The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple
Cheapest price
$112
Average price
$112
Fastest journey
4 h 26 m
Average duration
4 h 50 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
76 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Barnstaple is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Barnstaple will cost around $112 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $112.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Barnstaple on Sat, Dec 13, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Dec 13 the direct trains cover the 76 km distance in an average of 4 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 26 m .
On Sat, Dec 13 the slowest trains will take 5 h 13 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.




Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Barnstaple
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Barnstaple among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, and a train costs an average of €54.
Distance: 47 miles (76 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€79 Average price | €45 Average price Cheapest |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Barnstaple train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Barnstaple trains for today, Friday, December 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:00 AM Cardiff | 4h27 | 1:27 PM Barnstaple | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, December 13 | |||||
![]() | 4:14 AM Cardiff | 5h13 | 9:27 AM Barnstaple | 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 Barnstaple 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.
Dec 13
Dec 14
Dec 15
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Why should you book Cardiff to Barnstaple trains with Omio?
Great Western Rail as well as CrossCountry and first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to Barnstaple. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry and first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
- 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 Great Western Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Great Western Rail tickets can be bought on Great Western Rail's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry and first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Barnstaple.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Barnstaple
Trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple run on average 5 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $68 (€54) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:47, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 47 miles (76 km) distance in 3h 48m.
Distance 47 miles (76 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $68 (€54) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 48m |
First train 05:47 |
Last train 22:30 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, first_great_western from Cardiff to Barnstaple trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Barnstaple from $45 (€36). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
first_great_western
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Barnstaple
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Barnstaple 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 Barnstaple, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Barnstaple
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:15 - 17:50 Saturday 06:15 - 17:50 Sunday 09:20 - 16:40
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Station Masters Cafe
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step free Category A station - step free access available to the platform. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station.
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Accessible public telephones: Public telephones are not accessible
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 1. The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key. The RADAR key is available from station staff upon request.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The radar key is available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Front of the station
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Barnstaple
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