Nottingham to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Sat 05 Sept
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CrossCountry
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Cross Country
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Nottingham to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 05 Sept

Cheapest price on 05 Sept

£36

Average ticket price on 05 Sept

£68

Fastest journey on 05 Sept

3 h 15 m

Average journey duration on 05 Sept

3 h 17 m

Trains on 05 Sept

25

Distance

214 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Nottingham to Cardiff will cost around £68 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.

Fast trains

On Sat 05 Sept, we found 25 trains from Nottingham to Cardiff, including 14 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 214 km distance in an average of 3 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 15 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 18 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.

  • CrossCountryG01100
    9:073h19
    Nottingham station (NOT)
    12:26Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01097
    8:073h18
    Nottingham station (NOT)
    11:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01103
    10:073h18
    Nottingham station (NOT)
    13:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01094
    7:063h19
    Nottingham station (NOT)
    10:25Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £361One-way
    0 changes
  • CrossCountryG01091
    6:003h26
    Nottingham station (NOT)
    9:26Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £361One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Nottingham to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Nottingham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £19 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 47m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £52.

Distance: 214 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£52

Average Price

£19

Average Price

Cheapest

£44

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 47m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 17m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 27m

Average total duration

5h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 6m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

The cheapest way to travel from Nottingham to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £19.

This is compared to other travel options from Nottingham to Cardiff:

A coach is £33 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Nottingham to Cardiff costing on average £52.

The fastest way to travel from Nottingham to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 17m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Coach takes on average 5h 57m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Nottingham and Cardiff including taking a coach and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around £52 compared to roughly £44 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-8.32. The journey takes 3h 17m versus 3h 6m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Nottingham to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Nottingham to Cardiff trains for today, Friday 4 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountryW29935 · G01150+Transport for WalesG39627+East Midlands RailwayC21799
Delayed
14:09 14:17Nottingham station (NOT)
3h42
17:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 changes
CrossCountryG01118
On time
15:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h22
18:29 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01186 · W29895+Transport for WalesG39631+East Midlands RailwayC21828
Delayed
14:57 15:17Nottingham station (NOT)
3h44
19:01 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 changes
CrossCountryG01119
On time
16:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h19
19:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29937 · G01160+Transport for WalesG39636+East Midlands RailwayC21610
Delayed
15:53 16:17Nottingham station (NOT)
3h42
19:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)
3 changes
CrossCountryG01161+East Midlands RailwayC21327
Delayed
16:31 16:53Nottingham station (NOT)
3h13
20:06 Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 change
Saturday 5 September
CrossCountryG010916:00 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h26
9:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG010947:06 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h19
10:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG010978:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h18
11:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29924 · G01139+Transport for WalesG39599+East Midlands RailwayC218318:16 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h43
11:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)3 changes
CrossCountryG011009:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h19
12:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01177 · G01143+Transport for WalesG39603+East Midlands RailwayC217889:17 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h42
12:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)3 changes
CrossCountryG0110310:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h18
13:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01179 · W29865+Transport for WalesG39609+East Midlands RailwayC2160210:17 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h42
13:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)3 changes
CrossCountryG0110611:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h18
14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0110812:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h18
15:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG01183 · W29876+Transport for WalesG39617+East Midlands RailwayC2160812:17 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h42
15:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)3 changes
CrossCountryG0111213:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h18
16:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryG0111514:07 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h19
17:26 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
CrossCountryW29934 · G01149+Transport for WalesG39626+East Midlands RailwayC2179714:17 Nottingham station (NOT)
3h42
17:59 Cardiff Central (CDF)3 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Nottingham to Cardiff by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Sat
05 Sept
Sun
06 Sept
Mon
07 Sept
Tue
08 Sept
Wed
09 Sept
Thu
10 Sept
Fri
11 Sept

Why should you book Nottingham to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Cross Country offer trains services from Nottingham to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Nottingham to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Nottingham to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Nottingham to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Nottingham to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.

There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:54. The fastest train covers the 214 km distance in 3h 18m.

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 £13
Distance
214 km
Average train duration
3h 17m
Cheapest ticket price
£27
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
3
Fastest train
3h 18m
First train
5:07
Last train
20:54
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
14 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 £13

Train companies: CrossCountry, Cross Country from Nottingham to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Cross Country trains will get you between Nottingham and Cardiff from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
3h 18m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£27
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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
3h 18m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£143
Cross Country frequency
12 a day

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: Nottingham to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £27, while the average price tends to be around £52.
The train journey from Nottingham to Cardiff covers a distance of 214 km and takes approximately 3h 18m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Nottingham to Cardiff is 214 km.
The first train from Nottingham to Cardiff leaves at 5:07.
The last train from Nottingham to Cardiff departs at 20:54.
Trains from Nottingham to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Nottingham to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Nottingham and Cardiff. The service operates 3 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from Nottingham to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Nottingham to Cardiff.
The train station in Nottingham that goes to Cardiff is Nottingham station (NOT), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Nottingham to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £13.
Booking trains from Nottingham 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 Nottingham to Cardiff offers varied landscapes, including charming countryside views, rolling hills, and glimpses of the River Severn as you approach Cardiff, making it a pleasantly scenic route.
A day trip from Nottingham to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 18m. There are 6 trains per day covering the 214 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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Nottingham to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Nottingham and Cardiff

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

Departure train stations in Nottingham
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Nottingham station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Nottingham to Cardiff leave from Nottingham. The station is 1 km from Nottingham city centre at Nottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ.
NottinghamNottingham station, Carrington Street, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG2 3AQ+44 800 200 6060ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Nottingham from Nottingham city centre

Bus9B, 8, 11, 6, 10, 9, 11C, 10C, 10X, 7, 5, 5A, 11B, 12, 12C, 12E, 10A · 3m · every ~58 min
48, 1, 3, 48X, 1A, 48A, 3A, N4, 1B, 1E · 4m · every ~24 min
Kc · 5m · £4 · every ~12 min
20 · 10m
TramTram · 4m · £4 · every ~58 min

Nottingham train station facilities and services

Nottingham has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Nottingham.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Nottingham.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Nottingham. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 08000 11 33 23, 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 Nottingham: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Nottingham: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Nottingham: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a category A access station. There are lifts available to all platforms and there is level and ramp access to the concourse and ticket office/machines. This station has tactile paving at the edge of each platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: none, Accessible taxis: Taxi number displayed on useful information poster at station, 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 Nottingham to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Nottingham to Cardiff train

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