Cardiff to Bournemouth train with Great Western Railway

Sat, Sep 19
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Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 19

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Bournemouth without transferring at least once.

  • Great Western RailwayC42256+South Western RailwayL80235
    8:27 AM3h38
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:05 PMBournemouth station (BMH)
    $851One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC42437 · C42258+South Western RailwayL80243
    9:00 AM4h05
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:05 PMBournemouth station (BMH)
    $1041One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35172+CrossCountryG01002
    8:23 AM3h50
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    12:13 PMBournemouth station (BMH)
    $1781One-way
    1 transfer
  • Great Western RailwayC42289 · C48479+South Western RailwayL80243
    9:19 AM3h46
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:05 PMBournemouth station (BMH)
    $1781One-way
    2 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayC42289+CrossCountryG01006
    9:19 AM3h56
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:15 PMBournemouth station (BMH)
    $1781One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Bournemouth

Omio 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)

Compare train with

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

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Cardiff to Bournemouth is a bus with an average price of $57.

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.

The fastest way to travel from Cardiff to Bournemouth is by train with an average journey time of 3h 10m.

Other travel options to Bournemouth take longer:

Bus takes on average 5h 52m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Bournemouth including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Bournemouth among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

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.

Live departures

Cardiff to Bournemouth train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW35172+CrossCountryG010028:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h50
12:13 PM Bournemouth station (BMH)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayW35172 · C48474+South Western RailwayL802358:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h42
12:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42256+South Western RailwayL802358:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
12:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC42437 · C42258+South Western RailwayL802439:00 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h05
1:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42289 · C48479+South Western RailwayL802439:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h46
1:05 PM Bournemouth station (BMH)2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC42289+CrossCountryG010069:19 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 prices and tickets Cardiff to Bournemouth 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.

Sat
Sep 19
Sun
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25

Why should you book Cardiff to Bournemouth trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
  • 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 Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bournemouth.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bournemouth

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

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.

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 $17
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
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 $17

Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway from Cardiff to Bournemouth trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, South Western Railway trains will get you between Cardiff and Bournemouth from $17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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 Great Western Railway Duration
2h 46m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$56
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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

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 CrossCountry Duration
2h 56m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$88
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

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 South Western Railway Duration
3h 20m
Cheapest South Western Railway Price
$87
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

Complete guide to Bournemouth

Things to do in Bournemouth

Discover the best of Bournemouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bournemouth trip today.

  • 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.

  • Recommended

Red House Museum and Gardens

Volunteer-run local museum covering Christchurch history, archaeology, and community life in a characterful period setting.

  • Recommended

Bournemouth Aviation Museum

Specialist aviation museum at Bournemouth Airport displaying historic aircraft, cockpits, and memorabilia for enthusiasts and families.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK seaside town: hotels peak in summer, dining is mid-priced, and local buses are fairly affordable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Bournemouth

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Bournemouth can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $56, while the average price is around $119.
The train from Cardiff to Bournemouth takes 2h 46m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Bournemouth is 77 miles (124 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Bournemouth leaves at 5:07 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Bournemouth leaves at 9:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
There is no direct train service currently available from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
The train station in Cardiff that goes to Bournemouth is Cardiff Central (CDF), which connects to Bournemouth station (BMH).
The cheapest way to get from Cardiff to Bournemouth is by bus, with a cost of around $17.
The train journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth offers varied scenery, including views of the Welsh countryside, the Severn Estuary, and parts of the South West of England, providing a pleasant and diverse visual experience.
A day trip from Cardiff to Bournemouth is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 46m, which exceeds the 120-minute threshold. There are 5 train trips available per day.
In Bournemouth, you can explore the Oceanarium to discover marine life, enjoy the floral displays and events at Lower Gardens, or visit Boscombe Chine Gardens for mini-golf and water play. Nature enthusiasts can head to Hengistbury Head for hiking and birdwatching. For aviation history, the Bournemouth Aviation Museum offers an interactive experience. Relax on the sandy expanses of Bournemouth Beach, or stroll along the Victorian-era Bournemouth Pier for entertainment and dining. The Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum houses a diverse art collection, while Bournemouth Gardens provide a picturesque setting for walks and picnics. Don't miss St. Peter's Church, with its stunning architecture and the resting place of Mary Shelley.
To fully enjoy Bournemouth's attractions, beaches, and nearby areas, 2 to 3 days are typically sufficient.
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Bournemouth.
Since neither Cardiff nor Bournemouth are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Bournemouth include Southampton, New Milton, Reading, Brockenhurst, Portsmouth.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cardiff to Bournemouth among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Bournemouth, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like beaches and nightlife spots. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and fake charity collectors. It's advisable to use licensed taxis, keep valuables secure, and stay vigilant in busy public places to ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Bournemouth

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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Bournemouth
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · $2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

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