Penzance to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Fri 18 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Penzance to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Sept

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

To travel from Penzance to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    5:035h13
    Penzance
    10:16Cardiff
    £1591One-way
    1 change
  • Great Western Railway (GWR)
    6:056h12
    Penzance
    12:17Cardiff
    £1591One-way
    1 change

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Penzance to Cardiff

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

Compare train with

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)

CrossCountry

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

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.

The fastest way to travel from Penzance to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 5h 11m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Coach takes on average 8h 0m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Penzance and Cardiff including taking a train and coach.
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 £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.

Live departures

Penzance to Cardiff train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry10:15 Penzance
5h23
15:38 Cardiff0 changesdirect
CrossCountry11:15 Penzance
5h23
16:38 Cardiff0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Penzance 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.

Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept

Why should you book Penzance to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Penzance to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Penzance 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 Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Penzance 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 train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Penzance to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Journey information

Overview: Train from Penzance to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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 £15
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
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 £15

Train companies: CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Penzance to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Penzance and Cardiff from £15. 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
5h 22m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£28
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
5h 17m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
£85
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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
6h 7m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£198
Cross Country frequency
1 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway (GWR) Duration
5h 13m
Cheapest Great Western Railway (GWR) Price
£159
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
9 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: Penzance to Cardiff train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Penzance to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £28, while the average price tends to be around £71.
The train journey from Penzance to Cardiff covers a distance of 224 km and takes approximately 5h 17m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Penzance to Cardiff is 224 km.
The first train from Penzance to Cardiff leaves at 5:03.
The last train from Penzance to Cardiff departs at 22:30.
Trains from Penzance to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Penzance to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Penzance to Cardiff.
To get from Penzance to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Penzance to Cardiff.
The train station in Penzance that goes to Cardiff is Penzance station (PNZ), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Penzance to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £15.
Booking trains from Penzance 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 Penzance to Cardiff offers scenic views, especially through Cornwall and Devon, with picturesque landscapes, coastal views, and rolling countryside visible along the route.
A day trip from Penzance to Cardiff is not feasible, as the travel duration is 5h 17m. The distance is 224 km, with a frequency of 5 trains per day.
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 Penzance to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Penzance and Cardiff

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.

Departure train stations in Penzance
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Penzance station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Penzance to Cardiff leave from Penzance. The station is from Penzance city centre at Penzance station, Wharf Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2LT.
PenzancePenzance station, Wharf Road, Penzance, Cornwall, TR18 2LTWifiParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Penzance from Penzance city centre

Bus39A, 16A, 16, 8, 2, 1, 1A, 4, 4A, 6, 17 · 2m · £2 · every ~19 min

Penzance 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

Food and drink options are available at Penzance.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Penzance.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Penzance.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Penzance: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Penzance: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Shoreline bed and breakfast by the sea.

More options for your journey from Penzance to Cardiff

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

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