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The cheapest and fastest trains from Darlington to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 21 Dec
Cheapest price
£230
Average price
£230
Fastest journey
5 h 1 m
Average duration
5 h 8 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
356 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Darlington to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Darlington to Cardiff will cost around £230 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £230.
Fast trains
To travel from Darlington to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
C75087 · C7525312:105h13
Darlington station (DAR)17:23Cardiff Central (CDF)
£2301One-way
1 change
Y11960+C75194+
L1676409:265h09
Darlington station (DAR)14:35Cardiff Central (CDF)
£2301One-way
2 changes
C75086+L1676611:115h01
Darlington station (DAR)16:12Cardiff Central (CDF)
£2301One-way
1 change
C75086+L1676611:115h01
Darlington station (DAR)16:12Cardiff Central (CDF)
£2301One-way
1 change
Y11960+C75194+L1676409:265h09
Darlington station (DAR)14:35Cardiff Central (CDF)
£2301One-way
2 changes
C75087 · C7525312:105h13
Darlington station (DAR)17:23Cardiff Central (CDF)
£2301One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Darlington to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Darlington to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £27, and a train costs an average of £64.
Distance: 356 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
£156 Average Price | £42 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 5h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 43m Average total duration 9h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg 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
Darlington to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Darlington to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 20 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 05:34
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:06 Darlington | 5h12 | 15:18 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Darlington 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.
Sun
21 Dec
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22 Dec
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27 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Darlington to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Darlington to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £64 but you can travel from only £27 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 03:40, the last at 19:11. The fastest train covers the 356 km distance in 4h 53m.
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 £27
Distance 356 km |
Average train duration 5h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £64 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 4h 53m |
First train 03:40 |
Last train 19:11 |
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 £27
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country from Darlington to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country trains will get you between Darlington and Cardiff from £27. 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
4h 53m
Cheapest Price
£81
CrossCountry frequency
5 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
6h 0m
Cheapest Price
£64
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 19m
Cheapest Price
£273
Cross Country frequency
12 a day
FAQs: Darlington to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Darlington 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.
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.
Booking trains from Darlington to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The cost of a train ticket from Darlington to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £64, while the average price tends to be around £156.
A day trip from Darlington to Cardiff is not feasible due to the journey's duration of 4h 53m. Trains run 6 times per day over a distance of 356 km.
The cheapest way to get from Darlington to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £27.
The train journey from Darlington to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and countryside views, particularly as it passes through the scenic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales and the picturesque valleys of South Wales.
The train station in Darlington that goes to Cardiff is Darlington station (DAR), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The train distance from Darlington to Cardiff is 356 km.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Darlington to Cardiff.
To get from Darlington to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
Yes, you can take the train from Darlington to Cardiff.
The train journey from Darlington to Cardiff covers a distance of 356 km and takes approximately 4h 53m. Trains run 6 per day.
The first train from Darlington to Cardiff leaves at 3:40.
The last train from Darlington to Cardiff departs at 19:11.
Trains from Darlington to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Darlington to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Darlington to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Darlington and Cardiff
Darlington
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Darlington is Darlington. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Darlington for your trip from Darlington to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 19:00 Saturday 07:00 - 19:00 Sunday 08:00 - 18:00
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station
- Accessible public telephones: text phones are available and staff are on hand to assist as required due to no low level phones
- Accessible taxis: Generally available but advance booking recommended
- 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 toilets are located on the Main Concourse; these toilets can be accessed from all platforms. The National key toilets are adjacent to Platform 2; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key. A RADAR key is available from the Customer Reception on Platform 1 upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: This station has heated waiting rooms available. Seating is available at an accessible height in the waiting room and on platforms
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: stations front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Darlington
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement coach services depart from the station entrance
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 Darlington.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar 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
Most popular train connections from Darlington
More options for your journey from Darlington to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Darlington
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