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The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 06 Dec
Cheapest price
£45
Average price
£59
Fastest journey
3 h 19 m
Average duration
3 h 41 m
Trains per day
5
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 £59 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Portsmouth for Cardiff every day 5 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 41 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 19 m .
The slowest trains will take 4 h 13 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.
04:404h03
Portsmouth08:43Cardiff
£451One-way
0 changes
08:334h13
Portsmouth12:46Cardiff
£461One-way
0 changes
09:273h19
Portsmouth12:46Cardiff
£581One-way
0 changes
08:294h17
Portsmouth12:46Cardiff
£661One-way
0 changes
08:233h27
Portsmouth11:50Cardiff
£791One-way
0 changes
09:273h19
Portsmouth12:46Cardiff
£581One-way
0 changes
08:273h23
Portsmouth11:50Cardiff
£801One-way
0 changes
08:233h27
Portsmouth11:50Cardiff
£791One-way
0 changes
04:404h03
Portsmouth08:43Cardiff
£451One-way
0 changes
08:334h13
Portsmouth12:46Cardiff
£461One-way
0 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 £14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 23m. 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 £14, and a train costs an average of £38.
Distance: 164 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£77 Average Price | £29 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 53m Average total duration Fastest 3h 23m 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 today, Friday 5 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 02:49
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 L48020+P09260 · P08239 | On time 08:00 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h40 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| P08384 | On time 08:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h19 | 11:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L47719+P08609 · P08241 | On time 09:19 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h17 | 12:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| P08386 | On time 09:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h22 | 12:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P08388 | On time 10:27 Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 3h17 | 13:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect |
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.
Sat
06 Dec
06 Dec
Sun
07 Dec
07 Dec
Mon
08 Dec
08 Dec
Tue
09 Dec
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:37, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 164 km distance in 3h 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 £14
Distance 164 km |
Average train duration 3h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 04:37 |
Last train 21:20 |
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
Train companies: Great Western Rail, first_great_western from Portsmouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, first_great_western 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 Rail
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 Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
£38
Great Western Rail 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
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
£108
first_great_western frequency
12 a day
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.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 17m. However, trains are available 5 times per day.
The cost of a train ticket from Portsmouth to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £38, while the average price tends to be around £77.
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.
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.
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.
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £14.
The train distance from Portsmouth to Cardiff is 164 km.
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 last train from Portsmouth to Cardiff departs at 21:20.
Yes, there is a direct train between Portsmouth and Cardiff. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Great Western Rail, first_great_western.
The train journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff covers a distance of 164 km and takes approximately 3h 17m. Trains run 5 per day.
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).
The first train from Portsmouth to Cardiff leaves at 4:37.
Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff run approximately 5 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
To get from Portsmouth to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Portsmouth and Cardiff
Portsmouth
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Portsmouth is Fratton. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Fratton for your trip from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:55 - 19:40 Saturday 05:55 - 19:40 Sunday 09:10 - 18:40
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located in the Booking Hall on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: No
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point
- Helpline Contact: 0800 5282100
Public transport options for Fratton
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Goldsmith Avenue (for buses in both directions). Goldsmith Avenue is located on the opposite side of the footbridge from the main entrance/taxi rank/Railway club.
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDiningLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
3 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Hilsea
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Portsmouth: Norway Road bus stop by Vauxhall Garage To Cosham / Havant: Norway Road bus stop opposite Vauxhall Garage
Amenities at train station
WifiParkingDining
ATMAccessibilityWC
HotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:30 Saturday 05:40 - 20:30 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located in the Lower Concourse, next to the gateline. The National key toilets are located in the Lower Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Concourse and car park
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Portsmouth & Southsea
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station Street bus stop at side of Railway Station near Matalan car park.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your journey to Cardiff from Portsmouth.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDining
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Portsmouth
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