- Must visit
Poole Museum
Harbour-front museum telling Poole’s story through local archaeology, ceramics and maritime displays in restored historic buildings.
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Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Poole
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Poole 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 3h 56m. 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 £22, while a train costs an average of £58.
Distance: 119 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£58 Average Price | £22 Average Price Cheapest | £31 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 56m Average total duration Fastest 3h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 55m Average total duration 6h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Poole is a coach with an average price of £22.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Poole:
A coach is £36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Poole costing on average £58.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Poole is by train with an average journey time of 3h 26m.
Other travel options to Poole take longer:
Coach takes on average 6h 25m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Poole including taking a train and coach.
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 £58 compared to roughly £31 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-27.06. The journey takes 3h 26m versus 2h 54m 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.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Poole 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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Why should you book Cardiff to Poole trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Poole.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Poole.
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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Poole.
- 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Poole.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Poole.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Poole
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Poole run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £16 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:16, the last at 20:41. The fastest train covers the 119 km distance in 3h 47m.
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 £16
Distance 119 km |
Average train duration 3h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 47m |
First train 4:16 |
Last train 20:41 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 3 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 £16
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Poole trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Poole from £16. 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
3h 47m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£35
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
3h 15m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£119
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day
Complete guide to Poole
Things to do in Poole
Discover the best of Poole — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Poole trip today.
- Recommended
Poole Pottery Visitor Centre
Working pottery and visitor centre showing how traditional Poole pottery is made, with displays, demonstrations and a shop for collectors.
- Recommended
RNLI Poole Old Lifeboat Museum
Compact RNLI museum by the quayside exploring lifeboat history, rescues and the heritage of the volunteer service founded in Poole.
- Must visit
Poole Quay
Historic waterfront lined with old buildings, pubs and boat activity. It is ideal for harbour views, walks, events and ferries around the bay.
- Must visit
Sandbanks Beach
Long sandy beach backed by pine trees and sea views, popular for swimming, walking and sunsets near the Sandbanks peninsula.
- Recommended
Poole Park
Large urban park with boating lake, gardens, play areas and regular events. A good family stop close to central Poole.
- Gluten-free
Poole Harbour Oysters
Fresh native oysters from nearby Poole Harbour, prized for their clean, briny flavour and long shellfish tradition on this Dorset coast.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Crab
Brown crab landed on the south coast, often served dressed or in sandwiches. It is a classic local seafood choice tied to Poole’s fishing heritage.
- Gluten-free
Dorset Scallops
Sweet, delicate scallops from Lyme Bay and the Dorset coast, commonly pan-fried. They are a regional favourite on Poole seafood menus.
The View Restaurant
Smart waterside dining room at Harbour Heights with modern British cooking and wide views over Poole Harbour and Sandbanks.
Custom House
Popular harbourside seafood restaurant known for fish, shellfish and relaxed waterside dining close to Poole Quay.
Jenkins and Sons
Lively quay restaurant serving seafood, grills and British favourites with harbour views and a polished but informal atmosphere.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK coast: hotels rise in summer, meals are mid-priced, and local buses are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-14 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is sometimes included. If not, tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Taxis are often rounded up or tipped about 10%. Cafés usually do not expect tips.
Morebus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.60
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Poole Railway Station -> Poole Bus Station
- Distance
- 0.7 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Contactless bank card payment and tap on tap off are available on Morebus services, including the m1/m2 and Zone A day tickets.
- For central Poole, Poole Railway Station is walkable to Poole Bus Station and the town centre, so you may not need onward transport.
FAQs: Cardiff to Poole train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Poole 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 Poole, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Poole can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £58.
The train journey from Cardiff to Poole covers a distance of 119 km and takes approximately 3h 47m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Poole is 119 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Poole leaves at 4:16.
The last train from Cardiff to Poole departs at 20:41.
Trains from Cardiff to Poole run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Poole.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Poole.
To get from Cardiff to Poole, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Poole.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Poole is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Poole station (POO).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Poole is by coach, costing approximately £16.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Poole 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 Poole offers a pleasant mix of urban and rural landscapes, featuring views of the Severn Estuary, rolling countryside, and picturesque towns, providing a moderately scenic experience.
A day trip from Cardiff to Poole is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 47m. However, there are 5 train trips per day.
To fully explore Poole's attractions, including its harbour, beaches, and nearby nature reserves, plan for a stay of 2 to 3 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Poole.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Poole
Most Cardiff to Poole trains use the Cardiff Central to Poole station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Poole 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 Poole
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 Poole station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Poole most often arrive at Poole. Some services arrive at Hamworthy, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Poole arrival station.
PoolePoole station, Serpentine Road, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2BQ
City-centre transport
Getting to Poole from Poole city centre
Poole is 1 km from Poole city centre. Public transport options include:
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt, off Serpentine Road
Poole train station facilities and services
Poole has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Poole.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Poole. ATMs are available at Poole.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Poole.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Poole: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Poole: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Poole: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - There is level access to both sides of the station by ramps. Interchange between platforms is via a ramped underpass at the London end of the platforms. Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Poole
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Poole and Cardiff
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