Glasgow to Cardiff train with Avanti West Coast

Mon 01 Dec
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
TransPennine Express
Great Western Rail
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 02 Dec

Cheapest price

£78

Average price

£163

Fastest journey

5 h 52 m

Average duration

6 h 2 m

Trains per day

5

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 £163 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £78.

Fast trains

Of the 5 trains that leave Glasgow 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 493 km distance in an average of 6 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 8 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.

Avanti West Coast
08:396h07
Glasgow
14:46Cardiff
£781One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
07:005h52
Glasgow
12:52Cardiff
£1731One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
07:386h06
Glasgow
13:44Cardiff
£1871One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
14:575h57
Glasgow
20:54Cardiff
£1871One-way
0 changes
Avanti West Coast
13:346h22
Glasgow
19:56Cardiff
£1881One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Glasgow to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £21. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £21, and a train costs an average of £69.

Distance: 493 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach

£171

Average Price

£53

Average Price

Cheapest

6h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 6m

Average total duration

11h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Glasgow to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Cardiff trains for today, Monday 1 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 00:17
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
avanti_west_coastW10458+transport_for_walesG55964
On time
08:00 Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h52
13:52 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
avanti_west_coastW09780 · W10461+transport_for_walesG55966
On time
08:38 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h06
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
avanti_west_coastP00488+transport_for_walesG55968
On time
09:39 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h05
15:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
avanti_west_coastW09789 · W10464+transport_for_walesG55970
On time
10:38 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h08
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes
avanti_west_coastW10468+transport_for_walesG55972
On time
11:56 Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h48
17:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
avanti_west_coastW09796 · W10472+transport_for_walesG55974
On time
12:40 Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h06
18:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 changes

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Glasgow 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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Glasgow to Cardiff is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Glasgow to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Glasgow to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Glasgow to Cardiff.

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 5 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £69 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 493 km distance in 5h 47m.

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 £21
Distance
493 km
Average train duration
6h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
£69
Trains per day
5
Fastest train
5h 47m
First train
04:08
Last train
18:40
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 £21

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express from Glasgow to Cardiff trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Glasgow and Cardiff from £21. 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 Duration
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
£70
Avanti West Coast frequency
4 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

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
8h 7m
Cheapest Price
£152
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
7h 4m
Cheapest Price
£175
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

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 Duration
7h 35m
Cheapest Price
£80
TransPennine Express frequency
1 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

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
A day trip from Glasgow to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey duration is 5h 47m. There are 5 train services available per day.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Glasgow to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £21.
The cost of a train ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £69, while the average price tends to be around £171.
The train distance from Glasgow to Cardiff is 493 km.
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 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.
The last train from Glasgow to Cardiff departs at 18:40.
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.
There is no night train service from Glasgow to Cardiff.
The train journey from Glasgow to Cardiff covers a distance of 493 km and takes approximately 5h 47m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train station in Glasgow that goes to Cardiff is Glasgow Central (GLC), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 4:08.
Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Glasgow to Cardiff.
To get from Glasgow to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Glasgow and Cardiff

Glasgow
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Glasgow is Charing Cross (Glasgow). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Charing Cross (Glasgow) for your trip from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:00 - 23:20 Saturday 06:00 - 23:20 Sunday 08:20 - 23:30
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: WHSmith newsagent
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: As part of our COVID-19 response, the toilets are opened upon request. The toilets are located on the Concourse. Radar - National Key Scheme
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Charing Cross (Glasgow)
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from Elmbank Gardens to the left of the station entrance
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: Wide range of shops
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Oswald Street NCP Car Park
Dining
Dining
  • Burger King
  • Krispy Kreme
  • Gordon St Coffee
  • Starbucks
  • Upper Crust
  • The Beer House
  • Patisserie Valerie
  • Alston Bar & Beef
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxis are available outside opposite the Gordon Street exit
  • Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis can be located on Gordon Street.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Accessible toilets can be located inside the Gordon Street entrance, use the intercom for access. There is also an accessible toilet on platform 9 opposite the water hydration point. Both toilets are operated with a radar Key Accessible shower is available within the changing places facility.
  • National key toilets: No
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Indigo Glasgow
  • Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow
  • voco Grand Central Glasgow
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
  • Sun: 09:15 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • There is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
Public transport options for Glasgow Central
  • Bus lines: 6, 7, 18, 21, 75, 263, 267, 500 Airport Express
  • Train lines: West Coast Main Line, ScotRail, Avanti West Coast, LNER, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus pick up / drop off on Gordon St.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:10 - 23:55 Saturday 05:10 - 23:55 Sunday 07:10 - 23:55
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilet is located on the concourse. Toilet facilities are only available during station opening hours. On Sundays the toilets close at 23:00. Radar - National Key Scheme
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: Inside the station next to the ticket office
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for Glasgow Queen Street
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off from the bus stop on the bridge at Cathedral Street
  • Metro: Interchange station for SPT Subway
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 23:30 Saturday 05:50 - 23:30 Sunday 08:10 - 23:15 Scottish Bookings only
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News kiosk
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: No
  • Step free access note: This is a Category C station. No step free access - stairs down to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office
  • Ramp for train access: No
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • 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
Public transport options for High Street (Glasgow)
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Buses pick up/drop off in front of the station on High Street
HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Glasgow to Cardiff train

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