Swansea to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Wed 26 Aug
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Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swansea to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 26 Aug

Cheapest price

£11

Average price

£14

Fastest journey

51 m

Average duration

52 m

Trains per day

17

Distance

55 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Swansea to Cardiff will cost around £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.

Fast trains

Of the 17 trains that leave Swansea for Cardiff every day 17 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

The slowest trains will take 52 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.

  • Transport for WalesG39205
    13:271h11
    Swansea station (SWA)
    14:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38294
    13:520h51
    Swansea station (SWA)
    14:43Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38950
    8:540h56
    Swansea station (SWA)
    9:50Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38955
    12:540h56
    Swansea station (SWA)
    13:50Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £111One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for WalesG38300
    15:520h54
    Swansea station (SWA)
    16:46Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £111One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach and train for Swansea to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swansea to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £4, and a train costs an average of £5.

Distance: 55 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£12

Average Price

£6

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 48m

Average total duration

1h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Swansea to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday 25 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW351676:26 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
7:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG39158
On time
6:31 Swansea station (SWA)
1h08
7:39 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW351696:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
7:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG150417:18 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
8:10 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG391657:23 Swansea station (SWA)
1h09
8:32 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG150427:44 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
8:36 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG38284
On time
7:52 Swansea station (SWA)
0h55
8:47 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW354328:23 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
9:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG391748:28 Swansea station (SWA)
1h10
9:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG389508:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h56
9:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW351789:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
10:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG391809:27 Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
10:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1504510:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
11:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3895310:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h56
11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1504611:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h55
12:17 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3919311:27 Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
12:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW3543412:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
13:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3895512:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h56
13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW3518813:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
14:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3920513:27 Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
14:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3829413:52 Swansea station (SWA)
0h51
14:43 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1504914:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
15:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3895714:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h55
15:49 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW3543515:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
16:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3921715:27 Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3830015:52 Swansea station (SWA)
0h54
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW3519816:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
17:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1505017:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
18:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3924117:27 Swansea station (SWA)
1h10
18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3830317:51 Swansea station (SWA)
0h51
18:42 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW3520218:23 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
19:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3925318:28 Swansea station (SWA)
1h13
19:41 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3830618:50 Swansea station (SWA)
0h57
19:47 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayW3543719:19 Swansea station (SWA)
0h55
20:14 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3926319:24 Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
20:35 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3831219:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
20:47 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Great Western RailwayG1505120:23 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
21:16 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect
Transport for WalesG3831720:52 Swansea station (SWA)
1h03
21:55 Cardiff Central (CDF)0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Swansea to Cardiff by coach or train

Compare coach and train 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.

Wed
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
Sun
30 Aug
Mon
31 Aug
Tue
01 Sept

Why should you book Swansea to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Swansea to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swansea to Cardiff.

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 Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Swansea 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Swansea to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Swansea to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Swansea to Cardiff is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Swansea to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Swansea to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Swansea to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Swansea to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Swansea to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £5 but you can travel from only £4 by coach.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 51m.

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 £4
Distance
55 km
Average train duration
57m
Cheapest ticket price
£5
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
51m
First train
0:01
Last train
23:58
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
21 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 £4

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Swansea to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Swansea and Cardiff from £4. 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 Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
£10
Great Western Railway frequency
4 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

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
51m
Cheapest Price
£5
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
£36
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
11 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.

Trains from Swansea to Cardiff: Journey Details

Train services between Swansea and Cardiff run regularly throughout the day, from early in the morning until late evening. Departure frequency is around three trains per hour on average, with up to four departing during peak travel times. The main providers of trains from Swansea to Cardiff are First Great Western and Arriva Trains Wales. Each service is direct, with the average journey time being just over fifty minutes. At least one service per hour may take a little longer to reach its destination as there are more calling points along the way.

Taking the Train from Swansea

The railway station in Swansea is located in High Street. Due to its central location in the city, there are a number of options for accessing the station. Frequent bus services from the city centre regularly stop outside the railway station and also service the nearby Quadrant Bus Station. In addition, there is a taxi rank located adjacent to the station which is in operation twenty-four hours a day.

Getting into Cardiff by Train

The capital and largest city in Wales, Cardiff is well-known for both its vibrant cultural scene and famous sporting connections. The city is home to a wealth of museums, art galleries, theatres, restaurants and bars, in addition to the Millennium Stadium, one of the largest sports venues in the UK. Trains from Swansea terminate at Cardiff Central, which is situated in the city centre close to the Millennium Stadium. Cardiff Central bus station is conveniently located directly opposite the train station, with bus services running until late evening. A twenty-four taxi rank is situated outside the main train station entrance on the right-hand​ side.

FAQs: Swansea to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swansea 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 Swansea to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £5, while the average price tends to be around £12.
The train journey from Swansea to Cardiff covers a distance of 55 km and takes approximately 51m. Trains run 8 per day.
The train distance from Swansea to Cardiff is 55 km.
The first train from Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 0:01.
The last train from Swansea to Cardiff departs at 23:58.
Trains from Swansea to Cardiff run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Swansea to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Swansea and Cardiff. The service operates 8 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
To get from Swansea to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including coach and train.
There is no night train service from Swansea to Cardiff.
The train station in Swansea that goes to Cardiff is Swansea station (SWA), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Swansea to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £4.
Booking trains from Swansea to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Swansea to Cardiff offers scenic views, including glimpses of the coastline and the rolling Welsh countryside, making it a pleasant and picturesque experience.
Yes, a day trip from Swansea to Cardiff is feasible. The journey takes 51m and the distance is 55 km. Trains run 8 times per day, allowing for flexibility in travel plans.
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 Swansea to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Swansea and Cardiff

Most Swansea to Cardiff trains use the Swansea to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Swansea and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Swansea
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Swansea station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Swansea to Cardiff leave from Swansea. The station is 1 km from Swansea city centre at Swansea station, High Street, Swansea, City & County of Swansea, SA1 1NU.
SwanseaSwansea station, High Street, Swansea, City & County of Swansea, SA1 1NU+44 8450507080ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Swansea from Swansea city centre

Bus49, 30, 54 · 3m · £4 · every ~3 min

Swansea train station facilities and services

Swansea has practical services for this route, including Shopping, 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 Swansea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Swansea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Swansea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Swansea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Swansea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: on concourse, 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: No.

More options for your journey from Swansea to Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Swansea to Cardiff train

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