4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Chester
Cheapest price
$53
Average price
$54
Fastest journey
3 h
Average duration
3 h 9 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
191 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Chester is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Chester will cost around $54 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $53.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Chester on Fri, Jun 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 191 km distance in an average of 3 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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.
G390427:38 PM3h02Cardiff Central (CDF)10:40 PMChester station (CTR)$531One-way0 transfers- Y634766:23 PM3h00Cardiff Central (CDF)9:23 PMChester station (CTR)$531One-way0 transfers
- G390139:26 PM3h15Cardiff Central (CDF)12:41 AMChester station (CTR)$531One-way0 transfers
- Y62764 · Y617128:10 PM3h11Cardiff Central (CDF)11:21 PMChester station (CTR)$531One-way1 transfer
- G39004+
W340486:53 PM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)10:10 PMChester station (CTR)$591One-way1 transfer
- Y634766:23 PM3h00Cardiff Central (CDF)9:23 PMChester station (CTR)$531One-way0 transfers
- G390427:38 PM3h02Cardiff Central (CDF)10:40 PMChester station (CTR)$531One-way0 transfers
- Y62764 · Y617128:10 PM3h11Cardiff Central (CDF)11:21 PMChester station (CTR)$531One-way1 transfer
- G390139:26 PM3h15Cardiff Central (CDF)12:41 AMChester station (CTR)$531One-way0 transfers
- G39004+W340486:53 PM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)10:10 PMChester station (CTR)$591One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Chester
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Chester among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 11m. 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 $16, and a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 118 miles (191 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$73 Average price | $27 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 41m Average total duration Fastest 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 6m Average total duration 4h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 43m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Chester:
A bus is $46 (€38) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Chester costing on average $73 (€60).
Other travel options to Chester take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 36m.
You'll arrive about 32m sooner (3h 11m by train vs 3h 43m by car). Tickets start at around $73 (€60) compared to roughly $54 (€44) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Chester 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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Why should you book Cardiff to Chester 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 CrossCountry or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Chester.
- 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 Chester.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Chester.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Chester.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Chester
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Chester run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€33) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:31, the last at 23:00. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (191 km) distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 118 miles (191 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€33) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 3:31 AM |
Last train 11:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry from Cardiff to Chester trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry trains will get you between Cardiff and Chester from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Chester
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Chester 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 Chester, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Chester
Most Cardiff to Chester trains use the Cardiff Central to Chester station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Chester 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 Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
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.
Which Chester station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Chester from Chester city centre
Chester is 1 km from Chester city centre. Public transport options include:
Chester train station facilities and services
Chester has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Chester.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Chester.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Chester. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from information point, 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 Chester: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Chester: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Chester: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access is available to all platforms via lifts, 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: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Chester
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Chester and Cardiff
Most popular train connections to Chester
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