PORTSMOUTH to CARDIFF train from £14 with Great Western Railway

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 18 Oct

Cheapest price on 18 Oct

£79

Average ticket price on 18 Oct

£104

Fastest journey on 18 Oct

3 h 50 m

Average journey duration on 18 Oct

4 h 8 m

Trains on 18 Oct

Distance

164 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cardiff will cost around £104 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £79.

Fast trains

To travel from Portsmouth to Cardiff you need to make at least 2 changes.

V19336 · GW225400 · C33098
13:144h16
Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
17:30Cardiff Central (CDF)
£791One-way
2 changes
V19339 · GW225600 · W35001
11:144h31
Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
15:45Cardiff Central (CDF)
£791One-way
2 changes
V19343 · GW225800 · W34990
9:144h29
Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
13:43Cardiff Central (CDF)
£791One-way
2 changes
V19334 · GW225300 · W35023
14:144h17
Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
18:31Cardiff Central (CDF)
£791One-way
2 changes
V19341 · GW225700 · C33095
10:134h31
Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)
14:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
£791One-way
2 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cardiff

United Kingdom

Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £30 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 2h 54m.

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 £14

Distance

164 km

Average train duration

3h 14m

Cheapest ticket price

£30

Trains per day

Direct trains

Fastest train

2h 54m

First train

4:25

Last train

21:20

Cheapest Month

Jul

Cheapest Day

Tue

High Season

Jul - Sept

Low Season

Jan - Mar

Busiest Day

Sun

Least Busy Day

Fri

Best time to book

14 days

Price information

Cheapest alternative travel mode

Coach from £14

Live departures

Portsmouth to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Sunday 18 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at

Provider	Departs	Duration	Arrives	Changes
G00860+C01227+L79931	8:22 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h12	12:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
V19343 · GW225800 · W34990	9:14 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h29	13:43 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
G00863+C01226+L79937	9:22 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h12	13:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
V19341 · GW225700 · C33095	10:13 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h31	14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
G00867+C50047+L79943	10:22 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h13	14:35 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
V19339 · GW225600 · W35001	11:14 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h31	15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
V19338 · GW225500 · C33097	12:14 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h27	16:41 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
G00880+C50046+L79955	12:22 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	3h50	16:12 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
V19336 · GW225400 · C33098	13:14 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h16	17:30 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
G00885+C50042+L79961	13:22 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h12	17:34 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
V19334 · GW225300 · W35023	14:14 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h17	18:31 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
G00890+C50043+L79967	14:22 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS)	4h13	18:35 Cardiff Central (CDF)	2 changes
This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Portsmouth to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway operates all trains services from Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

Train companies: Great Western Railway from Portsmouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway trains will get you between Portsmouth and Cardiff from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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

2h 54m

Cheapest Great Western Railway Price

£30

Great Western Railway frequency

5 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

Learn more about Great Western Railway

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.

View on map Visit website

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.

View on map Visit website

Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

View on map Visit website

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.

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.

Find tickets to Bristol

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.

Find tickets to Bath

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.

Find tickets to Swansea

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.

Find tickets to Newport

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.

Find tickets to Cheltenham

FAQs: Portsmouth to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £30, while the average price tends to be around £75.

The train journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 2h 54m. Trains run 6 per day.

The train distance from Portsmouth to Cardiff is 164 km.

The first train from Portsmouth to Cardiff leaves at 4:25.

The last train from Portsmouth to Cardiff departs at 21:20.

Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff run approximately 6 times per day.

Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Cardiff.

Yes, there is a direct train between Portsmouth and Cardiff. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway.

There is no night train service from Portsmouth to Cardiff.

The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Cardiff is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).

Booking trains from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Cardiff offers varied scenery, including views of the South Downs and the Severn Estuary, providing a mix of coastal and rural landscapes.

Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Cardiff

Most Portsmouth to Cardiff trains use the Portsmouth & Southsea to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Portsmouth and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Portsmouth

Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Portsmouth station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff leave from Portsmouth & Southsea. The station is from Portsmouth city centre at Portsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ.

Portsmouth & SouthseaPortsmouth & Southsea station, Commercial Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 1EQ Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre

Location for Rail Replacement ServicesStation Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.

Portsmouth & Southsea train station facilities and services

Portsmouth & Southsea has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth & Southsea. ATMs are available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth & Southsea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Portsmouth & Southsea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth & Southsea: 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 all platforms. Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More about Portsmouth & Southsea

Portsmouth HarbourPortsmouth Harbour station, The Hard Interchange, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 3PA Wifi

City-centre transport

Getting to Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth city centre

Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Victoria - Portsmouth Harbour, Brighton - Portsmouth Harbour, Littlehampton - Portsmouth Harbour, Three Bridges - Portsmouth Harbour, Barnham - Portsmouth Harbour, Gatwick Airport - Portsmouth Harbour, Havant - Portsmouth Harbour, Bognor Regis - Portsmouth Harbour · 3m · £1 · every ~4 min

Bus1, 2, 8, 3, 7, X4, H1, X5, Pr1 · 6m · £2 · every ~214 min

Portsmouth Harbour train station facilities and services

Portsmouth Harbour has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Car Rental.