- Must visit
Swansea Museum
Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.
Cheapest price
£10
Average price
£13
Fastest journey
50 m
Average duration
51 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
55 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swansea will cost around £13 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £10.
Of the 26 trains that leave Cardiff for Swansea every day 26 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 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .
The slowest trains will take 51 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.
G39201
G38864
W34663
G38292
G38868
W35415
G14934
G14938
G14936
W34630Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £4. 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 £4, and a train costs an average of £4.
Distance: 55 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£9 Average Price | £5 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m Average total duration 1h 16m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea trains for today, Monday 17 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34663 | Delayed 7:22 8:08Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h54 | 8:10 8:10Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35415 | On time 8:42 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h50 | 9:32 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38864 | On time 8:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 9:42 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39201 | On time 8:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h11 | 10:05 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14934 | On time 9:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 10:29 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38292 | On time 10:06 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h56 | 11:02 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14936 | On time 10:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 11:30 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38868 | On time 10:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h53 | 11:43 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39211 | On time 10:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h11 | 12:05 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G14938 | On time 11:42 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 12:33 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34618 | On time 12:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 13:30 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38873 | On time 12:49 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 13:41 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G39226 | On time 12:54 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h11 | 14:05 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W35417 | On time 13:38 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 14:29 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
W34624 | On time 14:39 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 15:30 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
G38877 | On time 14:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h53 | 15:40 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 18 August | |||||
W34663 | 8:08 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h54 | 9:02 Swansea station (SWA) | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Swansea run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. 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 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 51m.
Distance 55 km |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price £4 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 0:05 |
Last train 23:58 |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.
Swansea's main museum covers local history, Egyptology, natural history and maritime displays in a historic waterfront building.
A modern museum in the Maritime Quarter exploring the city's copper, coal, industry and waterfront heritage with interactive exhibits.
A compact museum inside Dylan Thomas Square focusing on the writer's life, works and links to Swansea through exhibitions and events.
A broad sandy sweep along Swansea Bay, popular for walking, cycling and sea views, with easy access from the city centre.
A historic village area by the sea, known for its pier, independent shops, promenade and access to coastal walks.
A large city park with botanical displays, glasshouses, sports facilities and open lawns close to central Swansea.
Traditional Welsh cakes are small griddled currant cakes, served warm with sugar. They are a classic Welsh teatime treat long associated with home baking.
Laverbread is a Welsh speciality made from slow-cooked laver seaweed, often served at breakfast. It is deeply tied to the South Wales coast and local food culture.
A traditional Welsh breakfast in Swansea often includes laverbread and cockles alongside bacon and eggs. It showcases produce gathered from the nearby Gower coast.
Established Swansea seafood spot focused on simple fish, shellfish, and classic British sides in an easy-going atmosphere.
Well-known casual venue in Mumbles serving fresh seafood and fish dishes, with a modern feel and strong local reputation.
Smart waterfront restaurant at the marina serving modern British cooking, steaks, and seafood in a polished setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels, meals and local transport are often cheaper than in London, though summer stays and seafront dining can raise daily costs.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if service is not included. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafés and pubs: tipping is optional, though small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Swansea railway station -> Swansea City Centre
Great Western Railway operates direct trains from Cardiff to Swansea. The first departure is at approximately 5:30 a.m. with trains running two to three times an hour until just after 11:00 p.m. The journey takes around 1 hour. There is a reduced service on Sundays.
Departure Station:Trains from Cardiff to Swansea depart from Cardiff Central Station. This is located in the city centre and is a major transport hub. Station facilities include taxi ranks, a car park and bicycle storage. It is adjacent to Cardiff Central Bus Station from where local and national buses depart as well as shuttle services to Cardiff Airport.
Arrival Station:Swansea Station is located right on the city's High Street and has both bicycle storage facilities and car parking. The station has a taxi rank and is served by several local bus routes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swansea 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 Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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