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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ipswich to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 18 Nov
Cheapest price
£51
Average price
£153
Fastest journey
3 h 53 m
Average duration
4 h 22 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
305 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Ipswich to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Ipswich to Cardiff will cost around £153 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £51.
Fast trains
Of the 3 trains that leave Ipswich for Cardiff every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 305 km distance in an average of 4 h 22 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 56 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.
09:534h16
Ipswich14:09Cardiff
£511One-way
0 changes
07:433h53
Ipswich11:36Cardiff
£1761One-way
0 changes
04:414h56
Ipswich09:37Cardiff
£2331One-way
0 changes
07:433h53
Ipswich11:36Cardiff
£1761One-way
0 changes
09:534h16
Ipswich14:09Cardiff
£511One-way
0 changes
04:414h56
Ipswich09:37Cardiff
£2331One-way
0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Ipswich to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £32. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £32, and a train costs an average of £44.
Distance: 305 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£125 Average Price | £48 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 48m Average total duration Fastest 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 47m Average total duration 7h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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.
Live departures
Ipswich to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Tuesday 18 November. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 10:33
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 04:41 Ipswich | 4h56 | 09:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 07:43 Ipswich | 3h53 | 11:36 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 09:53 Ipswich | 4h16 | 14:09 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Ipswich 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.
Tue
18 Nov
18 Nov
Wed
19 Nov
19 Nov
Thu
20 Nov
20 Nov
Fri
21 Nov
21 Nov
Sat
22 Nov
22 Nov
Sun
23 Nov
23 Nov
Mon
24 Nov
24 Nov
Journey information
Overview: Train from Ipswich to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Ipswich to Cardiff run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £32 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:41. The fastest train covers the 305 km distance in 3h 42m.
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 £32
Distance 305 km |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price £44 |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 42m |
First train 05:07 |
Last train 20:41 |
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 £32
Train companies: Great Western Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia from Ipswich to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, Abellio Greater Anglia trains will get you between Ipswich and Cardiff from £32. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
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 Duration
3h 53m
Cheapest Price
£50
Great Western Rail frequency
4 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
Abellio Greater Anglia
About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
£170
Abellio Greater Anglia frequency
25 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class 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 require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone
FAQs: Ipswich to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £125.
The cheapest way to get from Ipswich to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £32.
The train distance from Ipswich to Cardiff is 305 km.
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 last train from Ipswich to Cardiff departs at 20:41.
There is no night train service from Ipswich to Cardiff.
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.
Booking trains from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Cardiff covers a distance of 305 km and takes approximately 3h 42m. Trains run 5 per day.
The train station in Ipswich that goes to Cardiff is Ipswich station (IPS), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The first train from Ipswich to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
Trains from Ipswich to Cardiff run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Ipswich to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Ipswich to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Ipswich to Cardiff.
To get from Ipswich to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Ipswich and Cardiff
Ipswich
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Ipswich is Derby Road. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Derby Road for your trip from Ipswich to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
Lost and Found Office
Bike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
2 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: Platforms 1 and 2
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Derby Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at bus stop on Derby Road, near the Station Hotel
Amenities at train station
Wifi
ShoppingParkingDining
ATMAccessibility
WCLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeBike Parking
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 21:20 Saturday 05:00 - 21:20 Sunday 07:20 - 22:00
Distance to city center
1 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent Passport Photo Booth
Parking
- Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: Toilets including accessible (radar key) toilets are located alongside platform 2
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Close to platform 1
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Ipswich
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at bus stop on station forecourt.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your journey to Cardiff from Ipswich.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibility
HotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
Public transport options for Ninian Park
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
Most popular train connections from Ipswich
More options for your journey from Ipswich to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Ipswich
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