- Must visit
The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum
Major civic museum and gallery with Dundee history, natural science, and fine art in a landmark Gothic Revival building.
Cheapest price on Sep 10
$389
Average ticket price on Sep 10
$410
Fastest journey on Sep 10
8 h 47 m
Average journey duration on Sep 10
8 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 10
2
Distance
554 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Dundee is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Dundee will cost around $410 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $389.
On Thu, Sep 10, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Dundee, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 10 the direct trains cover the 554 km distance in an average of 8 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 47 m .
On Thu, Sep 10 the slowest trains will take 9 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.




Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Dundee among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $91 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 7h 45m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $91, while a train costs an average of $296.
Distance: 344 miles (554 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$296 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $201 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 45m Average total duration Fastest 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 6m Average total duration 14h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Dundee:
A bus is $206 (€166) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Dundee costing on average $296 (€239).
Other travel options to Dundee take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 36m.
You'll arrive about 39m sooner (7h 15m by train vs 7h 54m by car). Tickets start at around $296 (€239) compared to roughly $201 (€162) 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Dundee trains for tomorrow, Thursday, September 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:21 AM Cardiff | 9h01 | 1:22 PM Dundee | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:45 AM Cardiff | 8h47 | 7:32 PM Dundee | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Dundee run on average 5 times per day, taking around 7h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $90 (€73) but you can travel from only $72 (€58) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:15, the last at 17:25. The fastest train covers the 344 miles (554 km) distance in 6h 54m.
Distance 344 miles (554 km) |
Average train duration 7h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $90 (€73) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 6h 54m |
First train 4:15 AM |
Last train 5:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Dundee — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Dundee trip today.
Major civic museum and gallery with Dundee history, natural science, and fine art in a landmark Gothic Revival building.
Scotland's design museum on the waterfront, known for bold architecture and changing exhibitions on design, craft, and innovation.
Restored Antarctic exploration ship of Captain Scott, a flagship Dundee attraction with galleries on polar voyages and shipbuilding.
Revitalised waterfront district with design museum, river views, public spaces, and easy access to major city attractions.
Extinct volcanic hill and top city viewpoint, popular for short walks and sweeping panoramas across Dundee and the Tay.
Historic central square framed by civic buildings, museums, and gardens, useful as a starting point for exploring the city centre.
Dundee cake is a famous local fruit cake with almonds on top. It is linked to the city’s marmalade trade and is a classic Scottish teatime treat.
Dundee marmalade is a traditional bitter orange preserve associated with the city. It became famous through local producers and is a staple with toast and baking.
Arbroath smokies are hot-smoked haddock from nearby Angus. They are a regional specialty often served simply to highlight their rich smoky flavor.
Refined fine dining from Chef Adam Newth with modern Scottish tasting menus in an intimate setting. One of Dundee’s most acclaimed special-occasion restaurants.
Historic pub near the city center serving cask ales and hearty Scottish pub food. A classic choice for traditional atmosphere and local staples.
Popular modern bistro focused on local ingredients, steaks, seafood, and seasonal Scottish cooking. Smart casual atmosphere with a strong local reputation.
Moderate for the UK: hotels often cost less than Edinburgh, while meals, coffee, and local buses stay fairly manageable for tourists.
Restaurants often add no service charge; tip about 10% for good service. Round up taxi fares if helpful. Tipping in cafes is optional, often just small change.
Official public transport app
Dundee Railway Station -> Dundee City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Dundee 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 Dundee, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Dundee trains use the Cardiff Central to Dundee station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Dundee train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
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 options are available at Cathays.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Dundee has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Dundee.
Wi-Fi is available at Dundee.
Ticket office support is available at Dundee. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: Tel: 0800 046 1634 and 18001 0800 046 1634 (Deaf and customers who are hard of hearing), Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Dundee: Parking, WC.
Available at Dundee: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Dundee: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to all platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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