4.9
4.6
7:174h09Preston11:26Cardiff£621One-way0 changes- 10:184h07Preston14:25Cardiff£681One-way0 changes
- 11:184h07Preston15:25Cardiff£1001One-way0 changes
- 10:184h07Preston14:25Cardiff£681One-way0 changes
- 11:184h07Preston15:25Cardiff£1001One-way0 changes
- 7:174h09Preston11:26Cardiff£621One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Preston to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Preston to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £24. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 45m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £24, and a train costs an average of £40.
Distance: 256 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£64 Average Price | £37 Average Price Cheapest |
4h 15m Average total duration Fastest 3h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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
Preston to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Preston to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday 30 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:17 Preston | 4h09 | 11:26 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 10:18 Preston | 4h07 | 14:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 11:18 Preston | 4h07 | 15:25 Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Preston 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.
30 Jul
31 Jul
01 Aug
02 Aug
03 Aug
04 Aug
05 Aug
Why should you book Preston to Cardiff trains with Omio?
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 Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Preston 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 Preston to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper or Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Preston to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Preston to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Preston to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Preston to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £40 but you can travel from only £24 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 21:24. The fastest train covers the 256 km distance in 3h 31m.
Distance 256 km |
Average train duration 3h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price £40 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 31m |
First train 4:08 |
Last train 21:24 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 days |
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast from Preston to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Caledonian Sleeper, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Preston and Cardiff from £24. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Caledonian Sleeper
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Preston to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Preston 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 Preston and Cardiff
Most Preston to Cardiff trains use the Preston to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Preston and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Preston station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Getting to Preston from Preston city centre
Preston is 1 km from Preston city centre. Public transport options include:
Preston train station facilities and services
Preston has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Rise, The Olive Tree Brasserie, Turtle Bay
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Preston. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Preston. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Preston: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Preston: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Preston: Elevators, ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Holiday Inn Express Preston - South, Delta Hotels Preston, Macdonald Tickled Trout Hotel.
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 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.
Getting to Llandaf from Cardiff city centre
Llandaf is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Llandaf train station facilities and services
Llandaf has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Llandaf.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Llandaf. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Llandaf: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Llandaf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Llandaf: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a footbridge with lifts. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Pontypridd) from the station car park. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge with lifts, 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 ticket machines note: There are two ticket machines. One accepts cash and the other accepts payment by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Most popular train connections from Preston
More options for your journey from Preston to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Preston
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