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Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to St Albans
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to St Albans among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £22, and a train costs an average of £54.
Distance: 199 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £24 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 23m Average total duration Fastest 2h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 50m Average total duration 4h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to St Albans train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to St Albans trains for today, Friday 17 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:50 Cardiff | 3h04 | 13:54 St Albans | 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 St Albans 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 St Albans trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to St Albans.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to St Albans.
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 first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to St Albans.
- 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 St Albans
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to St Albans run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £22 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:08, the last at 21:58. The fastest train covers the 199 km distance in 3h 0m.
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 £22
Distance 199 km |
Average train duration 2h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 0m |
First train 2:08 |
Last train 21:58 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
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 £22
Train companies: Great Western Railway, first_great_western from Cardiff to St Albans trainsGreat Western Railway, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and St Albans from £22. 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 0m
Cheapest Price
£54
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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 29m
Cheapest Price
£156
first_great_western frequency
25 a day
FAQs: Cardiff to St Albans train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to St Albans 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 St Albans, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to St Albans can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £54, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Cardiff to St Albans covers a distance of 199 km and takes approximately 3h 0m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to St Albans is 199 km.
The first train from Cardiff to St Albans leaves at 2:08.
The last train from Cardiff to St Albans departs at 21:58.
Trains from Cardiff to St Albans run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to St Albans.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to St Albans.
To travel from Cardiff to St Albans, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to St Albans.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to St Albans is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at St Albans City (SAC).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to St Albans is by coach, costing approximately £22.
Booking trains from Cardiff to St Albans 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 St Albans offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the Welsh countryside and the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Cardiff to St Albans is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 0m each way. There are 3 trains per day.
Two to three days in St Albans is generally sufficient to explore its historic sites, such as the St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park, and the Roman Theatre, while also enjoying local dining and shopping experiences.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to St Albans.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and St Albans
Cardiff
St Albans
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to St Albans.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
The major train station for arrivals in St Albans is St Albans City. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at St Albans City for your journey to St Albans from Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 05:45 - 22:00 Saturday 06:45 - 21:15 Sunday 07:30 - 21:45
Parking
- Car Park: Victoria Street Multi Storey Car Park
Taxis
- Taxi: YES
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This is a Category A station: This station has step-free level access to the platform. Assistance Meeting Point is the Ticket Office.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All Thameslink ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. Ticket machines are of an accessible design, however their location and the station itself may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Wheelchairs may only be available when the station is staffed
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: Available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: There is a heated waiting area on each platform
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Station Way & Ridgmont Road
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityBike ParkingCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: A Ticket Vending Machine is located on Platform One.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: station platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 0248 997
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements
Public transport options for St Albans Abbey
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Towards Watford - Public Service bus stop A/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill near to the station entrance car park. Towards St Albans - Public Service bus stop B/Rail Replacement bus stop on A5183 on Holywell Hill.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
More options for your journey from Cardiff to St Albans
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from St Albans and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to St Albans
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