Swansea to Cardiff train with Great Western Rail

Thu 26 Feb
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
Transport for Wales
first_great_western
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
Transport for Wales
first_great_western
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Swansea to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for 26 Feb

Cheapest price

£6

Average price

£12

Fastest journey

52 m

Average duration

57 m

Trains per day

6

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 £12 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £6.

Fast trains

Of the 6 trains that leave Swansea 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 55 km distance in an average of 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 1 h 10 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 WalesL64989
08:281h10
Swansea station (SWA)
09:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
£61One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64791
08:540h57
Swansea station (SWA)
09:51Cardiff Central (CDF)
£81One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64996
09:271h11
Swansea station (SWA)
10:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
£101One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP22797
08:230h52
Swansea station (SWA)
09:15Cardiff Central (CDF)
£161One-way
0 changes
Great Western RailP22801
10:220h53
Swansea station (SWA)
11:15Cardiff Central (CDF)
£161One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach 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

£8

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 Rail

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, Wednesday 25 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 15:17
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
transport_for_wales18:15 Swansea
1h43
19:58 Cardiff0 changesdirect
transport_for_wales20:52 Swansea
1h03
21:55 Cardiff0 changesdirect
Thursday 26 February
great_westernP22797
On time
08:23 Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
09:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64989
On time
08:28 Swansea station (SWA)
1h10
09:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64791
On time
08:54 Swansea station (SWA)
0h57
09:51 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22799
On time
09:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
10:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64996
On time
09:27 Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
10:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22801
On time
10:22 Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
11:15 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 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.

Thu
26 Feb
Fri
27 Feb
Sat
28 Feb
Sun
01 Mar
Mon
02 Mar
Tue
03 Mar
Wed
04 Mar

Why should you book Swansea to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail as well as Transport for Wales, first_great_western, 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 Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, first_great_western 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 Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus 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, first_great_western 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 train and bus 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
00:01
Last train
23:58
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 Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western from Swansea to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western 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 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
1h 11m
Cheapest Price
£16
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
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

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
£41
first_great_western frequency
22 a day

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 £8.
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 Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western, Transport for Wales.
To get from Swansea to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
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

Swansea
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Swansea is Swansea. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Swansea for your trip from Swansea to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 20:00 Saturday 06:15 - 20:00 Sunday 08:00 - 20:00 Tickets requiring reservations: Mon-Sat 0910-1845
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Mariners Road (until 30 April 2019). Thereafter please use the top level of Ivy Street (High Street) multistorey car park.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National key toilets are located on Platform 1; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: On Platform 1
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Swansea
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stops on High Street outside the station

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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