- Recommended
Penlee House Gallery & Museum
Local museum with archaeology, natural history and social history collections. A strong introduction to West Cornwall and Mount's Bay.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Penzance
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 15 Sept
Cheapest price on 15 Sept
£139
Average ticket price on 15 Sept
£139
Fastest journey on 15 Sept
5 h 47 m
Average journey duration on 15 Sept
5 h 47 m
Trains on 15 Sept
1
Distance
224 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Penzance is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Penzance will cost around £139 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £139.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Penzance you need to make at least 2 changes.
W35161 · G15475 · G149775:535h47Cardiff Central (CDF)11:40Penzance station (PNZ)£1391One-way2 changes
- W35161 · G15475 · G149775:535h47Cardiff Central (CDF)11:40Penzance station (PNZ)£1391One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Penzance
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Penzance among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £22 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 53m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, while a train costs an average of £68.
Distance: 224 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£68 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 53m Average total duration Fastest 5h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 23m Average total duration 8h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Penzance is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Penzance:
A coach is £46 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Penzance costing on average £68.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Penzance is by train with an average journey time of 5h 23m.
Other travel options to Penzance take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 53m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Penzance including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £68 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-10.19. The journey takes 5h 23m versus 3h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cardiff to Penzance train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Penzance trains for today, Monday 14 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.png) | 17:58 Cardiff | 5h42 | 23:40 Penzance | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19:00 Cardiff | 5h35 | 0:35 Penzance | 1 change | |
| 23:30 Cardiff | 11h08 | 10:38 Penzance | 1 change | |
| Tuesday 15 September | |||||
| W35161 · G15475 · G14977 | 5:53 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h47 | 11:40 Penzance station (PNZ) | 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 Penzance 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.
Tue
15 Sept
15 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
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21 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Penzance trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Penzance.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Penzance.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Penzance.
- 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Penzance.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Penzance.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Penzance.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Penzance
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Penzance run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £42 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:03, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 224 km distance in 5h 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 £14
Distance 224 km |
Average train duration 5h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £42 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 12m |
First train 5:03 |
Last train 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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 £14
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Penzance trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Penzance from £14. 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
5h 34m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£62
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
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 CrossCountry Duration
5h 12m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£42
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 Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
5h 12m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£135
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
8 a day
Complete guide to Penzance
Things to do in Penzance
Discover the best of Penzance — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Penzance trip today.
- Recommended
The Exchange
Contemporary gallery and arts venue in a restored market building. Visit for changing exhibitions by Cornish and wider British artists.
The Lighthouse Gallery
Artist-led gallery and studio complex with contemporary exhibitions. A good stop for current Cornish art near the seafront.
- Must visit
Penzance Promenade
Long seafront promenade linking the harbour with Newlyn views. Ideal for a breezy walk, sea air and classic Mount's Bay scenery.
- Recommended
Morrab Gardens
Historic subtropical garden with winding paths, rare plants and a bandstand. A peaceful green retreat close to the town centre.
- Recommended
Market Jew Street
Lively pedestrian-friendly town centre street with independent shops and historic buildings. Good for browsing and local atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
Cornish Saffron Cake
A rich Cornish saffron bread studded with dried fruit. Traditionally baked for celebrations and known for its distinctive yellow colour and sweet, spiced flavour.
Cornish Pasty
A baked pastry filled with beef, potato, swede and onion. It is Cornwall’s best-known traditional food, made as a sturdy handheld meal for workers.
- Gluten-free
Stargazy-Style Fish Stew
A hearty fish stew from West Cornwall, usually made with white fish, potatoes, onion and parsley. It reflects the area’s long fishing heritage.
The Shore Restaurant
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fresh local fish, shellfish and relaxed coastal dining near the promenade.
The Cornish Barn
Stylish modern restaurant at Artist Residence, serving seasonal small plates and British cooking in a relaxed boutique atmosphere.
Admiral Benbow
Established pub and restaurant serving Cornish favourites, seafood and ales in a traditional, friendly setting on Chapel Street.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Accommodation rises in peak season, but dining and local buses are similar to other popular seaside towns.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £45+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafe tipping is not expected but small change is appreciated.
Transport for Cornwall
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £7.00
To the city centre
Penzance station -> Penzance Town Centre
- Distance
- 0.5 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Contactless payment is accepted on Transport for Cornwall buses, and mobile tickets are available in the Transport for Cornwall app.
- The Penzance town day ticket is valid only for journeys entirely within the Penzance town area.
FAQs: Cardiff to Penzance train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Penzance 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 Penzance, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Penzance can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £42, while the average price tends to be around £68.
The train journey from Cardiff to Penzance covers a distance of 224 km and takes approximately 5h 12m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Penzance is 224 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Penzance leaves at 5:03.
The last train from Cardiff to Penzance departs at 22:30.
Trains from Cardiff to Penzance run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Penzance.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Penzance. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Cardiff to Penzance, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Penzance.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Penzance is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Penzance station (PNZ).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Penzance is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Penzance 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 Penzance is considered scenic, offering views of the South Wales countryside, the Severn Estuary, the picturesque landscapes of Devon and Cornwall, and glimpses of the stunning Cornish coastline.
A day trip from Cardiff to Penzance is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 12m each way. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 224 km.
To fully explore Penzance and its attractions like St. Michael's Mount, the Minack Theatre, and the Penlee House Gallery, a stay of two to three days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Penzance.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Penzance
Most Cardiff to Penzance trains use the Cardiff Central to Penzance station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Penzance 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 Penzance
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 Penzance station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Penzance arrive at Penzance. Penzance is from Penzance city centre.
PenzancePenzance station, Wharf Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2LT
City-centre transport
Getting to Penzance from Penzance city centre
Bus39A, 16A, 16, 8, 2, 1, 1A, 4, 4A, 6, 17 · 2m · £2 · every ~19 min
Penzance train station facilities and services
Penzance has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Penzance.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Penzance.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Penzance: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platforms. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Penzance
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Penzance and Cardiff
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