- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Dover to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct
Cheapest price on 09 Oct
£63
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£81
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
3 h 48 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
3 h 57 m
Trains on 09 Oct
6
Distance
314 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Dover to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Dover to Cardiff will cost around £81 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £63.
Fast trains
To travel from Dover to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.
P90346 · P85648+
G14939+
Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington8:524h24Dover Priory (DVP)13:16Cardiff Central (CDF)£631One-way3 changes- P85914_P85651+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W354179:453h51Dover Priory (DVP)13:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£671One-way2 changes
- P85920_P85661+W34624+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington10:453h52Dover Priory (DVP)14:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£671One-way2 changes
- P85926+W35418+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington11:483h48Dover Priory (DVP)15:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£671One-way2 changes
- P86167+W34632+Tube from London Victoria to London Paddington12:184h51Dover Priory (DVP)17:09Cardiff Central (CDF)£871One-way2 changes
- P85926+W35418+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington11:483h48Dover Priory (DVP)15:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£671One-way2 changes
- P85906+W34618+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington8:483h49Dover Priory (DVP)12:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£1351One-way2 changes
- P85914_P85651+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington+W354179:453h51Dover Priory (DVP)13:36Cardiff Central (CDF)£671One-way2 changes
- P85920_P85661+W34624+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington10:453h52Dover Priory (DVP)14:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£671One-way2 changes
- P90346 · P85648+G14939+Tube from London St Pancras International to London Paddington8:524h24Dover Priory (DVP)13:16Cardiff Central (CDF)£631One-way3 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Dover to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Dover to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £56 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:26, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 314 km distance in 3h 7m.
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 £19
Distance 314 km |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £56 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 4:26 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
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 £19
Why should you book Dover to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Dover to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Dover to Cardiff.
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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Dover to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Dover to Cardiff.
Train companies: Great Western Railway from Dover to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Dover and Cardiff from £19. 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
3h 7m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£56
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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
Complete guide to Cardiff
Things to do in Cardiff
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
- Must visit
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
Pound sterling (£)
Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a simple 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 usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.35
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment on board, including tap on and tap off for adult single and day tickets.
- Cardiff Central is within easy walking distance of the main city centre streets, so walking is often quickest for central destinations.
Best day trips from Cardiff by train
The most popular day trips by train from Cardiff are Bristol, Bath, Swansea, Newport and Cheltenham. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Cardiff on Omio.
Day trip from Cardiff to Bristol by train
Why visit Bristol for the day?
Bristol is known for its maritime past, inventive culture and distinctive street art. Around the harbourside and Clifton, historic landmarks and a strong independent scene give the city an energetic but relaxed feel.
How to get from Cardiff to Bristol by train?
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:30, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 39m.
Day trip from Cardiff to Bath by train
Why visit Bath for the day?
Bath is known for its Roman Baths, graceful Georgian architecture and links to Jane Austen. Its compact centre feels elegant yet lively, with historic streets, independent shops and a long-standing spa culture.
How to get from Cardiff to Bath by train?
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:13, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 58 km distance in 54m.
Day trip from Cardiff to Swansea by train
Why visit Swansea for the day?
Swansea is known for its sweeping bay, maritime past and connection to Dylan Thomas. The city mixes a practical urban centre with a waterfront feel and quick access to the Gower coast.
How to get from Cardiff to Swansea by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 50m.
Day trip from Cardiff to Newport by train
Why visit Newport for the day?
Newport is a South Wales city known for its industrial past, the Transporter Bridge and riverside setting on the Usk. Regenerated shopping areas and historic sites give it a practical mix of modern city life and local heritage.
How to get from Cardiff to Newport by train?
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 17 km distance in 10m.
Day trip from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train
Why visit Cheltenham for the day?
Cheltenham is a Regency spa town known for elegant architecture, garden squares and a lively festival calendar. It is especially associated with jump racing and the Cheltenham Festival, balanced by a refined town-centre atmosphere.
How to get from Cardiff to Cheltenham by train?
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:35. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 0m.
FAQs: Dover to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Dover 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 Dover to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £56, while the average price tends to be around £73.
The train journey from Dover to Cardiff covers a distance of 314 km and takes approximately 3h 7m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Dover to Cardiff is 314 km.
The first train from Dover to Cardiff leaves at 4:26.
The last train from Dover to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Trains from Dover to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Dover to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Dover to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Dover to Cardiff.
The train station in Dover that goes to Cardiff is Dover Priory (DVP), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Dover 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 Dover to Cardiff offers some scenic views, especially as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of the English countryside, including areas such as the Kent Downs and along parts of the South Wales coastline.
Yes, you can take the train from Dover to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Dover and Cardiff
Most Dover to Cardiff trains use the Dover Priory to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Dover and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Dover
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which Dover station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from Dover to Cardiff leave from Dover Priory. The station is 1 km from Dover city centre at Dover Priory station, Station Approach, off Folkestone Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SB.
Dover PrioryDover Priory station, Station Approach, off Folkestone Road, Dover, Kent, CT17 9SB+44 3303339232
City-centre transport
Getting to Dover Priory from Dover city centre
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation forecourt
Dover Priory train station facilities and services
Dover Priory has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Dover Priory.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Dover Priory.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Dover Priory. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0345 322 7021 or Text relay 18001 0345 322 7021 Freephone 0800 783 4524 or Text Relay 18001 0800 783 4524, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dover Priory: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Dover Priory: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dover Priory: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. This station has step free access to all platforms - Access to all platforms and interchange via lifts and stairs via booking hall, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not wheelchair accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available to book, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: At the front of the station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 24 Hours a Day Sunday 24 Hours a Day Assistance/Help available from station staff from First to Last trains, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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.
More options for your journey from Dover to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Dover
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