- Recommended
Guildhall Museum
Charles Dickens’s Swiss chalet, moved from Kent countryside and displayed with exhibits on the writer’s Rochester connections.
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Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Rochester 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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Why should you book Cardiff to Rochester trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Rochester.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Rochester.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Rochester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Take a train from Cardiff to Rochester and enjoy the approximately 256 km long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 05:14, the last at 21:20.
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 256 km |
Average train duration 2h 54m |
Trains per day 9 |
First train 5:14 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Rochester trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Rochester. 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 28m
Cheapest Price
£39
Great Western Railway frequency
9 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
Complete guide to Rochester
Things to do in Rochester
Discover the best of Rochester — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rochester trip today.
- Recommended
Huguenot Museum
Local history museum in a former prison with displays on Medway’s people, places and changing river industries.
- Recommended
Huguenot Museum
Britain’s only museum dedicated to Huguenot history, housed in Rochester and presenting migration, craft and family stories.
- Must visit
Rochester High Street
Rochester’s historic high street is lined with independent shops, period buildings and Dickens associations, ideal for strolling.
- Recommended
The Vines Park
Long-established riverside public garden with lawns, a bandstand and a relaxed route beside the Medway near the castle.
- Recommended
Rochester Castle Gardens
Attractive public garden by Rochester Castle and the cathedral, good for picnics, river views and historic surroundings.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Kentish Huffkins
Kentish huffkins are soft round bread rolls from Kent, traditionally served filled or with butter. They are a long-standing county bakery staple.
- Vegetarian
Gypsy Tart
Gypsy tart is a classic Kent dessert with evaporated milk and dark muscovado sugar. It is strongly linked with schools and home baking in the county.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Kentish Cobnuts
Kentish cobnut is a cultivated hazelnut grown in Kent. It is eaten fresh or in desserts and is one of the county’s best-known traditional produce items.
Don Vincenzo
Popular independent Italian restaurant on Rochester High Street, known for pizza, pasta and a warm, casual atmosphere.
Olives Restaurant
Established Turkish restaurant known for charcoal-grilled meats, meze and generous portions in a lively but relaxed dining room.
The Cooper's Arms
Well-known riverside pub and restaurant beside Rochester Bridge, serving British dishes and drinks in a historic, traditional setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for south-east England. Dining and hotels are usually cheaper than central London, while local transport and coffee are in line with similar UK day-trip cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £50+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, often just small change.
FAQs: Cardiff to Rochester train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Rochester 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 Rochester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The train distance from Cardiff to Rochester is 256 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Rochester leaves at 5:14.
The last train from Cardiff to Rochester departs at 21:20.
Trains from Cardiff to Rochester run approximately 9 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Rochester.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Rochester.
To travel from Cardiff to Rochester, you can take a .
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Rochester.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Rochester is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Rochester station (RTR).
Booking trains from Cardiff to Rochester in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The Cardiff to Rochester train journey offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, with sections through the scenic Welsh countryside and views of the Severn Estuary, providing a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
To fully enjoy Rochester's attractions, spending two to three days is recommended. This allows time to explore the city's cultural sites, such as the George Eastman Museum and the Strong National Museum of Play, as well as enjoy the beautiful parks and local dining scene.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Rochester.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Rochester
Most Cardiff to Rochester trains use the Cardiff Central to Rochester station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Rochester 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 Rochester
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.
RochesterRochester station, 86 Corporation Street, Rochester, Kent, ME1 1NH
City-centre transport
Getting to Rochester from Rochester city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesTowards Gillingham: Bus stop on the station side of Corporation Street. Towards Strood: Bus stop on the opposite side of Corporation Street.
Rochester train station facilities and services
Rochester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Rochester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Rochester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Rochester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Rochester: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Step free access to booking hall from front of station. Step free access via lift in the subway to platform 1 for services towards London. Step free access to platform 2/3 for services away from London via lift from the subway. Stepped access to all platforms via staircases from subway, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: booking hall in subway, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Rochester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Rochester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Rochester
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