- Recommended
Windsor and Royal Borough Museum
A compact local museum covering Windsor’s royal links, archaeology and changing town life through varied displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Windsor
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept
Cheapest price on 17 Sept
£58
Average ticket price on 17 Sept
£77
Fastest journey on 17 Sept
2 h 17 m
Average journey duration on 17 Sept
2 h 21 m
Trains on 17 Sept
9
Distance
179 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Windsor is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Windsor will cost around £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £58.
Fast trains
To travel from Cardiff to Windsor you need to make at least 2 changes.
G15044+
C37695+C4869210:502h26Cardiff Central (CDF)13:16Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£581One-way2 changes- G15043+C37601+C486859:492h27Cardiff Central (CDF)12:16Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£621One-way2 changes
- W35178+C37651+C4868810:182h18Cardiff Central (CDF)12:36Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£621One-way2 changes
- W35432+C37552+C486819:192h17Cardiff Central (CDF)11:36Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£821One-way2 changes
- G15042+C37507+C486808:382h38Cardiff Central (CDF)11:16Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£821One-way2 changes
- W35432+C37552+C486819:192h17Cardiff Central (CDF)11:36Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£821One-way2 changes
- G15041+C37459+C486778:182h18Cardiff Central (CDF)10:36Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£821One-way2 changes
- W35178+C37651+C4868810:182h18Cardiff Central (CDF)12:36Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£621One-way2 changes
- G15044+C37695+C4869210:502h26Cardiff Central (CDF)13:16Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£581One-way2 changes
- G15043+C37601+C486859:492h27Cardiff Central (CDF)12:16Windsor & Eton Central (WNC)£621One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Cardiff to Windsor
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Windsor among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £14 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 2h 48m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £14, while a train costs an average of £57.
Distance: 179 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£57 Average Price | £14 Average Price Cheapest |
2h 48m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 49m Average total duration 4h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Windsor is a coach with an average price of £14.
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Windsor:
A coach is £43 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Windsor costing on average £57.
The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Windsor is by train with an average journey time of 2h 18m.
Other travel options to Windsor take longer:
Coach takes on average 4h 19m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Windsor including taking a coach and train.
Live departures
Cardiff to Windsor train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Windsor trains for tomorrow, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G15041+ L80661 · L84577 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h08 | 11:26 Windsor & Eton Riverside (WNR) | 2 changes | |
| G15041 · C48677+C37459 | 8:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h18 | 10:36 Windsor & Eton Central (WNC) | 2 changes | |
| G15042 · C48680+C37507 | 8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h38 | 11:16 Windsor & Eton Central (WNC) | 2 changes | |
| G15042+L84587 · L80670 | 8:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 11:56 Windsor & Eton Riverside (WNR) | 2 changes | |
| W35432 · C48681+C37552 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h17 | 11:36 Windsor & Eton Central (WNC) | 2 changes | |
| W35432+L84597 · L80679 | 9:19 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h07 | 12:26 Windsor & Eton Riverside (WNR) | 2 changes | |
| G15043 · C48685+C37601 | 9:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h27 | 12:16 Windsor & Eton Central (WNC) | 2 changes | |
| W35178 · C48688+C37651 | 10:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h18 | 12:36 Windsor & Eton Central (WNC) | 2 changes | |
| G15044 · C48692+C37695 | 10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2h26 | 13:16 Windsor & Eton Central (WNC) | 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 Windsor by coach or train
Compare coach and 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.
Thu
17 Sept
17 Sept
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18 Sept
18 Sept
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19 Sept
19 Sept
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20 Sept
20 Sept
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21 Sept
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23 Sept
23 Sept
Why should you book Cardiff to Windsor trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Cardiff to Windsor.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Windsor.
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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Windsor.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Windsor.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Windsor
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Windsor run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £47 but you can travel from only £10 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 22:40. The fastest train covers the 179 km distance in 2h 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 £10
Distance 179 km |
Average train duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £47 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 16m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 22:40 |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £10
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Cardiff to Windsor trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Windsor from £10. 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
2h 16m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£47
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 Windsor
Things to do in Windsor
Discover the best of Windsor — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Windsor trip today.
Queen Victoria's Waiting Room
A restored Victorian station with Queen Victoria’s waiting room and displays about rail travel in Windsor.
The Firestation Gallery
A small gallery space in central Windsor hosting changing contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events.
- Must visit
The Long Walk
A grand tree-lined avenue running south from the castle through parkland, ideal for long walks and iconic views.
- Recommended
Windsor Town Centre
A lively pedestrian area with historic buildings, shops and easy access to the castle, station and river.
