- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from York to Cardiff
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 30 Aug
Cheapest price on 30 Aug
£37
Average ticket price on 30 Aug
£73
Fastest journey on 30 Aug
4 h 27 m
Average journey duration on 30 Aug
5 h 3 m
Trains on 30 Aug
9
Distance
310 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Cardiff will cost around £73 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
Fast trains
On Sun 30 Aug, we found 9 trains from York to Cardiff, including 9 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 310 km distance in an average of 5 h 3 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 27 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 33 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.
7:425h06York12:48Cardiff£371One-way0 changes- 8:165h33York13:49Cardiff£381One-way0 changes
10:454h27York15:12Cardiff£551One-way0 changes- 9:414h42York14:23Cardiff£681One-way0 changes
- 7:556h32York14:27Cardiff£701One-way0 changes
- 10:454h27York15:12Cardiff£551One-way0 changes
- 9:414h42York14:23Cardiff£681One-way0 changes
- 7:425h06York12:48Cardiff£371One-way0 changes
- 10:555h28York16:23Cardiff£1801One-way0 changes
- 8:165h33York13:49Cardiff£381One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for York to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £18 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 10m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £18, while a train costs an average of £53.
Distance: 310 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£53 Average Price | £18 Average Price Cheapest |
5h 10m Average total duration Fastest 4h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 28m Average total duration 6h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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
York to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for York to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday 29 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 W33401+G38913+ G15976 · C00870 | Delayed 6:54 5:43York station (YRK) | 5h33 | 11:16 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 changes | |
| G38871+G16141 | Delayed 7:30 6:37York station (YRK) | 5h00 | 11:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38872+G15891 | Delayed 8:30 7:17York station (YRK) | 5h28 | 12:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G38875+G15894 | Delayed 9:30 8:19York station (YRK) | 5h26 | 13:45 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W29867 · G01106 | On time 8:41 York station (YRK) | 5h44 | 14:25 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
W29867+ W34623 | On time 8:41 York station (YRK) | 5h36 | 14:17 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W29867 · W29865+W34621 | On time 8:41 York station (YRK) | 4h56 | 13:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G38876+G15893 | Delayed 10:30 9:21York station (YRK) | 5h23 | 14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W29872 · W29870+W34625 | On time 9:43 York station (YRK) | 4h54 | 14:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 changes | |
| G38891+C03182 | Delayed 17:30 16:20York station (YRK) | 5h32 | 21:52 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01167 · G01125 | On time 16:42 York station (YRK) | 5h50 | 22:32 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W44848+G15977 | Delayed 18:30 17:22York station (YRK) | 5h43 | 23:05 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| G01168+C42278 | On time 17:42 York station (YRK) | 6h13 | 23:55 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| W44829+C03192 | Delayed 19:30 18:20York station (YRK) | 5h52 | 0:12 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets York 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.
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05 Sept
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Why should you book York to Cardiff trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales or Cross Country offer trains services from York to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from York 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 or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from York 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from York 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 or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from York to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from York to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from York to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from York to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £33 but you can travel from only £9 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 02:35, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 310 km distance in 4h 43m.
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 £9
Distance 310 km |
Average train duration 4h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price £33 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 43m |
First train 2:35 |
Last train 21:35 |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 6 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 £9
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country from York to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country trains will get you between York and Cardiff from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
4h 43m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£33
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
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
5h 1m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£51
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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Cross Country Duration
4h 20m
Cheapest Cross Country Price
£226
Cross Country frequency
12 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
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.
- Must visit
Cardiff Arcades
Historic shopping arcades in the city centre, prized for Victorian and Edwardian architecture, independent shops and an easy walking atmosphere.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central parkland behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, gardens, woodland paths and access to key civic sights.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with public art, broad promenades, modern landmarks and easy walks around the former dock basin.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
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.
- Vegetarian
Welsh rarebit
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.
- Vegetarian
Bara brith
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.
Heaneys
Elegant dining room known for refined modern British cooking and polished service in central Cardiff.
Asador 44
Smart restaurant focused on local produce, seafood and modern British plates with a relaxed but polished atmosphere.
The Potted Pig
Stylish bistro and bar serving seasonal Welsh and British dishes, cocktails and brunch in a lively city-centre setting.
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.
Cardiff Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.35
- Day pass
- £5.20
To the city centre
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 0.6 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless payment on board, including tap on and tap off for adult single and day tickets.
- Cardiff Central is within easy walking distance of the main city centre streets, so walking is often quickest for central destinations.
FAQs: York to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from York 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.
The cost of a train ticket from York to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £33, while the average price tends to be around £53.
The train journey from York to Cardiff covers a distance of 310 km and takes approximately 4h 43m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from York to Cardiff is 310 km.
The first train from York to Cardiff leaves at 2:35.
The last train from York to Cardiff departs at 21:35.
Trains from York to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from York to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between York and Cardiff. The service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
To get from York to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from York to Cardiff.
The train station in York that goes to Cardiff is York station (YRK), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from York to Cardiff is by coach, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from York 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 York to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, with highlights including the picturesque landscapes of the Yorkshire countryside, the rolling hills of the Midlands, and views of the Severn Estuary as you approach Cardiff.
A day trip from York to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 4h 43m. Trains run 7 times per day, covering a distance of 310 km.
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 York to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in York and Cardiff
Most York to Cardiff trains use the York to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare York and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in York
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Which York station do trains to Cardiff leave from?
Trains from York to Cardiff leave from York. The station is 1 km from York city centre at York station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB.
YorkYork station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB+44 800 200 6060
City-centre transport
Getting to York from York city centre
BusY12, Y14, 15, X15 · 4m · £3 · every ~4 min
37 · 7m
Cs · 28m · £4 · every ~5 min
York train station facilities and services
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at York.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · £2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Central train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EY
City-centre transport
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · £2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LU
City-centre transport
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · £0.90 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min
Cathays train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
More options for your journey from York to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and York
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