Northampton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Northampton. Information desks are 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.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Northampton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Northampton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Northampton: 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.
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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