Train to Cardiff - Book cheap tickets online with Great Western Rail

Tue, Nov 18
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Train tickets to Cardiff

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Showing the fastest and cheapest results for Nov 18

Results include alternative arrival locations to Cardiff
Great Western RailP08241
10:48AM1h48
London Paddington (PAD)
12:36PMCardiff Central (CDF)
661One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08240
10:15AM1h55
London Paddington (PAD)
12:10PMCardiff Central (CDF)
711One-way
0 transfers
Great Western RailP08238
09:18AM1h49
London Paddington (PAD)
11:07AMCardiff Central (CDF)
901One-way
0 transfers

Popular trains to and from Cardiff

Popular trains to Cardiff

Bristol to Cardiff train

from $11
Direct trains available
0h42 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
  • CrossCountry
  • Transport for Wales
  • Great Western Rail

London to Cardiff train

from $47
Direct trains available
1h43 average duration
16trains per day
Served by
  • South Western Railway
  • Great Western Rail

Liverpool to Cardiff train

from $51
Direct trains available
3h29 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • CrossCountry
  • Transport for Wales
  • West Midlands Trains
  • Avanti West Coast

London Heathrow Airport to Cardiff train

from $73
Direct trains available
2h18 average duration
59trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Rail

Paris to Cardiff train

from $376
Direct trains available
3h50 average duration
10trains per day
Served by
  • Eurostar
  • Great Western Rail

Popular trains from Cardiff

Cardiff to London train

from $47
Direct trains available
1h47 average duration
19trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Rail
  • South Western Railway

Cardiff to Manchester train

from $58
Direct trains available
3h17 average duration
7trains per day
Served by
  • Transport for Wales
  • CrossCountry

Cardiff to Liverpool train

from $61
Direct trains available
3h37 average duration
8trains per day
Served by
  • West Midlands Trains
  • Transport for Wales
  • CrossCountry

Cardiff to London Heathrow Airport train

from $85
Direct trains available
2h28 average duration
66trains per day
Served by
  • Great Western Rail

Cardiff to Edinburgh train

from $107
Direct trains available
6h25 average duration
6trains per day
Served by
  • Avanti West Coast
  • CrossCountry
  • TransPennine Express
  • Transport for Wales

Trains to Cardiff

Whether you’re in town for rugby at Millennium Stadium, a trip back in time at Cardiff Castle or an afternoon relaxing at Cardiff Bay, the Welsh capital has plenty to offer. Its city center is very compact, which means most major attractions are within easy walking distance or just a quick bus ride away. Cardiff itself is easy to reach by local and long-distance train or by plane to Cardiff Airport, which is handy for international travelers.

Which is the main train station in Cardiff?

Cardiff’s main train station is Cardiff Central railway station, where trains from across the UK arrive on a daily basis. The station is located right in the heart of the city center, on the east side of the River Taff. It’s just a 4-minute walk from big, bustling St. David’s Dewi Sant shopping mall and a 10-minute walk from Cardiff Castle. The city’s second station is Cardiff Queen Street, which is a hub for local rail routes around South Wales.

Which train companies offer trains to Cardiff?

Great Western Railway is one of the most frequent providers of trains to Cardiff from southern England. They offer direct, twice-hourly trains from London Paddington, as well as hourly trains from Portsmouth and Taunton which pass via Bristol. CrossCountry also offers an hourly service from Nottingham which passes via Birmingham. CrossCountry and Virgin Trains offer quick indirect services from more distant cities, including Edinburgh, while Arriva Trains Wales offers direct trains from Manchester.

Why travel by train to Cardiff?

Cardiff makes the perfect base for exploring the rest of Wales by train. The extensive Welsh rail network connects the capital with smaller towns and cities across the country. Along the way, travelers have a chance to take in broad swathes of the stunning scenery Wales is known for. Even if you don’t have time to see the whole of Wales, Cardiff is easy to reach from elsewhere in the UK, thanks to direct connections with several major cities.

Before you travel to Cardiff by train - good to know!

For the most colorful shopping experience, avoid the crowds at St. David’s and head to Cardiff Central Market. The market is housed in a beautiful Victorian building, with stores over two floors, plus plenty of spots to grab a bite to eat. Its surrounding area is well served by the extensive Cardiff bus network, which is even more affordable if you buy a prepaid travel card known as an Iff card.

Train companies: Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western to Cardiff trainsTravel to Cardiff on Great Western Rail, South Western Railway, first_great_western trains with Omio. When comparing schedules and tickets, we will also show you other options with multiple connections or other travel modes if they’re available.

Great Western Rail

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 43m
Cheapest Price
$47 (€38)
Great Western Rail frequency
15 a day
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

South Western Railway

About
South Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom, providing services in the south and south-west of England. It operates a variety of train types, including high-speed trains, local stopping services, and suburban commuter trains. It also offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Off-Peak, and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for South Western Railway include London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour, London Waterloo to Weymouth, and London Waterloo to Bournemouth.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 15m
Cheapest Price
$91 (€74)
South Western Railway frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund depends on ticket type and timing of cancellation
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by operator
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service with hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee, free for some ticket types
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free, dogs must be on lead
Quiet zone

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 44m
Cheapest Price
$179 (€145)
first_great_western frequency
25 a day

station information and services

Train stations in Cardiff

Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
  • Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
  • Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
  • Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
  • 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.
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Bay
  • Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
Whitchurch (Cardiff)ParkingAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B Step free access to the platform from Pen y Dre.
  • 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
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: On Platform 2
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Whitchurch (Cardiff)
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Along the A470 (Northern Avenue) towards Cardiff at the bus stop after the junction with Caedelyn Road
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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
Hotel
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
  • Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
  • Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
  • Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
phone
Phone Number
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff). Step free access to Platform 2 (to Bridgend). Access between the platforms is via the level crossing
  • Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Public transit options for Rhoose Cardiff International Airport
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at bus stop on Station Road adjacent to level crossing
Cardiff, Bus InterchangeAccessibility
Amenities at train station
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • The place has an entrance that is wheelchair-accessible

Trains to Cardiff: related information

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