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The cheapest and fastest trains from Carlisle to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 31 May
Cheapest price
£199
Average price
£216
Fastest journey
4 h 34 m
Average duration
4 h 40 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
380 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlisle to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlisle to Cardiff will cost around £216 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £199.
Fast trains
To travel from Carlisle to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
11:024h51Carlisle15:53Cardiff£1991One-way1 change- 12:084h46Carlisle16:54Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 13:064h46Carlisle17:52Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 14:064h47Carlisle18:53Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 15:084h34Carlisle19:42Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 15:084h34Carlisle19:42Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 17:114h35Carlisle21:46Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 16:044h41Carlisle20:45Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 18:084h42Carlisle22:50Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
- 12:084h46Carlisle16:54Cardiff£1991One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train for Carlisle to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Carlisle to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 45m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, and a train costs an average of £86.
Distance: 380 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£113 Average Price | £33 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 4h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 41m Average total duration 9h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Carlisle to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Carlisle to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 30 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 4:45 Carlisle | 5h40 | 10:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlisle to Cardiff 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.
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31 May
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Why should you book Carlisle to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as Avanti West Coast or Caledonian Sleeper offer trains services from Carlisle to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Carlisle to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Cardiff.
- 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Carlisle to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Avanti West Coast or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Carlisle to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Carlisle to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Carlisle to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Carlisle to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £86 but you can travel from only £26 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 20:07. The fastest train covers the 380 km distance in 4h 37m.
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 £26
Distance 380 km |
Average train duration 4h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £86 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 37m |
First train 4:08 |
Last train 20:07 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 2 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 £26
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper from Carlisle to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, Avanti West Coast, Caledonian Sleeper trains will get you between Carlisle and Cardiff from £26. 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
4h 37m
Cheapest Price
£106
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
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 26m
Cheapest Price
£86
Avanti West Coast frequency
11 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
Caledonian Sleeper
About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 43m
Cheapest Price
£144
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone
FAQs: Carlisle to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlisle to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Carlisle to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £86, while the average price tends to be around £113.
The train journey from Carlisle to Cardiff covers a distance of 380 km and takes approximately 4h 37m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Carlisle to Cardiff is 380 km.
The first train from Carlisle to Cardiff leaves at 4:08.
The last train from Carlisle to Cardiff departs at 20:07.
Trains from Carlisle to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Carlisle to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Carlisle to Cardiff.
To get from Carlisle to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
Yes, there is a night train from Carlisle to Cardiff.
The train station in Carlisle that goes to Cardiff is Carlisle station (CAR), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Carlisle to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £26.
Booking trains from Carlisle to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Carlisle to Cardiff offers a variety of scenic views, including the rolling landscapes of Cumbria, glimpses of the Lake District, and the picturesque countryside of Wales. Passengers can enjoy a mix of natural beauty and charming towns along the route.
A day trip from Carlisle to Cardiff is not feasible as the travel time is 4h 37m, which exceeds the 120-minute limit. The journey covers 380 km and there are 6 train trips per day.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city centre, take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay, and have an adventurous day at Cardiff International White Water. Visit Cardiff Market for shopping and dining, discover Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore Cardiff Bay's attractions, enjoy the National Museum Cardiff's collections, and relax in Bute Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Cardiff's main attractions, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum Cardiff, and the revitalised Cardiff Bay area.
Yes, you can take the train from Carlisle to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Carlisle and Cardiff
Carlisle
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Carlisle is Carlisle. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Carlisle for your trip from Carlisle to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 20:00 Saturday 05:00 - 20:00 Sunday 08:30 - 20:00
Shopping
- Type of shops available: Newsagent
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park 2
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts available to platforms via subway. Alternatively there is a ramped footbridge. Staff are available to assist on request.
- 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 toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platforms 4/6; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 8.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Carlisle
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement coach services can be found at the front of the station
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Carlisle.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike 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)
Whitchurch (Cardiff)
Amenities at train station
ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
5 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B Step free access to the platform from Pen y Dre.
- 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: No
- Storage location: On Platform 2
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Whitchurch (Cardiff)
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Along the A470 (Northern Avenue) towards Cardiff at the bus stop after the junction with Caedelyn Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Most popular train connections from Carlisle
More options for your journey from Carlisle to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Carlisle
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