- Recommended
Alexandra Gardens
A riverside promenade and park area popular for boat views, walks, benches and relaxed castle panoramas.
Roast Beef With Yorkshire Pudding
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding is a classic Sunday roast long associated with English dining, commonly enjoyed in pubs and traditional inns around Windsor.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Eton Mess
Eton mess was created at nearby Eton College. It combines strawberries, broken meringue and whipped cream, making it a signature local summer pudding.
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones and cakes is a long-standing Windsor treat, fitting the town’s royal heritage and riverside hotel culture.
The Two Brewers
Traditional pub by the Long Walk, popular for ales, pies and classic British comfort food in a cosy, historic atmosphere.
The Boatman
Riverside dining venue known for steaks, grills and British favourites, with terrace seating overlooking the Thames.
The Brasserie At Sir Christopher Wren
Elegant brasserie inside Sir Christopher Wren Hotel, known for British and European dishes with a polished riverside setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Windsor is pricier than many UK towns due to tourism. Hotels, dining and attractions near the castle cost more, while local buses and casual cafés remain manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple café 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
Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is common for good service. Taxi fares are often rounded up. Tipping in cafés is optional.
Thames Valley Buses
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £3.00
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Windsor & Eton Riverside -> Windsor Castle, Windsor
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 8 min
- Thames Valley Buses single fares are capped at £3.00 until 31 December 2026, and tap on tap off is available on all routes.
- For central Windsor, many key sights are walkable from Windsor & Eton Riverside; check whether your bus stays within the Windsor or Maidenhead fare zone before buying a day ticket.
FAQs: Cardiff to Windsor train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Windsor 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 Windsor, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Cardiff to Windsor can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £47, while the average price tends to be around £57.
The train journey from Cardiff to Windsor covers a distance of 179 km and takes approximately 2h 16m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Cardiff to Windsor is 179 km.
The first train from Cardiff to Windsor leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Cardiff to Windsor departs at 22:40.
Trains from Cardiff to Windsor run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cardiff to Windsor.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Windsor.
To get from Cardiff to Windsor, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Cardiff to Windsor.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Windsor is Cardiff Central (CDF), and it arrives at Windsor & Eton Central (WNC).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Windsor is by coach, costing approximately £10.
Booking trains from Cardiff to Windsor 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 Windsor offers a mix of urban and countryside views, with highlights including the rolling hills of South Wales and glimpses of the River Thames as you approach Windsor.
A day trip from Cardiff to Windsor is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 16m. Trains run 5 times per day.
In Windsor, you can explore LEGOLAND Windsor Resort with its family-friendly rides and attractions, enjoy a River Thames boat tour for a unique view of the town's landmarks, and visit Windsor & Eton Brewery to taste local craft beers. For cultural experiences, attend a show at the historic Theatre Royal Windsor. Shopping enthusiasts can browse boutique shops and cafes at Windsor Royal Station. Don't miss the best sights, including Windsor Castle, St George's Chapel, Windsor Great Park, Eton College, and The Long Walk for scenic views and royal history.
To fully explore Windsor's main attractions, including Windsor Castle, a visit to Eton, and a leisurely stroll along the River Thames, plan for a stay of 1 to 2 days.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Windsor.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Windsor
Most Cardiff to Windsor trains use the Cardiff Central to Windsor & Eton Central station pair, with some services arriving at Windsor & Eton Riverside. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Windsor 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 Windsor
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.
Which Windsor station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Trains from Cardiff to Windsor most often arrive at Windsor & Eton Central. Some services arrive at Windsor & Eton Riverside, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Windsor arrival station.
Windsor & Eton CentralWindsor & Eton Central station, Royal Windsor Shopping Centre, Thames Street, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1PJ+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Windsor & Eton Central from Windsor city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesBus Stop outside Hare & Garter, Opposite Windsor Castle
Windsor & Eton Central train station facilities and services
Windsor & Eton Central has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Central.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Windsor & Eton Central: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Windsor & Eton Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible public telephones: No, Accessible taxis: Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Windsor & Eton RiversideWindsor & Eton Riverside station, Datchet Road, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1QG+44 345 600 0650
City-centre transport
Getting to Windsor & Eton Riverside from Windsor city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesDatchet Road (B470) by station.
Windsor & Eton Riverside train station facilities and services
Windsor & Eton Riverside has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. ATMs are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Windsor & Eton Riverside. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Windsor & Eton Riverside: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Short ramps at up to 1:9 gradient from car parks and main entrance to concourse - then level access to both 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: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Windsor
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Windsor and Cardiff
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