Cheltenham to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Thu, 20 Nov
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Great Western Rail
Cross Country
first_great_western
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 21 Nov

Cheapest price

£9

Average price

£17

Fastest journey

1 h 10 m

Average duration

1 h 52 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 £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.

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 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .

The slowest trains will take 4 h 26 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.

Transport for Wales
04:381h20
Cheltenham
05:58Cardiff
£91One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
09:151h10
Cheltenham
10:25Cardiff
£131One-way
0 changes
CrossCountry
08:151h10
Cheltenham
09:25Cardiff
£151One-way
0 changes
Transport for Wales
03:334h26
Cheltenham
07:59Cardiff
£211One-way
0 changes
Great Western Rail
08:521h15
Cheltenham
10:07Cardiff
£281One-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 £6. 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 £6, and a train costs an average of £9.

Distance: 89 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£21

Average Price

£10

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

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

Megabus

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, Thursday 20 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 06:08
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
transport_for_wales06:43 Cheltenham
1h16
07:59 Cardiff0 changesdirect
great_western08:52 Cheltenham
1h15
10:07 Cardiff0 changesdirect
transport_for_wales13:37 Cheltenham
1h22
14:59 Cardiff0 changesdirect
Friday 21 November
transport_for_wales03:33 Cheltenham
4h26
07:59 Cardiff0 changesdirect
transport_for_wales04:38 Cheltenham
1h20
05:58 Cardiff0 changesdirect

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.

Fri
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
Tue
25 Nov
Wed
26 Nov
Thu
27 Nov

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £6 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 £6
Distance
89 km
Average train duration
1h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
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 £6

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 £6. 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
£9
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
£28
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
£71
Cross Country frequency
32 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Cheapest Price
£39
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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £21.
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, 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.
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £6.
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 train distance from Cheltenham to Cardiff is 89 km.
The last train from Cheltenham to Cardiff departs at 23:47.
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.
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.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Cardiff is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
The first train from Cheltenham to Cardiff leaves at 4:20.
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
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
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
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
Dining
  • The Railway Inn
  • The Coconut Tree
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • £0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Queens Hotel Cheltenham
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
  • Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 300 places, covered
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
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

More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Cheltenham to Cardiff train

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