- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum and gallery, covering local history, art, natural history and archives in a modern city-centre building.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Plymouth
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£81
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£98
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
2 h 57 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
3 h 16 m
Trains on 30 Aug
16
Distance
141 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth will cost around £98 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £81.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Plymouth you need to make at least one change.
C00165+
G011369:353h16Cardiff Central (CDF)12:51Plymouth station (PLY)£811One-way1 change- Y41674 · C3323514:003h29Cardiff Central (CDF)17:29Plymouth station (PLY)£981One-way1 change
- Y41671 · C3323313:003h34Cardiff Central (CDF)16:34Plymouth station (PLY)£981One-way1 change
- W35012+G0114714:253h23Cardiff Central (CDF)17:48Plymouth station (PLY)£991One-way1 change
- C00852+W2987413:253h22Cardiff Central (CDF)16:47Plymouth station (PLY)£991One-way1 change
- Y41665+G0114210:572h57Cardiff Central (CDF)13:54Plymouth station (PLY)£991One-way1 change
- C00165+G011369:353h16Cardiff Central (CDF)12:51Plymouth station (PLY)£811One-way1 change
- C00852+W2987413:253h22Cardiff Central (CDF)16:47Plymouth station (PLY)£991One-way1 change
- W34991+W2986912:253h22Cardiff Central (CDF)15:47Plymouth station (PLY)£991One-way1 change
- W35044+G0116318:253h22Cardiff Central (CDF)21:47Plymouth station (PLY)£991One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Plymouth
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £15 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 39m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £15, while a train costs an average of £56.
Distance: 141 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£56 Average Price | £15 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 39m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration 4h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Plymouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Plymouth trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W29867+C42262 | Delayed 12:45 12:30Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 15:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
| W29872+C42264 | Delayed 13:45 13:30Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 16:48 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
| W29878+W35191 | Delayed 14:25 14:41Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h06 | 17:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
| W29885+C42267 | Delayed 15:45 15:30Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 18:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
| C42445+G01149+C42231 | On time 15:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 19:22 Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 changes | |
| G01151+C42269 | Delayed 16:45 16:27Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 19:47 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
| Sunday 30 August | |||||
| W34973+G01136 | 9:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h33 | 12:51 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
| C00165+G01136 | 9:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h16 | 12:51 Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Plymouth 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.
Sun
30 Aug
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept
01 Sept
Wed
02 Sept
02 Sept
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03 Sept
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05 Sept
05 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Plymouth trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Plymouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Plymouth.
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 Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Plymouth.
- 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 Plymouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Plymouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Plymouth.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Plymouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £32 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 22:31. The fastest train covers the 141 km distance in 3h 10m.
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 £10
Distance 141 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £32 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 4:54 |
Last train 22:31 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 £10
Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Plymouth trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Plymouth from £10. 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 CrossCountry Duration
3h 10m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£32
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
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
3h 32m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£78
Great Western Railway 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
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
2h 51m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£90
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
16 a day
Complete guide to Plymouth
Things to do in Plymouth
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
- Recommended
Plymouth Gin Distillery
Independent museum exploring Plymouth’s role in gin distilling, set in a historic Barbican building with tours and original features.
- Recommended
Mayflower Museum
Small local museum on the Barbican focused on migration, seafaring and Plymouth’s links with transatlantic departures.
- Must visit
The Barbican
Historic waterfront quarter with cobbled lanes, independent shops, harbour views and many of Plymouth’s best-known heritage sights.
- Must visit
Plymouth Hoe
Large open seafront promenade and parkland with lawns, monuments and views over Plymouth Sound; ideal for walks and sunset stops.
- Recommended
West Hoe Park
Peaceful landscaped park beside the Hoe with formal planting, a lido nearby and excellent sea views across Plymouth Sound.
- Vegetarian
Devon Cream Tea
A Devon cream tea pairs scones with clotted cream and jam. In Devon, the cream goes on first, making it a proud local ritual across Plymouth and the county.
- Gluten-free
South Devon Crab
Fresh crab landed on the South Devon coast, often served simply dressed or in sandwiches. It is prized in Plymouth for its sweet flavour and strong fishing heritage.
Stargazy Pie
This traditional pie of pilchards, eggs and potatoes is linked to nearby Cornwall and often found in Plymouth. It reflects the area's historic reliance on coastal fishing.
Quay 33
Long-established seafood restaurant on the Barbican, popular for fresh fish, shellfish and harbour atmosphere close to the historic waterfront.
The Mission
Relaxed bistro in the Barbican area serving British and European dishes with seafood options. Well suited to an easy meal near the waterfront.
The Harbourside Fish & Chips
Historic Barbican pub known for seafood, pies and harbour views. A lively traditional setting for classic Plymouth fare and local ales.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK: dining and buses are reasonable, while hotels rise in summer and at weekends. Costs are usually lower than London but similar to other regional waterfront cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- 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 in restaurants; otherwise tip around 10% for good service. Taxi tips are usually by rounding up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Plymouth Citybus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3
- Day pass
- £7
To the city centre
Plymouth Railway Station -> Royal Parade, Plymouth
- Distance
- 2.5 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cash, contactless and mobile payments are accepted on local buses in Plymouth.
- For unlimited travel, an Adult 24 Hr Plymouth ticket is £7.50 in the app, while the operator also states Plymouth day travel is £7 from the driver or app.
FAQs: Cardiff to Plymouth train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £32, while the average price tends to be around £56.
The train journey from Cardiff to Plymouth covers a distance of 141 km and takes approximately 3h 10m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Plymouth is 141 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Plymouth leaves at 4:54.
The last train from Cardiff to Plymouth departs at 22:31.
Trains from Cardiff to Plymouth run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Plymouth.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Plymouth. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Cardiff to Plymouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Plymouth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Plymouth is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Plymouth station (PLY).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Plymouth is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Plymouth 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 Plymouth is considered scenic, offering views of rolling countryside, picturesque coastlines, and charming towns along the way.
A day trip from Cardiff to Plymouth is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 10m. Trains run 6 times per day.
To fully experience Plymouth's historic sites, waterfront attractions, and vibrant cultural scene, a stay of 2 to 3 days is ideal.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Plymouth.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Plymouth
Most Cardiff to Plymouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Plymouth station pair, with some services arriving at Devonport. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Plymouth 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 Plymouth
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 Plymouth station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Plymouth most often arrive at Plymouth. Some services arrive at Devonport, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Plymouth arrival station.
PlymouthPlymouth station, North Road, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 6AB+44 3451652030
City-centre transport
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Bus13, 2, 170 · 4m · £2 · every ~11 min
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: 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 all platforms via lifts and the station subway. 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 may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
DevonportDevonport station, Portland Road, Devonport, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4QN
City-centre transport
Getting to Devonport from Plymouth city centre
Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainExeter St Davids - Penzance, Plymouth - Penzance, Plymouth - Gunnislake, Plymouth - Liskeard · 3m · £0.90 · every ~2 min
BusDc7 · 8m · £2
Dc7 · 9m · £2
21, 34, 21A · 13m · £4 · every ~23 min
Devonport train station facilities and services
Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Devonport.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Devonport: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. 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 taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Plymouth and Cardiff
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