Glasgow to Cardiff train with Avanti West Coast

Wed 14 Oct
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
London North Eastern Railway
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 14 Oct

Cheapest price on 14 Oct

£52

Average ticket price on 14 Oct

£125

Fastest journey on 14 Oct

5 h 48 m

Average journey duration on 14 Oct

5 h 56 m

Trains on 14 Oct

10

Distance

493 km

Cheap tickets

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 £125 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £52.

Fast trains

To travel from Glasgow to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • Transpennine ExpressW84893+Transport for WalesG38873
    4:527h52
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    12:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £521One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW33903+Transport for WalesG38874
    8:005h53
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    13:53Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £681One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW34271+Transport for WalesG38870
    5:485h50
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    11:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £681One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastW34160+Transport for WalesG38882
    11:565h48
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    17:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change
  • Avanti West CoastC01362+Transport for WalesG38878
    9:406h05
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    15:45Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £691One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Glasgow to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 5h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £41 but you can travel from only £25 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 5h 34m.

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 £25
Distance
493 km
Average train duration
5h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£41
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
5h 34m
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
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 £25

Live departures

Glasgow to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday 13 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW34160+Transport for WalesG38882
Delayed
11:16 11:56Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h48
17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW34063 · W34124+Transport for WalesG38885
On time
12:40 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h06
18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Avanti West CoastC01365+Transport for WalesG38886
On time
13:38 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h07
19:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW34050 · W00587+Transport for WalesG38890
On time
14:34 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h20
20:54 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
Transpennine ExpressW84922+Transport for WalesW44838
On time
15:08 Glasgow Central (GLC)
7h53
23:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Avanti West CoastW33999+Transport for WalesG38892
On time
15:57 Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h58
21:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Wednesday 14 October
Avanti West CoastW33939 · W34207+Transport for WalesG388684:28 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h21
10:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Transpennine ExpressW84893+Transport for WalesG388734:52 Glasgow Central (GLC)
7h52
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34271+Transport for WalesG388705:48 Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h50
11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34181 · W34265+Transport for WalesG388736:29 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h15
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastW33903+Transport for WalesG388748:00 Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h53
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW34039 · W33933+Transport for WalesG388778:38 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h06
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes
Avanti West CoastC01362+Transport for WalesG388789:40 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h05
15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Avanti West CoastW33973 · W34060+Transport for WalesG3888010:38 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h08
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Glasgow to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, London North Eastern Railway and more offer trains services from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff.
  • 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or London North Eastern Railway to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway from Glasgow to Cardiff trainsAvanti West Coast, Transpennine Express, Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, London North Eastern Railway trains will get you between Glasgow and Cardiff from £25. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£41
Avanti West Coast frequency
6 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transpennine Express Duration
6h 29m
Cheapest Transpennine Express Price
£53
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
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 Transport for Wales Duration
5h 34m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£53
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

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 CrossCountry Duration
7h 29m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£111
CrossCountry frequency
3 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

London North Eastern Railway

About
LNER is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from high-speed intercity trains to local services. Its most popular routes include London to Edinburgh, London to Leeds, and London to York. LNER offers a variety of train types, including the Azuma, InterCity 225, and HST. The Azuma is a modern, high-speed train that offers comfortable seating and onboard Wi-Fi. The InterCity 225 is a classic train that offers a more traditional experience. The HST is a high-speed train that offers a smooth ride and plenty of legroom. LNER offers a variety of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak. Advance tickets are the cheapest option and must be booked in advance. Anytime tickets are more expensive but can be used at any time. Off-Peak tickets are the most affordable option for travelling during off-peak times. Onboard facilities include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. LNER also offers a range of discounts and special offers, making it an affordable and convenient way to travel.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average London North Eastern Railway Duration
6h 49m
Cheapest London North Eastern Railway Price
£123
London North Eastern Railway frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund available if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals. First Class passengers receive complimentary refreshments
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are included with Advance tickets. Optional for other ticket types at £0-£2 per person depending on route
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, passenger assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two pets 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

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Glasgow to Cardiff train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £41, while the average price tends to be around £130.
The train journey from Glasgow to Cardiff covers a distance of 493 km and takes approximately 5h 34m. Trains run 6 per day.
The train distance from Glasgow to Cardiff is 493 km.
The first train from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 4:08.
The last train from Glasgow to Cardiff departs at 18:40.
Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Glasgow to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Glasgow to Cardiff.
The train station in Glasgow that goes to Cardiff is Glasgow Central (GLC), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Glasgow 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 Glasgow to Cardiff offers scenic views of the British countryside, including rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, particularly as you travel through areas such as the Lake District and the Brecon Beacons.
Yes, you can take the train from Glasgow to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Cardiff

Most Glasgow to Cardiff trains use the Glasgow Central to Cardiff Central station pair. 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.

Departure train stations in Glasgow
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Glasgow CentralGordon St, Glasgow G1 3SL, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Glasgow Central from Glasgow city centre

Bus18, 10, 6, X8, N267, 18A, 75, 7A, 7, N18, 263, 267 · 2m · £2 · every ~78 min
SubwaySub · 26m · £2 · every ~57 min

Glasgow Central 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 and drink

Food options include: Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Gordon St Coffee, Starbucks, Upper Crust, The Beer House, Patisserie Valerie, Alston Bar & Beef

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there is an ATM machine located on the concourse.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Glasgow Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Glasgow Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Indigo Glasgow, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, voco Grand Central Glasgow.

Glasgow Queen StreetGlasgow Queen Street station, North Hanover Street, George Square, Glasgow, Glasgow City, G1 2AFWifiParkingDiningAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Glasgow Queen Street from Glasgow city centre

Bus19, 38C, 38A, 38B, 38E, 38, 57A, 57 · 2m · £2 · every ~46 min
15 · 3m · £0.89 · every ~7 min
SubwaySub · 23m · £2 · every ~57 min

Glasgow Queen Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Glasgow Queen Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Glasgow Queen Street.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone