The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Bradford
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$94
Fastest journey
4 h 56 m
Average duration
5 h 12 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
275 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Bradford is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Bradford will cost around $94 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff for Bradford on Fri, Jan 09, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 09 the direct trains cover the 275 km distance in an average of 5 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 56 m .
On Fri, Jan 09 the slowest trains will take 5 h 29 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 Bradford
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Bradford among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 38m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €22, and a train costs an average of €71.
Distance: 170 miles (275 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€89 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest |
5h 8m Average total duration Fastest 4h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 56m Average total duration 7h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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 Bradford train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Bradford trains for today, Thursday, January 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:53 AM Cardiff | 4h56 | 1:49 PM Bradford | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, January 9 | |||||
![]() | 3:32 AM Cardiff | 5h19 | 8:51 AM Bradford | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:49 AM Cardiff | 5h29 | 10:18 AM Bradford | 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 Bradford 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.
Jan 09
Jan 10
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Jan 15
Why should you book Cardiff to Bradford trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western offer trains services from Cardiff to Bradford. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Bradford.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Bradford.
- 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Bradford.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Transport for Wales tickets can be bought on Transport for Wales's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country and first_great_western to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cardiff to Bradford.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Bradford.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Bradford
Trains from Cardiff to Bradford run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $88 (€71) but you can travel from only $28 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:57, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 170 miles (275 km) distance in 4h 52m.
Distance 170 miles (275 km) |
Average train duration 4h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€71) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 4h 52m |
First train 02:57 |
Last train 23:40 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cardiff to Bradford trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Bradford from $28 (€22). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
Cross Country
first_great_western
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Bradford
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Bradford 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 Bradford, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Bradford
- 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, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- 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
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Station Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: On the road outside the station
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 06:00 - 20:15 Sunday 08:00 - 20:15
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and a wheelchair is available if pre-booked via 0800 138 5560, or by asking for help at the Station Supervisors office next to platform 1. There are also escalators and lifts available from the bus station below up to the rail station. Please note that escalators and lifts are not operated by Northern or Network Rail.
- Accessible public telephones: in the interchange
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: Toilets and accessible toilets are available at the bus and coach Interchange next to the rail station.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at parcels bay adjacent to Platform 1, through the red gate.
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Saturday 06:10 - 19:00 Friday 06:10 - 20:00 Sunday 08:45 - 18:00
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Scooter Friendly Station - There is level access to all the platforms and ramps are available. Lift available 06:00 - 19:00 Monday to Saturday, 09:00 - 18:00 Sunday, however there is an alternative accessible route without having to use lift.
- 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
- Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are operated by a RADAR key.
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at station front on St Blaise Way adjacent to service bus stop (25702).
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