- Must visit
Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum
Victorian villa museum with local history, archaeology, and rotating exhibitions in one of Bournemouth’s most important heritage buildings.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
$85
Average ticket price on Sep 19
$150
Fastest journey on Sep 19
3 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
3 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 19
6
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bournemouth will cost around $150 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Bournemouth without transferring at least once.
C42256+
L80235
C42437 · C42258+
L80243
W35172+
G01002
C42289 · C48479+
L80243
C42289+
G01006
C42256+
L80235
W35172 · C48474+
L80235
C42289 · C48479+
L80243
W35172+
G01002
C42289+
G01006Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bournemouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $57 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 40m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.1kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $57, while a train costs an average of $119.
Distance: 77 miles (124 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$119 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 22m Average total duration 5h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 59m 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 Cardiff to Bournemouth:
A bus is $62 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Bournemouth costing on average $119.
Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 52m.
Tickets start at around $119 compared to roughly $42 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-76.35. The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 59m 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 Cardiff to Bournemouth trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W35172+ G01002 | 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h50 | 12:13 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
W35172 · C48474+ L80235 | 8:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h42 | 12:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 transfers | |
C42256+ L80235 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 12:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 1 transfer | |
C42437 · C42258+ L80243 | 9:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h05 | 1:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 transfers | |
C42289 · C48479+ L80243 | 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h46 | 1:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 2 transfers | |
C42289+ G01006 | 9:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h56 | 1:15 PM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 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 Cardiff to Bournemouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $56 but you can travel from only $17 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 46m.
Distance 77 miles (124 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $56 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 46m |
First train 5:07 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.
Victorian villa museum with local history, archaeology, and rotating exhibitions in one of Bournemouth’s most important heritage buildings.
Volunteer-run local museum covering Christchurch history, archaeology, and community life in a characterful period setting.
Specialist aviation museum at Bournemouth Airport displaying historic aircraft, cockpits, and memorabilia for enthusiasts and families.
Long sandy beach and promenade area at the resort’s core, ideal for classic seaside walks, sunsets, and easy access to the pier.
Victorian gardens running through the town center, popular for strolling, seasonal events, and a green link from square to sea.
Clifftop and chine with woodland paths descending to a quieter beach, loved for views and a more local atmosphere.
Fresh crab landed on the Dorset coast, often served simply in salads or sandwiches. It is prized locally for its sweet flavour and seaside freshness.
A traditional Dorset blue cheese with a crumbly texture and strong savoury taste. It reflects the county’s long farmhouse cheesemaking heritage.
Classic fish and chips made with fresh south coast fish. It is a staple British seaside meal strongly associated with Bournemouth beach outings.
Casual Bournemouth institution famous for hearty fish and chips close to the beach, ideal for a classic seaside meal.
Refined seafood-focused fine dining in a stylish setting near the coast, known for tasting menus and polished service.
Busy traditional seafood spot by the seafront, popular for fish and chips, shellfish, and relaxed coastal dining.
Moderate for a UK seaside town: hotels peak in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.
Tipping is modest. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if not already added. Round up or add a little for taxis. Cafes usually do not require tips, but spare change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Bournemouth Railway Station -> Bournemouth Square
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bournemouth 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 Bournemouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Bournemouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Bournemouth station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Bournemouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need