How to get to Ipswich from Cardiff

Sun 18 Oct
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Great Western Railway
National Express
Greater Anglia
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Great Western Railway
National Express
Greater Anglia
FlixBus
Avanti West Coast
1,000+ more
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Travel Information

Compare train for Cardiff to Ipswich

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Ipswich among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £72 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 3m. 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 £72, while a train costs an average of £153.

Distance: 305 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Driving

£153

Average Price

£72

Average Price

Cheapest

£61

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 55m

Average total duration

6h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 21m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Ipswich is a coach with an average price of £72.

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

A coach is £82 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Ipswich costing on average £153.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 4h 3m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 55m.

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

You'll arrive about 48m sooner (3h 33m by train vs 4h 21m by car). Tickets start at around £153 compared to roughly £61 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.

Travel options
from Cardiff to Ipswich

How to get to Ipswich from Cardiff by train, bus, flight or ferry.

Our recommendation

bus

The best way to travel from Cardiff to Ipswich is by taking a coach because it’s the best combination of price and speed.

  • National ExpressNX201 · NX727 · NX717
    9:258h10
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    17:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £621One-way
    2 changes

Cheapest

  • National ExpressNX201 · NX727 · NX717
    9:258h10
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    17:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £621One-way
    2 changes

Fastest

  • Great Western RailwayC00125+Elizabeth lineC36812+Greater AngliaP01311
    16:203h43
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    20:03Ipswich station (IPS)
    £1731One-way
    2 changes

Other options

  • Great Western RailwayW35442+Elizabeth lineC36865+Greater AngliaP01306
    15:153h46
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    19:01Ipswich station (IPS)
    £1731One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayW35211+Greater AngliaP67209+Elizabeth lineC36850
    9:214h09
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    13:30Ipswich station (IPS)
    £1731One-way
    2 changes
  • Great Western RailwayC33109+Elizabeth lineC36810+Greater AngliaP67217
    11:204h10
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    15:30Ipswich station (IPS)
    £1731One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX201 · NX728 · NX717
    5:407h25
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    13:05Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £641One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX201 · NX727 · NX717
    7:308h05
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    15:35Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £671One-way
    2 changes
  • National ExpressNX509 · NXA8 · NX717
    11:309h00
    Cardiff, Sophia Gardens
    20:30Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema)
    £671One-way
    2 changes

Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .

Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, coaches, flights and ferries

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.

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Best day trips from Ipswich by train

The most popular day trips by train from Ipswich are London, Colchester, Norwich, Cambridge and Bury Saint Edmunds. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Ipswich on Omio.

A view of London

Day trip from Ipswich to London by train

Why visit London for the day?

London blends royal history with modern city life, known for its museums, theatre and global food scene. Along the Thames, grand landmarks sit beside diverse neighbourhoods shaped by finance, fashion and contemporary culture.

A view of Colchester

Day trip from Ipswich to Colchester by train

Why visit Colchester for the day?

Colchester is an Essex city known as Britain’s oldest recorded town, with Roman roots and a prominent castle. Its historic core, modern cultural venues and easy-going atmosphere make it well suited to a relaxed visit.

A view of Norwich

Day trip from Ipswich to Norwich by train

Why visit Norwich for the day?

Norwich is known for its Norman cathedral, medieval lanes and strong independent character. Its historic market, literary links and mix of old churches and creative spaces give it a lively but relaxed feel.

A view of Cambridge

Day trip from Ipswich to Cambridge by train

Why visit Cambridge for the day?

Cambridge is a historic university city on the River Cam, known for its colleges and punting. Its compact centre, museums and green spaces give it an academic yet lively feel.

A view of Bury Saint Edmunds

Day trip from Ipswich to Bury Saint Edmunds by train

Why visit Bury Saint Edmunds for the day?

Bury Saint Edmunds is a historic Suffolk market town known for its abbey ruins, cathedral and Georgian centre. It has a compact feel, with Abbey Gardens, independent shops and a long brewing heritage giving it character.

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FAQs: Cardiff to Ipswich

Travel to Ipswich easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Cardiff to Ipswich.

FAQs
You can travel between Cardiff and Ipswich by train.
The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Ipswich is a coach with an average price of £72.

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

A coach is £82 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Ipswich costing on average £153.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Ipswich is by train with an average journey time of 4h 3m.

Other travel options to Ipswich take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 55m.

The Cardiff to Ipswich distance is approximately 305 km.
The average frequency per day from Cardiff to Ipswich is:
  • Around 7 coaches per day.
  • Around 6 trains per day.

However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Cardiff and Ipswich as scheduled services by train can vary by season or day of the week.

These are the most popular departure and arrival points from Cardiff to Ipswich:
  • Coaches mostly depart from Cardiff, Sophia Gardens and arrive in Ipswich, Quadling Street (Cardinal Park Cinema).
  • Trains mostly depart from Cardiff Central (CDF) and arrive in Ipswich station (IPS).
If finding a good deal is your main consideration for your trip from Cardiff to Ipswich, then we'll help you find the best value travel companies for you:
  • Travel with Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia to go to Ipswich by train.
  • Travel with National Express to go to Ipswich by coach.
Omio customers who travel from Cardiff to Ipswich often also extend their vacation to go to London Liverpool Street (LST), London, Stratford (London) (SRA), London Stansted Airport, Norwich station (NRW). Omio can help you plan your trip by finding the best connections between Ipswich and these popular destinations at a great price.
To travel from Cardiff to Ipswich, you can take a train.
In Ipswich, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as catching a performance at the New Wolsey Theatre, exploring the scenic walking trails at Orwell Country Park, or learning about local transport history at the Ipswich Transport Museum. Dance enthusiasts can attend performances and workshops at DanceEast, while families might enjoy a visit to Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. For sightseeing, visit the vibrant Ipswich Waterfront, the historic Christchurch Mansion, or the informative Ipswich Museum. Relax in the picturesque Holywells Park or savour local produce at the Suffolk Food Hall.
For a fulfilling visit to Ipswich, three to four days are typically recommended to explore its historic sites, enjoy the waterfront, and experience the local culture.

Travelling from Cardiff to Ipswich: related information

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

HomeTravelTravel to United KingdomTravel to IpswichHow to get to Ipswich from Cardiff

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