- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£47
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£108
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
6 h 9 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
6 h 12 m
Trains on 30 Aug
9
Distance
493 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff will cost around £108 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £47.
To travel from Glasgow to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
W84920+
G38860
W84909+
G38854
W33140+
G38937
W33304+
G38860
W33314+
G38854
W33275+
G38912
W33304+
G38860
W33138+
G38848
W33140+
G38937
W33163+
G38857Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £43 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 59m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £43, while a train costs an average of £81.
Distance: 493 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£81 Average Price | £43 Average Price Cheapest |
6h 59m Average total duration Fastest 6h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 10m Average total duration 11h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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.
The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W84898+ G38876 | On time 7:09 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 7h35 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33776+ G38875 | On time 8:00 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 5h45 | 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33472 · W33693+ G38876 | On time 8:38 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h06 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W33467 · W33398+ G38881 | On time 10:40 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h04 | 16:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W33427+ G38883 | On time 11:56 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 5h47 | 17:43 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33446 · W33596+ G38884 | On time 12:40 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h06 | 18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W84914+ G38888 | On time 13:09 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 7h47 | 20:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C01366+ G38887 | On time 13:42 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h03 | 19:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33687 · W33762+ G38888 | On time 14:34 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h22 | 20:56 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W84921+ W44848 | On time 15:08 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 7h57 | 23:05 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33771+ G38891 | On time 15:57 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 5h55 | 21:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W33505 · W33654+ W44848 | On time 16:40 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h25 | 23:05 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
W33586+ W44829 | On time 17:30 Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h42 | 0:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 5h 45m.
Distance 493 km |
Average train duration 6h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 5h 45m |
First train 4:08 |
Last train 18:40 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
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.
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.
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.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

Most Glasgow to Cardiff trains use the Glasgow Central to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Glasgow and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Glasgow Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Gordon St Coffee, Starbucks, Upper Crust, The Beer House, Patisserie Valerie, Alston Bar & Beef
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there is an ATM machine located on the concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 09:15 - 21:30. Information desks are there is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
Luggage storage is luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Glasgow Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Glasgow Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Central: There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Indigo Glasgow, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, voco Grand Central Glasgow.
Glasgow Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Information Desk on Concourse, 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: No.
Charing Cross (Glasgow) 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, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Charing Cross (Glasgow).
ATMs are available at Charing Cross (Glasgow).
Ticket office support is available at Charing Cross (Glasgow). Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charing Cross (Glasgow): Parking, WC.
Available at Charing Cross (Glasgow): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charing Cross (Glasgow): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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