Cardiff to Aberdeen train with Avanti West Coast

Thu, Nov 06
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Caledonian Sleeper
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Caledonian Sleeper
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen

Showing times and prices for Nov 06

Cheapest price

$435

Average price

$468

Fastest journey

9 h 6 m

Average duration

10 h 17 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

634 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Aberdeen will cost around $468 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $435.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff for Aberdeen on Thu, Nov 06, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 10 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 6 m .

On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 11 h 6 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.

Avanti West Coast
08:53AM9h06
Cardiff
05:59PMAberdeen
$4351One-way
0 transfers
Transport for Wales
03:15AM11h06
Cardiff
02:21PMAberdeen
$4731One-way
0 transfers
Avanti West Coast
03:32AM10h49
Cardiff
02:21PMAberdeen
$4811One-way
0 transfers
Avanti West Coast
04:49AM10h08
Cardiff
02:57PMAberdeen
$4851One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Aberdeen

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Aberdeen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €50. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 15m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €50, and a train costs an average of €141.

Distance: 393 miles (634 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€353

Average price

€76

Average price

Cheapest

9h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

15h 49m

Average total duration

15h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

Cardiff to Aberdeen train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Aberdeen trains for tomorrow, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:10 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
transport_for_wales3:15 AM Cardiff
11h06
2:21 PM Aberdeen0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast3:32 AM Cardiff
10h49
2:21 PM Aberdeen0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast4:49 AM Cardiff
10h08
2:57 PM Aberdeen0 transfersDirect
avanti_west_coast8:53 AM Cardiff
9h06
5:59 PM Aberdeen0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Aberdeen by train or bus

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.

Thu
Nov 06
Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Aberdeen

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train
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
Bus from $61 (€50)
Distance
393 miles (634 km)
Average train duration
9h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$173 (€141)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
8h 58m
First train
04:12
Last train
16:04

Key Takeaways

Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Cardiff to Aberdeen start from as low as $173 (€141) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $432 (€353) depending on the train type and class.
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
Bus from $61 (€50)

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Aberdeen trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Aberdeen from $61 (€50). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 58m
Cheapest Price
$173 (€141)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. 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
9h 56m
Cheapest Price
$205 (€167)
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
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

Caledonian Sleeper

About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 35m
Cheapest Price
$396 (€324)
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

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
9h 31m
Cheapest Price
$429 (€351)
Transport for Wales frequency
1 a day
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

Cross Country

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 56m
Cheapest Price
$763 (€624)
Cross Country frequency
1 a day

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
10h 0m
Cheapest Price
$712 (€582)
first_great_western frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Aberdeen can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $173 (€141), while the average price is around $432 (€353).
In Aberdeen, you can explore the Aberdeen Art Gallery with its impressive art collection, enjoy the scenic Aberdeen Beach Esplanade, and visit the serene Cruickshank Botanic Garden. Discover history at Provost Skene's House and catch a show at His Majesty's Theatre. Don't miss the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, St Machar's Cathedral, and the picturesque Footdee fishing village. Relax in Duthie Park or delve into military history at The Gordon Highlanders Museum.
To explore Aberdeen's main attractions, such as the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Duthie Park, and the historic Aberdeen Art Gallery, a 2 to 3-day visit is typically sufficient.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Aberdeen is 393 miles (634 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Aberdeen leaves at 4:12 AM.
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Aberdeen is by bus, with a cost of around $61 (€50).
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
The train from Cardiff to Aberdeen takes 8h 58m and runs 4 per day.
The last train from Cardiff to Aberdeen leaves at 4:04 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Aberdeen is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Aberdeen station (ABD).
Yes, there is a night train from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
A day trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen is not feasible as the journey takes 8h 58m. There are 4 trains per day covering a distance of 393 miles (634 km).
The train journey from Cardiff to Aberdeen offers scenic views, especially as it passes through the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes of the Welsh countryside and the rugged beauty of the Scottish Lowlands.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Aberdeen

Cardiff
Aberdeen
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cathays. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cathays for your trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
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
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
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 B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
  • 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: Yes
  • Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Ninian Park
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights

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