- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 18 Sept
£159
Average ticket price on 18 Sept
£159
Fastest journey on 18 Sept
5 h 13 m
Average journey duration on 18 Sept
5 h 43 m
Trains on 18 Sept
2
Distance
224 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Penzance to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Penzance to Cardiff will cost around £159 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £159.
To travel from Penzance to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
.png)
.png)
.png)
.png)
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Penzance 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 5h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £19, while a train costs an average of £71.
Distance: 224 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Driving |
|---|---|---|
£71 Average Price | £19 Average Price Cheapest | £58 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 41m Average total duration Fastest 5h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 30m Average total duration 8h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Penzance to Cardiff:
A coach is £52 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Penzance to Cardiff costing on average £71.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Coach takes on average 8h 0m.
Tickets start at around £71 compared to roughly £58 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-13.79. The journey takes 5h 11m versus 3h 58m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Penzance to Cardiff trains for today, Thursday 17 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:15 Penzance | 5h23 | 15:38 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 11:15 Penzance | 5h23 | 16:38 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Penzance to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £15 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:03, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 224 km distance in 5h 17m.
Distance 224 km |
Average train duration 5h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 5h 17m |
First train 5:03 |
Last train 22:30 |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Penzance 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.

Most Penzance to Cardiff trains use the Penzance to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Penzance and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Penzance has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Penzance.
Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.
Ticket office support is available at Penzance.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penzance: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A station - This station has step free access to the platforms. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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.
Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need