The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£55
Average price
£77
Fastest journey
3 h 17 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
164 km
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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £55.
Of the 6 trains that leave Portsmouth for Cardiff every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 17 m .
The slowest trains will take 3 h 45 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.
8:273h19Portsmouth11:46Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
7:273h19Portsmouth10:46Cardiff£561One-way0 changes
6:013h45Portsmouth9:46Cardiff£701One-way0 changes
9:273h22Portsmouth12:49Cardiff£761One-way0 changes
8:314h14Portsmouth12:45Cardiff£781One-way0 changes
8:203h17Portsmouth11:37Cardiff£1271One-way0 changes
8:273h19Portsmouth11:46Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
7:273h19Portsmouth10:46Cardiff£561One-way0 changes
9:273h22Portsmouth12:49Cardiff£761One-way0 changes
6:013h45Portsmouth9:46Cardiff£701One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Portsmouth to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £31.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£69 Average Price | £30 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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
Portsmouth to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday 20 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:01 Portsmouth | 3h45 | 9:46 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 7:27 Portsmouth | 3h19 | 10:46 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:20 Portsmouth | 3h17 | 11:37 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:27 Portsmouth | 3h19 | 11:46 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 8:31 Portsmouth | 4h14 | 12:45 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 9:27 Portsmouth | 3h22 | 12:49 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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.
20 Jul
21 Jul
22 Jul
23 Jul
24 Jul
25 Jul
26 Jul
Why should you book Portsmouth to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth 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 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £31 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 3h 17m.
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price £31 |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 4:25 |
Last train 21:20 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Portsmouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Portsmouth and Cardiff from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
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.

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, with some services arriving at Heath High Level. 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.
Which Portsmouth station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Portsmouth & Southsea from Portsmouth city centre
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.
Getting to Portsmouth Harbour from Portsmouth city centre
Portsmouth Harbour is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
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.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Portsmouth Harbour. ATMs are available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portsmouth Harbour.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Portsmouth Harbour: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portsmouth Harbour: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B Station - Steps or 20m ramp (approx. 1:11 gradient) to main entrance, or steps to side entrance. 32m ramp (gradient up to 1:8) from Wightlink IoW ferry terminal. Level access to all platforms. Stepped footbridge between platforms is also available. Please be aware that this station has no 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.
Getting to Fratton from Portsmouth city centre
Fratton is 1 km from Portsmouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Fratton train station facilities and services
Fratton has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Fratton.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Fratton.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Fratton. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Fratton: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Fratton: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Fratton: 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, 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.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, 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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, 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 Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, 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 Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff
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