- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Cheapest price on 10 Oct
£11
Average ticket price on 10 Oct
£13
Fastest journey on 10 Oct
50 m
Average journey duration on 10 Oct
52 m
Trains on 10 Oct
18
Distance
55 km
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 £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £11.
On Sat 10 Oct, we found 18 trains from Swansea to Cardiff, including 18 direct services.
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 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 53 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.
G39183
Y62402
G39172
Y62410
G38951
Y62402
Y62422
W35199
C42295
Y62410Trains from Swansea to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £4 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 50m.
Distance 55 km |
Average train duration 58m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 50m |
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 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Cardiff trains for today, Friday 9 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35167 | On time 6:26 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 7:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y63501 | On time 6:31 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h08 | 7:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35169 | On time 6:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 7:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15041 | On time 7:18 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 8:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39165 | On time 7:23 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h09 | 8:32 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15042 | On time 7:44 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 8:36 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y62420 | On time 7:52 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h55 | 8:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35432 | On time 8:23 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h53 | 9:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39173 | On time 8:28 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h10 | 9:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38949 | On time 8:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h56 | 9:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35178 | On time 9:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h53 | 10:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39181 | On time 9:27 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h11 | 10:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15045 | On time 10:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h53 | 11:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38953 | On time 10:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h56 | 11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15046 | On time 11:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h55 | 12:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39195 | On time 11:27 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h10 | 12:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35434 | On time 12:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 13:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38955 | On time 12:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h56 | 13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35188 | On time 13:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 14:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39206 | On time 13:27 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h11 | 14:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y62516 | On time 13:52 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h51 | 14:43 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15049 | On time 14:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 15:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38957 | On time 14:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h55 | 15:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35435 | On time 15:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 16:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39219 | On time 15:27 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h11 | 16:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y62447 | On time 15:52 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h54 | 16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35198 | On time 16:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 17:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39231 | On time 16:27 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h11 | 17:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38959 | On time 16:57 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h54 | 17:51 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G15050 | On time 17:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 18:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39242 | On time 17:27 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h10 | 18:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Y62439 | On time 17:51 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h51 | 18:42 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35202 | On time 18:23 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 19:15 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39253 | On time 18:28 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h13 | 19:41 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38306 | On time 18:50 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h57 | 19:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35437 | On time 19:19 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h55 | 20:14 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39263 | On time 19:24 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h11 | 20:35 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
W44511 | On time 19:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h51 | 20:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.
Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
A hearty Welsh broth of lamb or beef with leeks, potatoes and root vegetables. It is a classic national dish closely tied to Welsh home cooking.
Traditional Welsh rarebit is toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese, ale and mustard sauce. It is a beloved pub and supper dish across Wales.
A sweet Welsh tea loaf made with dried fruit and mixed spice, usually sliced and spread with butter. It is a staple in cafés and homes.
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
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.
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.
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.
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.

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.
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 options are available at Swansea.
ATMs are available at Swansea.
Ticket office support is available at Swansea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swansea: Parking, WC.
Available at Swansea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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