Wigan to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Wed 23 Sept
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Wigan to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 23 Sept

Cheapest price on 23 Sept

£88

Average ticket price on 23 Sept

£88

Fastest journey on 23 Sept

3 h 59 m

Average journey duration on 23 Sept

3 h 59 m

Trains on 23 Sept

1

Distance

233 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Wigan to Cardiff will cost around £88 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £88.

Fast trains

On Wed 23 Sept, we found 1 trains from Wigan to Cardiff, including 1 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 233 km distance in an average of 3 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 59 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 59 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.

  • CrossCountry
    15:313h59
    Wigan
    19:30Cardiff
    £881One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train for Wigan to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Wigan to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £26 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 49m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £26, while a train costs an average of £65.

Distance: 233 km

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Coach
Driving

£65

Average Price

£26

Average Price

Cheapest

£47

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 49m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 45m

Average total duration

7h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 40m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Wigan to Cardiff is a coach with an average price of £26.

This is compared to other travel options from Wigan to Cardiff:

A coach is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Wigan to Cardiff costing on average £65.

The fastest way to travel from Wigan to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 19m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Coach takes on average 7h 15m.

Yes, you can take a train between Wigan and Cardiff.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 21m sooner (3h 19m by train vs 3h 40m by car). Tickets start at around £65 compared to roughly £47 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Wigan to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Wigan to Cardiff trains for today, Tuesday 22 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Transport for Wales16:31 Wigan
4h23
20:54 Cardiff0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Wigan to Cardiff by train

Compare 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
23 Sept
Thu
24 Sept
Fri
25 Sept
Sat
26 Sept
Sun
27 Sept
Mon
28 Sept
Tue
29 Sept

Why should you book Wigan to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Wigan to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Wigan to Cardiff.

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 to find the best option for your trip from Wigan 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.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Wigan to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Wigan to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Wigan to Cardiff run on average 13 times per day, taking around 3h 19m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £44 but you can travel from only £21 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 21:31. The fastest train covers the 233 km distance in 2h 57m.

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 £21
Distance
233 km
Average train duration
3h 19m
Cheapest ticket price
£44
Trains per day
13
Fastest train
2h 57m
First train
4:15
Last train
21:31
Cheapest Month
Oct
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Jul - Sept
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
49 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 £21

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Wigan to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Wigan and Cardiff from £21. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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 Transport for Wales Duration
2h 57m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£71
Transport for Wales frequency
3 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

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 30m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£44
CrossCountry frequency
9 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs: Wigan to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wigan 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 Wigan to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £44, while the average price tends to be around £65.
The train journey from Wigan to Cardiff covers a distance of 233 km and takes approximately 2h 57m. Trains run 13 per day.
The train distance from Wigan to Cardiff is 233 km.
The first train from Wigan to Cardiff leaves at 4:15.
The last train from Wigan to Cardiff departs at 21:31.
Trains from Wigan to Cardiff run approximately 13 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Wigan to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Wigan to Cardiff.
To travel from Wigan to Cardiff, you can take a train.
There is no night train service from Wigan to Cardiff.
The train station in Wigan that goes to Cardiff is Wigan North Western (WGN), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Wigan to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £21.
Booking trains from Wigan to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Wigan to Cardiff offers varied scenery, including the rolling hills of the Welsh countryside, picturesque towns, and views of the River Severn, making it a pleasant and scenic travel experience.
A day trip from Wigan to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 57m. However, there are 5 trains per day for this 233 km route.
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 Wigan to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Wigan and Cardiff

Most Wigan to Cardiff trains use the Wigan North Western to Cardiff Central station pair. Use this guide to compare Wigan and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Wigan
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Wigan station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Wigan to Cardiff leave from Wigan North Western. The station is 2 km from Wigan city centre at Wigan North Western station, Wallgate, Wigan, Lancashire, WN1 1BJ.
Wigan North WesternWigan North Western station, Wallgate, Wigan, Lancashire, WN1 1BJWifiShoppingParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Wigan North Western from Wigan city centre

Wigan North Western is 1 km from Wigan city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus639, 640, 611, 602, 610, 603, 601, 604, 633 · 2m · £2 · every ~58 min

Wigan North Western train station facilities and services

Wigan North Western has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Wigan North Western.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Wigan North Western.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Wigan North Western. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Wigan North Western: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Wigan North Western: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Wigan North Western: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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: Yes.

BrynBryn station, Wigan Road, Wigan, Lancashire, WN4 0ARParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found Office
City-centre transport

Getting to Bryn from Wigan city centre

Bryn is 4 km from Wigan city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainLondon Euston - Edinburgh, Birmingham New Street - Edinburgh, Birmingham International - Edinburgh · 7h 37m · £214
BusN770 · 32h 1m · £371
N380, N1387, N380a · 29h 44m · £532
N380, N380a · 38h 15m · £243

Bryn train station facilities and services

Bryn has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility and Lost and Found Office.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Bryn.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Bryn: Parking, Taxis.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Bryn: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category C Station, To Liverpool : Down a stepped ramp (40 paces, 1:10 slope) to the left of the bridge onto the platform. To Wigan : Down a ramp (44 paces, 1:10 slope) to the right of the bridge onto the platform, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Wigan to Cardiff

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

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