Gloucester to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Sat 10 Oct
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Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Avanti West Coast
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Gloucester to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 10 Oct

Cheapest price on 10 Oct

£23

Average ticket price on 10 Oct

£26

Fastest journey on 10 Oct

1 h 7 m

Average journey duration on 10 Oct

1 h 12 m

Trains on 10 Oct

9

Distance

78 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Gloucester to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Gloucester to Cardiff will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £23.

Fast trains

On Sat 10 Oct, we found 9 trains from Gloucester to Cardiff, including 4 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 78 km distance in an average of 1 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 7 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 28 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.

  • Transport for WalesG39586
    7:531h07
    Gloucester station (GCR)
    9:00Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG39590
    8:501h09
    Gloucester station (GCR)
    9:59Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG39596
    9:501h08
    Gloucester station (GCR)
    10:58Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG39599
    10:501h09
    Gloucester station (GCR)
    11:59Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £231One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC42677 · C47823
    6:121h32
    Gloucester station (GCR)
    7:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £281One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Gloucester to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Gloucester to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £7 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 78 km distance in 55m.

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 £5
Distance
78 km
Average train duration
1h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
£7
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
55m
First train
4:40
Last train
23:53
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sun
Best time to book
4 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 £5

Live departures

Gloucester to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Gloucester to Cardiff trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for WalesG39602
Delayed
9:53 10:50Gloucester station (GCR)
1h09
11:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Saturday 10 October
Great Western RailwayC42677 · C478236:12 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h32
7:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Great Western RailwayC47829 · W346057:07 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h30
8:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG395867:53 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h07
9:00 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC42415 · W346098:10 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h28
9:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG395908:50 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h09
9:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayC48132 · C421739:08 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h32
10:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG395969:50 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h08
10:58 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayY41579 · W3461510:09 Gloucester station (GCR)
1h31
11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Gloucester to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway offer trains services from Gloucester to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Gloucester to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Gloucester to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Gloucester to Cardiff.

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway from Gloucester to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway trains will get you between Gloucester and Cardiff from £5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
1h 3m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£9
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

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
55m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£8
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

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
1h 6m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£7
Great Western Railway frequency
1 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

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.

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.

A view of Bristol

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.

A view of Bath

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.

A view of Swansea

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.

A view of Newport

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.

A view of Cheltenham

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.

Trains from Gloucester to Cardiff

Taking trains from Gloucester to Cardiff is a quick and straightforward way of making the journey. There are at least two direct services an hour and an additional connecting route most hours of the day. The timetable is slightly reduced on Saturdays and Sundays. Direct routes take approximately one hour, while connecting services take up to 90 minutes. Departures are from Gloucester Railway Station with arrivals at Cardiff Central Station.

Which train companies travel from Gloucester to Cardiff?

Direct routes to Cardiff from Gloucester are operated by Arriva and CrossCountry, while a connecting service is provided by Great Western Railway. All three operators have modern rolling stock with comfortable carriages. On some trains, seats can be reserved. Standard on-board facilities include luggage space, toilets and WiFi, while some trains also have catering services.

How long is the train from Gloucester to Cardiff?

Direct trains from Gloucester to Cardiff take approximately one hour to complete the journey, and travelling time on connecting routes varies from one hour 15 minutes to 90 minutes. Where a connection is required, it is made at Filton Abbey Wood.

How many trains are there from Gloucester to Cardiff?

Trains from Gloucester to Cardiff depart frequently throughout the day from early morning until late at night on Mondays to Fridays. There are at least two direct services every hour and a further connecting train on most hours of the day. The service is slightly reduced on Saturdays and Sundays.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Gloucester to Cardiff?

Departure train station: Trains on routes from Gloucester to Cardiff start their journey at Gloucester Railway Station, a station that is noted for having the second-longest railway platform in the UK. It is located just a few minutes walk from the city centre and served by local buses. Among the facilities at Gloucester Station are car and bicycle parking, ATMs, toilets, waiting areas and a cafe.

Arrival train station: Trains to Cardiff from Gloucester arrive at Cardiff Central Station. This is located in the city centre and is a busy transport hub that is served by local, regional and intercity trains as well as local and long-distance buses. Facilities at the station include a taxi rank, car and bicycle parking, ATMs, waiting areas, WiFi, toilets, shops, cafes and fast food kiosks.

FAQs: Gloucester to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Gloucester 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 Gloucester to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £7, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Gloucester to Cardiff covers a distance of 78 km and takes approximately 55m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Gloucester to Cardiff is 78 km.
The first train from Gloucester to Cardiff leaves at 4:40.
The last train from Gloucester to Cardiff departs at 23:53.
Trains from Gloucester to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Gloucester to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Gloucester and Cardiff. The service operates 6 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales, CrossCountry.
There is no night train service from Gloucester to Cardiff.
The train station in Gloucester that goes to Cardiff is Gloucester station (GCR), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Gloucester 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 Gloucester to Cardiff offers scenic views of the Severn Estuary and rolling countryside, providing a pleasant travel experience through the picturesque landscapes of Gloucestershire and South Wales.
Yes, you can take the train from Gloucester to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Gloucester and Cardiff

Most Gloucester to Cardiff trains use the Gloucester to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Gloucester and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Gloucester
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Gloucester station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Gloucester to Cardiff leave from Gloucester. The station is from Gloucester city centre at Gloucester station, Bruton Way, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 1DE.
GloucesterGloucester station, Bruton Way, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 1DEWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to Gloucester from Gloucester city centre

Bus8 · 1m · £4 · every ~9 min

Gloucester train station facilities and services

Gloucester has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Gloucester.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Gloucester. ATMs are available at Gloucester.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Gloucester.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Gloucester: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Gloucester: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Gloucester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - step free access available to all platforms with liftbridge to link platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available, 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.

More options for your journey from Gloucester to Cardiff

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