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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 08 Jan
Cheapest price
£13
Average price
£19
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 h 18 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
89 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff will cost around £19 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £13.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Cheltenham for Cardiff every day 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 89 km distance in an average of 1 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 22 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
13:371h22
Cheltenham14:59Cardiff
£131One-way
0 changes
05:061h18
Cheltenham06:24Cardiff
£151One-way
0 changes
06:431h16
Cheltenham07:59Cardiff
£191One-way
0 changes
04:381h20
Cheltenham05:58Cardiff
£211One-way
0 changes
08:521h15
Cheltenham10:07Cardiff
£271One-way
0 changes
08:521h15
Cheltenham10:07Cardiff
£271One-way
0 changes
06:431h16
Cheltenham07:59Cardiff
£191One-way
0 changes
05:061h18
Cheltenham06:24Cardiff
£151One-way
0 changes
04:381h20
Cheltenham05:58Cardiff
£211One-way
0 changes
13:371h22
Cheltenham14:59Cardiff
£131One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 13m. 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 £5, and a train costs an average of £8.
Distance: 89 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£21 Average Price | £9 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cheltenham to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday 7 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 02:23
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L65677 | On time 05:38 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h20 | 06:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C74842 | On time 06:08 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h17 | 07:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C74845 | On time 06:41 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h17 | 07:58 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C74848+P22616 | On time 07:29 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h10 | 08:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| L65679 | On time 07:43 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h17 | 09:00 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C75053 | On time 08:15 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h10 | 09:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| C74850+P22618 | On time 08:29 Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h07 | 09:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to Cardiff 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.
Thu
08 Jan
08 Jan
Fri
09 Jan
09 Jan
Sat
10 Jan
10 Jan
Sun
11 Jan
11 Jan
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £8 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 5m.
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 £5
Distance 89 km |
Average train duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price £8 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 5m |
First train 04:20 |
Last train 23:47 |
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 £5
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cheltenham to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cheltenham and Cardiff from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 5m
Cheapest Price
£9
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
£8
Transport for Wales frequency
2 a day
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
Great Western Rail
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
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
£27
Great Western Rail frequency
3 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Cheapest Price
£70
Cross Country frequency
32 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Cheapest Price
£38
first_great_western frequency
4 a day
FAQs: Cheltenham to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £8, while the average price tends to be around £21.
Yes, a day trip from Cheltenham to Cardiff is feasible with a travel time of 1h 5m and a distance of 89 km. Trains run 7 times per day.
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.
The train journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff offers scenic views of the picturesque countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages, making it a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £5.
The train distance from Cheltenham to Cardiff is 89 km.
Booking trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff covers a distance of 89 km and takes approximately 1h 5m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Cardiff is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The last train from Cheltenham to Cardiff departs at 23:47.
The first train from Cheltenham to Cardiff leaves at 4:20.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and Cardiff. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Transport for Wales.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
To get from Cheltenham to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Cardiff
Cheltenham
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Cheltenham is Cheltenham Spa. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cheltenham Spa for your trip from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Address
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
2Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
- The Railway Inn
- The Coconut Tree
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.50
Hotel
- Queens Hotel Cheltenham
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
- Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
- 300 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
Public transport options for Cheltenham Spa
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside 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 Cheltenham.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
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)
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.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation 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
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Cheltenham
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