4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Swansea to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£8
Average price
£14
Fastest journey
52 m
Average duration
55 m
Trains per day
6
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 £14 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £8.
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 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 52 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 8 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.
L64981L64974
P22796P22794P22793P22796P22794P22793P22795L64974
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 £5. 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 £5, and a train costs an average of £3.
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 47m Average total duration 1h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.1kg 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
Swansea to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday 11 January. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L16829 | On time 10:22 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h55 | 11:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64808 | On time 10:32 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h58 | 11:30 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 12 January | |||||
| P22793 | On time 06:26 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 07:18 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64974 | On time 06:31 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h08 | 07:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P22794 | On time 06:54 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 07:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P22795 | On time 07:18 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 08:10 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| L64981 | On time 07:23 Swansea station (SWA) | 1h09 | 08:32 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P22796 | On time 07:44 Swansea station (SWA) | 0h52 | 08:36 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.
12 Jan
13 Jan
14 Jan
15 Jan
16 Jan
17 Jan
18 Jan
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Swansea to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Swansea to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Swansea to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £3 if you book in advance.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 43m.
Distance 55 km |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £3 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 43m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:58 |
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 £3. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
Transport for Wales
first_great_western
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.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Swansea and Cardiff
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
- 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
- Car Park: Mariners Road (until 30 April 2019). Thereafter please use the top level of Ivy Street (High Street) multistorey car park.
- 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
- 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
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: On Platform 1
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stops on High Street outside the station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATM
TaxisAccessibilityWCHotel
LoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Car Rental- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
Information Desk- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- 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
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- 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.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- 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
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- 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.
More options for your journey from Swansea to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Swansea
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
