The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Caernarfon
Cheapest price
$90
Average price
$110
Fastest journey
4 h 6 m
Average duration
4 h 25 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
199 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Caernarfon is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Caernarfon will cost around $110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $90.
Of the 12 trains that leave Cardiff for Caernarfon on Fri, Jun 26, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 26 the direct trains cover the 199 km distance in an average of 4 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 6 m .
On Fri, Jun 26 the slowest trains will take 5 h 15 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.
G38950 · G38631 · G384139:53 AM5h15Cardiff Central (CDF)3:08 PMBangor (Gwynedd) (BNG)$901One-way2 transfers
G38950 · G38631 · G384139:53 AM5h24Cardiff Central (CDF)3:17 PMLlanfairpwll (LPG)$911One-way2 transfers
G390279:23 AM4h06Cardiff Central (CDF)1:29 PMBangor (Gwynedd) (BNG)$1001One-way0 transfers
G38953 · G38637 · G3841711:53 AM5h15Cardiff Central (CDF)5:08 PMBangor (Gwynedd) (BNG)$1001One-way2 transfers
G390279:23 AM4h14Cardiff Central (CDF)1:37 PMLlanfairpwll (LPG)$1011One-way0 transfers
G390279:23 AM4h06Cardiff Central (CDF)1:29 PMBangor (Gwynedd) (BNG)$1001One-way0 transfers
G3903211:23 AM4h10Cardiff Central (CDF)3:33 PMBangor (Gwynedd) (BNG)$1101One-way0 transfers
G390279:23 AM4h14Cardiff Central (CDF)1:37 PMLlanfairpwll (LPG)$1011One-way0 transfers
G3903211:23 AM4h18Cardiff Central (CDF)3:41 PMLlanfairpwll (LPG)$1111One-way0 transfers
G38953 · G38637 · G3841711:53 AM5h15Cardiff Central (CDF)5:08 PMBangor (Gwynedd) (BNG)$1001One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Caernarfon
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Caernarfon among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 16m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, and a train costs an average of $48.
Distance: 123 miles (199 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $58 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 46m Average total duration Fastest 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $73 (€60) compared to roughly $58 (€48) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.58 (€-12.06). The journey takes 4h 16m versus 4h 16m 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 Caernarfon train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Caernarfon trains for today, Thursday, June 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:53 AM Cardiff | 4h48 | 1:41 PM Caernarfon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:23 AM Cardiff | 5h04 | 4:27 PM Caernarfon | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:45 PM Cardiff | 5h35 | 6:20 PM Caernarfon | 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 Caernarfon by train
Compare 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 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Jun 29
Jun 30
Jul 01
Jul 02
Why should you book Cardiff to Caernarfon trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Caernarfon
Trains from Cardiff to Caernarfon run on average 16 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€40) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:44, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 123 miles (199 km) distance in 4h 12m.
Distance 123 miles (199 km) |
Average train duration 4h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€40) |
Trains per day 16 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 4h 12m |
First train 4:44 AM |
Last train 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Caernarfon trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Caernarfon from $48 (€40). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Caernarfon
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Caernarfon 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 Caernarfon, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Caernarfon
- 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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Caernarfon
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