The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen
Cheapest price
$427
Average price
$427
Fastest journey
11 h 6 m
Average duration
11 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
634 km
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 $427 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $427.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Aberdeen on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 11 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 6 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 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.
7:23 AM11h06Cardiff6:29 PMAberdeen$4271One-way0 transfers
7:23 AM11h06Cardiff6:29 PMAberdeen$4271One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 $51. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 13m. 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 $51, and a train costs an average of $126.
Distance: 393 miles (634 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$286 Average price | $82 Average price Cheapest | $177 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 43m Average total duration Fastest 9h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 49m Average total duration 15h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.6kg 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 Cardiff to Aberdeen:
A bus is $204 (€167) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Aberdeen costing on average $286 (€234).
Other travel options to Aberdeen take longer:
Bus takes on average 15h 19m.
You'll arrive about 44m sooner (9h 13m by train vs 9h 57m by car). Tickets start at around $286 (€234) compared to roughly $177 (€145) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
Cardiff to Aberdeen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Aberdeen trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:49 AM Cardiff | 10h09 | 3:58 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:45 AM Cardiff | 9h56 | 7:41 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Cardiff | 10h29 | 9:14 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:00 AM Cardiff | 9h55 | 8:55 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:05 AM Cardiff | 10h10 | 9:15 PM Aberdeen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:45 AM Cardiff | 9h29 | 9:14 PM Aberdeen | 0 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 bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Why should you book Cardiff to Aberdeen trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Aberdeen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Aberdeen
Trains from Cardiff to Aberdeen run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $126 (€103) but you can travel from only $51 (€42) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 16:04. The fastest train covers the 393 miles (634 km) distance in 9h 7m.
Distance 393 miles (634 km) |
Average train duration 9h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $126 (€103) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 9h 7m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 4:04 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Aberdeen trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Aberdeen from $51 (€42). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Aberdeen
Most Cardiff to Aberdeen trains use the Cardiff Central to Aberdeen station pair, with some services arriving at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport). Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Aberdeen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park train station facilities and services
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: 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.
Which Aberdeen station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Aberdeen from Aberdeen city centre
Aberdeen train station facilities and services
Aberdeen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Silver Darling, Moonfish Cafe
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Aberdeen. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Aberdeen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Aberdeen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Aberdeen: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Aberdeen: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Residence Inn Aberdeen, Hilton Aberdeen TECA, Jurys Inn Aberdeen.
Getting to Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) from Aberdeen city centre
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) train station facilities and services
Dyce (Aberdeen Airport) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Accessibility, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport).
Tickets and information
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Dyce (Aberdeen Airport): Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Fully Accessible - lifts and footbridge Blue Badge spaces: 3, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, 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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Aberdeen
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


