Cardiff to Portsmouth train with Great Western Railway

Wed 05 Aug
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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  • Great Western RailwayG15006
    9:283h19
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £721One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW34974
    8:273h20
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £721One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15010
    11:303h17
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    14:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £781One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayG15008
    10:303h17
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:47Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £781One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35182 · G15101+South Western RailwayL79654
    11:503h54
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:44Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
    £1291One-way
    2 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Portsmouth

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Portsmouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 20m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, and a train costs an average of £31.

Distance: 164 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£70

Average Price

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

3h 50m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 46m

Average total duration

6h 16m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Portsmouth train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Portsmouth trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 5 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW349748:27 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h20
11:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG15042 · G15095+South Western RailwayL795958:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h05
12:43 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)2 changes
Great Western RailwayG150069:28 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h19
12:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1500810:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h17
13:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1501011:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h17
14:47 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW35182 · G15101+South Western RailwayL7965411:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h54
15:44 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)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 Portsmouth 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.

Wed
05 Aug
Thu
06 Aug
Fri
07 Aug
Sat
08 Aug
Sun
09 Aug
Mon
10 Aug
Tue
11 Aug

Why should you book Cardiff to Portsmouth trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Portsmouth.

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 Portsmouth.
  • 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 Portsmouth.

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 Portsmouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Portsmouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 3h 16m.

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
164 km
Average train duration
3h 20m
Cheapest ticket price
£31
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
3h 16m
First train
4:40
Last train
21:20
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
21 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, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Portsmouth trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Portsmouth 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 Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
£31
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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 Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
£99
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
12 a day

Complete guide to Portsmouth

Things to do in Portsmouth

Discover the best of Portsmouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Portsmouth trip today.

  • Must visit

HMS Victory

A major naval museum where visitors can board Nelson’s flagship and explore life at sea through preserved decks and displays.

  • Recommended

HMS Alliance

This working museum ship reveals cramped Victorian submarine life and the engineering behind one of Britain’s earliest submarines.

  • Recommended

Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery

Portsmouth’s city museum covers local history, football heritage and art, with exhibits spanning the city’s people and places.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels can be pricey in summer, but dining and local buses remain manageable for most city-break budgets.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated for table service.

FAQs: Cardiff to Portsmouth train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Portsmouth can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £31, while the average price tends to be around £70.
The train journey from Cardiff to Portsmouth covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 3h 16m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Portsmouth is 164 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Portsmouth leaves at 4:40.
The last train from Cardiff to Portsmouth departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff and Portsmouth. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
To get from Cardiff to Portsmouth, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Portsmouth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Portsmouth is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Portsmouth is by coach, costing approximately £14.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, including views of the picturesque South Wales countryside, the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, and glimpses of the South Coast as you approach Portsmouth.
A day trip from Cardiff to Portsmouth is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 16m. However, trains run 5 times per day.
A visit to Portsmouth typically requires 2 to 3 days to explore its main attractions, such as the Historic Dockyard, Spinnaker Tower, and Southsea Beach.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Portsmouth.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Portsmouth

Most Cardiff to Portsmouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Portsmouth & Southsea station pair, with some services arriving at Portsmouth Harbour. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
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 5QTParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
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.

BirchgroveBirchgrove station, Caerphilly Road, Birchgrove, Cardiff, CF14 4SY+44 333 321 1202ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Birchgrove from Cardiff city centre

Birchgrove is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCardiff Central - Coryton, Penarth - Coryton · 8m · £2 · every ~4 min
Cardiff Central - Coryton, Penarth - Coryton · 12m · £2 · every ~4 min
Bus27, 86 · 17m · £2 · every ~16 min
27 · 41m · £2 · every ~15 min

Birchgrove train station facilities and services

Birchgrove 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 Birchgrove.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Birchgrove: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Birchgrove: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Birchgrove: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. Step free access is available from Waun y Groes Avenue, 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 Portsmouth

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Portsmouth Cardiff to Portsmouth train

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