- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Cheapest price
$102
Average price
$167
Fastest journey
2 h 51 m
Average duration
3 h 4 m
Trains per day
26
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff will cost around $167 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $102.
It's difficult to get from Bournemouth to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
L80201+
G15009
L80195+
G15007
L80207+
G15011
L80227+
G15014
L80217+
W34999
G00866+
W35417
G00895+
W34637
G00887+
W34630
G00879+
W34629
G00855+
G15004Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $17, and a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 77 miles (124 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$96 Average price | $28 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 55m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Bournemouth to Cardiff:
A bus is $68 (€56) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bournemouth to Cardiff costing on average $96 (€79).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 27m.
Tickets start at around $96 (€79) compared to roughly $42 (€34) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-53.89 (€-44.15). The journey takes 3h 14m versus 2h 55m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C03033 · G14934+ L78750 | 6:11 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h25 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G00851+ G14935 | 6:30 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h42 | 10:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00739+ G14936+ L80341_L78871 | 6:56 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h41 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G00855+ G15004 | 7:30 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h22 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C03041 · G14938+ L79928 · L80355_L78760 | 7:56 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h44 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15005+ L78764 | 8:18 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h28 | 11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00858+ W34617 | 8:40 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h30 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C03045 · W34618+ L80363_L80064 · L79934 | 8:56 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h41 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
L80195+ G15007 | 9:22 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h27 | 12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00861+ G14939 | 9:45 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h31 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G15009+ L80201 | 10:22 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h23 | 1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00866+ W35417 | 10:45 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2h51 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L80073 · L79946+ C03055 · W34624 | 10:59 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h38 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
L80207+ G15011 | 11:22 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h27 | 2:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00875+ G14940 | 11:45 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h23 | 3:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L80079 · L79952+ C03060 · W35418 | 11:59 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h37 | 3:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
L80217+ W34999 | 12:22 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h24 | 3:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00879+ W34629 | 12:45 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h21 | 4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L80227+ G15014 | 1:22 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h28 | 4:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00887+ W34630 | 1:45 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2h53 | 4:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L80097 · L79964+ C03070 · W34634 | 1:59 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h38 | 5:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
L80237+ G15016 | 2:22 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h27 | 5:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L80247+ G15018 | 3:22 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h28 | 6:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G00895+ W34637 | 3:45 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2h52 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L80115 · L79976+ C03080 · G14942 | 3:59 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h39 | 7:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15020+ L80257 | 4:22 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h31 | 7:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Bournemouth to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 (€43) but you can travel from only $17 (€14) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 77 miles (124 km) distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 77 miles (124 km) |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€43) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in central Cardiff.
Open-air museum showcasing Welsh historic buildings, traditions, and everyday life on a large heritage site.
City museum covering Cardiff’s social history, industry, communities, and urban development.
Revitalized waterfront district with promenades, public buildings, and popular photo-friendly views.
Large central park ideal for riverside walks, greenery, and easy access from the castle.
Network of historic Victorian and Edwardian arcades prized for architecture and local independent shops.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savory cheese sauce, often seasoned with mustard or ale. It is a staple in pubs and cafes across Cardiff.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steakhouse in central Cardiff, praised for quality Welsh beef, polished service, and a lively modern atmosphere.
Highly regarded fine-dining venue serving well-presented British dishes in a unique and memorable setting.
Long-running Portuguese restaurant popular for grilled meat, seafood, and generous portions in a warm, traditional setting.
Generally cheaper than London. Hotels can rise on event days, but food, transport, and pubs are usually moderate for UK city travel.
Service charge is not always included. Tip about 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and tipping in pubs or cafes is optional.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth 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.

Most Bournemouth to Cardiff trains use the Bournemouth to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Bournemouth and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bournemouth is 1 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Bournemouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Bournemouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Bournemouth.
Ticket office support is available at Bournemouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Bournemouth: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bournemouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bournemouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Pokesdown is 4 km from Bournemouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Pokesdown has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Pokesdown.
Wi-Fi is available at Pokesdown.
Ticket office support is available at Pokesdown.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pokesdown: Parking.
Available at Pokesdown: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
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.
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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