- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum and historic house in St Fagans showcasing Welsh buildings, crafts and galleries; a longer day trip but one of South Wales’ best museum visits.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Showing times and prices for 18 Aug
Cheapest price
£10
Average price
£10
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
34 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
36 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl will cost around £10 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.
Fast trains
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Porthcawl every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 34 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
11:510h34Cardiff12:25Porthcawl£101One-way0 changes- 12:510h34Cardiff13:25Porthcawl£111One-way0 changes
- 12:510h34Cardiff13:25Porthcawl£111One-way0 changes
- 11:510h34Cardiff12:25Porthcawl£101One-way0 changes
Live departures
Cardiff to Porthcawl train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Porthcawl trains for today, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:51 Cardiff | 0h34 | 9:25 Porthcawl | 0 changesdirect | |
| 12:51 Cardiff | 0h34 | 13:25 Porthcawl | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Porthcawl by train
Compare 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.
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18 Aug
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Why should you book Cardiff to Porthcawl trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales operates all trains services from Cardiff to Porthcawl.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Porthcawl.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Porthcawl
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl run on average 4 times per day, taking around 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £10 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 34m.
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
Distance 36 km |
Average train duration 31m |
Cheapest ticket price £10 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 34m |
First train 5:35 |
Last train 23:54 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Porthcawl trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Porthcawl from £10. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
34m
Cheapest Price
£10
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
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
Complete guide to Porthcawl
Things to do in Porthcawl
Discover the best of Porthcawl — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Porthcawl trip today.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Museum
Compact local museum on the seafront with displays on Porthcawl’s maritime past, seaside holidays and community life, useful for understanding the town.
- Recommended
Bridgend Museum and Art Gallery
Regional museum and art gallery in Bridgend with local history, archaeology and changing art displays, suitable as an easy cultural trip from Porthcawl.
- Must visit
Rest Bay
Wide sandy beach and promenade popular for walks, paddling and sea views, with easy access to the harbour, pavilion and central seafront.
- Must visit
Porthcawl Promenade
Dramatic seafront walk from the town centre to the lighthouse, ideal for coastal views, storm watching and an easy introduction to Porthcawl.
- Recommended
Porthcawl Harbour
Harbour area with fishing heritage, sea air and views across the Bristol Channel, best visited with the adjoining breakwater and lighthouse.
- Vegetarian
Welsh Cakes
Traditional Welsh cakes griddled with currants and spice. A beloved teatime staple across South Wales, often eaten warm with butter or sugar.
- Gluten-free
Laverbread
Laverbread is seaweed cooked to a soft paste, often served at Welsh breakfast with cockles or bacon. It reflects the local coastal food tradition.
- Gluten-free
Cockles
Fresh cockles from the South Wales coast, commonly eaten plain with vinegar or as part of breakfast. They are a classic local seaside shellfish.
Beale's Fish and Chips
Popular waterfront fish and chip shop and restaurant known for fresh seafood and relaxed seaside dining near the harbour.
Watersports Bar & Grill
Stylish café-bar by Rest Bay serving brunch, coffee and modern casual plates. A popular stop before or after the beach.
The Waterfront
Established pub and restaurant overlooking the sea, serving British favourites, grills and drinks in a comfortable traditional setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK seaside town. Accommodation can rise in summer, but dining and local transport are usually manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-12 for fast food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- £15-25 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £35-60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £2.50-4 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares. Cafés do not require tips, but small change is appreciated.
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl are operated by Arriva Trains Wales and with just a short journey time are a convenient way of travelling between the two towns. The first train of the day leaves just after 5:30 a.m. and then there are regular departures throughout the day until around 11:15 p.m. The journey takes slightly less than one hour and involves a connection at Pyle. Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl depart from Cardiff Central Station and terminate at Porthcawl Station. A similar timetable operates seven days a week.
FAQs: Cardiff to Porthcawl train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £10, while the average price tends to be around £10.
The train journey from Cardiff to Porthcawl covers a distance of 36 km and takes approximately 34m. Trains run 4 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Porthcawl is 36 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Porthcawl leaves at 5:35.
The last train from Cardiff to Porthcawl departs at 23:54.
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl run approximately 4 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Porthcawl.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Porthcawl. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
To travel from Cardiff to Porthcawl, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Porthcawl.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Porthcawl is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Pyle station (PYL).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Porthcawl is by train, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The journey from Cardiff to Porthcawl is not served by a direct train service. Travellers typically take a train from Cardiff to Bridgend and then a bus to Porthcawl. The route offers views of the South Wales countryside, which can be pleasant, though it's not renowned for being particularly scenic.
Yes, a day trip from Cardiff to Porthcawl is feasible. The journey takes 34m with a frequency of 4 trips per day for trains, covering a distance of 36 km.
For a relaxing visit, two to three days in Porthcawl should suffice to explore its beaches, enjoy coastal walks, and experience local attractions such as the Grand Pavilion and Porthcawl Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Porthcawl.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Porthcawl
Most Cardiff to Porthcawl trains use the Cardiff Central to Pyle station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl
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.
Heath High LevelHeath High Level station, Heath Halt Road, Heath, Cardiff, CF23 5QT
City-centre transport
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPenarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 4m · £0.90 · every ~13 min
Penarth - Coryton, Penarth - Caerphilly, Bridgend - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Coryton, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach · 8m · £2 · every ~13 min
Bus28, 29 · 23m · £2 · every ~6 min
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Lisvane & ThornhillLisvane & Thornhill station, Cherry Orchard Road, Thornhill, Cardiff, CF14 0UE+44 3333211202
City-centre transport
Getting to Lisvane & Thornhill from Cardiff city centre
Lisvane & Thornhill is 7 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainCardiff Central - Caerphilly, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Penarth - Caerphilly, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach, Bridgend - Rhymney · 10m · £2 · every ~9 min
Cardiff Central - Caerphilly, Barry Island - Caerphilly, Cardiff Central - Rhymney, Barry Island - Rhymney, Barry Island - Bargoed, Cardiff Central - Bargoed, Penarth - Caerphilly, Barry Island - Ystrad Mynach, Bridgend - Rhymney · 14m · £3 · every ~9 min
Bus27 · 39m · £2 · every ~15 min
86 · 46m · £2 · every ~1 min
Lisvane & Thornhill train station facilities and services
Lisvane & Thornhill 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 Lisvane & Thornhill.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Rhymney) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via Clos Llysfaen and a ramp with a shallow gradient. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge, 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 ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Porthcawl and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Porthcawl
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