The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
1 h 45 m
Average duration
1 h 55 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
88 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Carmarthen will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Carmarthen on Thu, Jul 23, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 23 the direct trains cover the 88 km distance in an average of 1 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jul 23 the slowest trains will take 2 h 1 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.
7:47 AM1h45Cardiff9:32 AMCarmarthen$121One-way0 transfers
8:41 AM1h51Cardiff10:32 AMCarmarthen$121One-way0 transfers
1:51 PM2h00Cardiff3:51 PMCarmarthen$121One-way0 transfers
6:51 PM2h01Cardiff8:52 PMCarmarthen$141One-way0 transfers
11:51 AM1h57Cardiff1:48 PMCarmarthen$141One-way0 transfers
7:47 AM1h45Cardiff9:32 AMCarmarthen$121One-way0 transfers
8:41 AM1h51Cardiff10:32 AMCarmarthen$121One-way0 transfers
11:51 AM1h57Cardiff1:48 PMCarmarthen$141One-way0 transfers
1:51 PM2h00Cardiff3:51 PMCarmarthen$121One-way0 transfers
6:51 PM2h01Cardiff8:52 PMCarmarthen$141One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Carmarthen
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Carmarthen among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $6, and a bus costs an average of $11.
Distance: 54 miles (88 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$12 Average price Cheapest | $13 Average price | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 31m Average total duration 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Carmarthen:
A train is $0.56 (€0.56) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Cardiff to Carmarthen costing on average $13 (€13).
Other travel options to Carmarthen take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 1m.
Tickets start at around $12 (€12) compared to roughly $20 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $8 (€8). The journey takes 1h 50m versus 1h 20m 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.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
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 Carmarthen train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Carmarthen trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:47 AM Cardiff | 1h45 | 9:32 AM Carmarthen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:41 AM Cardiff | 1h51 | 10:32 AM Carmarthen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:51 AM Cardiff | 1h57 | 1:48 PM Carmarthen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:51 PM Cardiff | 2h00 | 3:51 PM Carmarthen | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:51 PM Cardiff | 2h01 | 8:52 PM Carmarthen | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Carmarthen by bus or train
Compare bus and 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.
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Jul 29
Why should you book Cardiff to Carmarthen trains with Omio?
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 Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
- 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 bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Carmarthen.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 (€6) if you book in advance.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:27, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 54 miles (88 km) distance in 1h 45m.
Distance 54 miles (88 km) |
Average train duration 1h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 (€6) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 1h 45m |
First train 3:27 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Carmarthen trainsTransport for Wales, Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Carmarthen from $6 (€6). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Carmarthen 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 Carmarthen, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Carmarthen
Most Cardiff to Carmarthen trains use the Cardiff Central to Carmarthen station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Carmarthen train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, 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.
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, 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.
Which Carmarthen station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Carmarthen from Carmarthen city centre
Carmarthen train station facilities and services
Carmarthen has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Carmarthen.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Carmarthen.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Carmarthen: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Carmarthen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Carmarthen: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1. Platform 2 can be accessed via the ramp at the end of Platform 1 and across a foot crossing, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Carmarthen
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