Cheltenham to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Tue 07 Jul
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
2,000+ travel companies
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  • CrossCountry
    8:151h10
    Cheltenham
    9:25Cardiff
    £81One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    8:431h17
    Cheltenham
    10:00Cardiff
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    7:431h17
    Cheltenham
    9:00Cardiff
    £141One-way
    0 changes
  • Great Western Railway
    23:042h03
    Cheltenham
    1:07Cardiff
    £151One-way
    0 changes
  • Transport for Wales
    4:381h20
    Cheltenham
    5:58Cardiff
    £271One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cheltenham to Cardiff

The cheapest option from Cheltenham to Cardiff is coach, with an average price of £9. Omio recommends booking the train, as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Cardiff among Omio users. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg.

Distance: 89 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

£14

Average Price

£9

Average Price

Cheapest option

1h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest option

1h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 0m

Average total duration

2h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Transport for Wales

Most popular train company

Megabus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cheltenham to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Cardiff trains for today, Monday 6 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
CrossCountry7:15 Cheltenham
1h10
8:25 Cardiff0 changesdirect
Transport for Wales7:43 Cheltenham
1h17
9:00 Cardiff0 changesdirect
CrossCountry8:15 Cheltenham
1h10
9:25 Cardiff0 changesdirect
Transport for Wales8:43 Cheltenham
1h17
10:00 Cardiff0 changesdirect
Tuesday 7 July
Transport for Wales4:38 Cheltenham
1h20
5:58 Cardiff0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham 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.

Tue
07 Jul
Wed
08 Jul
Thu
09 Jul
Fri
10 Jul
Sat
11 Jul
Sun
12 Jul
Mon
13 Jul

Why should you book Cheltenham to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) and more offer trains services from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Typically, there are 8 trains per day from Cheltenham to Cardiff, including 4 direct trains, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £6 but you can travel from only £5 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 89 km distance in 1h 10m.

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 £5
Distance
89 km
Average train duration
1h 12m
Lowest ticket price
£6
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
4
Fastest train
1h 10m
First train
4:25
Last train
23:47
Cheapest Month
Sept
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Tue
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
14 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 £5

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cheltenham to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cheltenham and Cardiff from £5. 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 Duration
1h 16m
Cheapest Price
£9
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 Duration
1h 10m
Cheapest Price
£6
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

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 24m
Cheapest Price
£15
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 5m
Cheapest Price
£72
Cross Country frequency
18 a day

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 27m
Cheapest Price
£39
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Cheltenham to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham 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 train distance from Cheltenham to Cardiff is 89 km.
The first train from Cheltenham to Cardiff leaves at 4:25.
The last train from Cheltenham to Cardiff departs at 23:47.
Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff run approximately 8 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train between Cheltenham and Cardiff. The service operates 4 times per day, provided by Cross Country, Transport for Wales.
To get from Cheltenham to Cardiff, you can choose from several travel options including train and coach.
There is no night train service from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Cardiff is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Cheltenham 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff offers scenic views of the picturesque countryside, including rolling hills and charming villages, making it a pleasant visual experience for travellers.
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 Cheltenham to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cheltenham and Cardiff

Most Cheltenham to Cardiff trains use the Cheltenham Spa to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Cheltenham and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cheltenham
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Cheltenham station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff leave from Cheltenham Spa. The station is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre at Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom.
Cheltenham SpaCheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom+44 345 165 2030WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Cheltenham Spa from Cheltenham city centre

Cheltenham Spa is 1 km from Cheltenham city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD, E, G · 7m · £4 · every ~25 min
M1 · 8m

Cheltenham Spa train station facilities and services

Cheltenham Spa has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Railway Inn, The Coconut Tree

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cheltenham Spa. Information desks are located near the main entrance.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Cheltenham Spa. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cheltenham Spa: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cheltenham Spa: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Queens Hotel Cheltenham, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham, Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham.

More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to Cardiff Cheltenham to Cardiff train

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