- Must visit
Riverside Museum
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
$72
Average ticket price on Sep 14
$156
Fastest journey on Sep 14
6 h 19 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
6 h 23 m
Trains on Sep 14
21
Distance
493 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Glasgow is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Glasgow will cost around $156 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Glasgow without transferring at least once.
G38975+
W85196
G38943+
W85170
G38983+
W85206
W34046+
G38943
W34287+
G38991
W34287+
G15048+
G01082
W33935+
G38967
W34287+
G38991
W34288+
G38999
C01372+
G38975Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Glasgow among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $82 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 6h 37m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $82, while a train costs an average of $162.
Distance: 306 miles (493 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$162 Average price | $82 Average price Cheapest | $181 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 37m Average total duration Fastest 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 51m Average total duration 12h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg 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 Glasgow:
A bus is $80 (€65) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Glasgow costing on average $162 (€131).
Other travel options to Glasgow take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 21m.
The journey is about 1h 33m faster (6h 7m by train vs 7h 40m by car) and roughly $19 (€15) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($162 (€131) vs $181 (€146)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Glasgow trains for today, Sunday, September 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W33376+ G38978 | Delayed 3:34 PM 12:52 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 6h37 | 7:29 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
W33377+ G38985 | Delayed 5:09 PM 2:53 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 6h25 | 9:18 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
W33372 · W33290+ G38989 | Delayed 6:09 PM 3:48 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 7h20 | 11:08 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
W33228 · W33204+ G38993 | Delayed 7:09 PM 4:41 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 7h46 | 12:27 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
G38943+ W85170 | 4:33 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 8h07 | 12:40 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
W34046+ G38943 | 4:33 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h45 | 11:18 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
C01369+ Y62730 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h27 | 1:15 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
Y62730+ W34144+ W85170 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h52 | 12:40 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
G66987+ C01369+ W35160 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h22 | 1:15 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
C01369+ G38945 | 6:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h29 | 1:15 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G38947+ W33941+ W85179 | 7:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h46 | 2:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
G38947+ W85182 · W85185 | 7:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h55 | 3:48 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
G38967+ W85188 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h44 | 4:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
W33935+ G38967 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h22 | 3:17 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G38949+ W34286+ W85188 | 9:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h46 | 4:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
C01372+ G38975 | 10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h28 | 5:21 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G38975+ W85196 | 10:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h46 | 6:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G38953+ W34290+ W85196 | 11:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h46 | 6:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
W34292+ G38983 | 12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h30 | 7:25 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G38983+ W85206 | 12:55 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 7h44 | 8:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G38955+ W34289+ W85206 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h46 | 8:39 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
W34287+ G38991 | 2:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h23 | 9:13 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 1 transfer | |
G01082+ W34287+ G15048 | 2:54 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h19 | 9:13 PM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Cardiff to Glasgow run on average 5 times per day, taking around 6h 7m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $59 (€48) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 5h 38m.
Distance 306 miles (493 km) |
Average train duration 6h 7m |
Cheapest ticket price $59 (€48) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 5h 38m |
First train 4:08 AM |
Last train 6:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Glasgow — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Glasgow trip today.
Major riverside transport museum with striking architecture, historic vehicles, and interactive displays that explain Glasgow's industrial story.
Leading European civic art museum with superb collections, grand galleries, and regular exhibitions in the heart of George Square.
Elegant mansion with French paintings, decorative arts, and period rooms, set within Pollok Country Park near Highland cattle.
Lively green space beside the university, popular for museums, picnics, and riverside walks through one of Glasgow's prettiest parks.
Historic civic square framed by monuments and grand buildings, ideal for orientation, events, and classic views of central Glasgow.
Bustling shopping street mixing Victorian facades with modern retail, useful for people-watching and understanding the city's commercial core.
A savory pudding of oats, onions, suet, and spices, traditionally served with mince or fried breakfast. It is one of Scotland’s most iconic regional specialties.
Minced beef in rich gravy topped with mashed potatoes and baked until golden. A staple in Glasgow homes and pubs, especially comforting in cold weather.
A hearty soup of smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions, often enriched with milk or cream. It is a classic west coast Scottish dish with deep local roots.
Elegant fine dining by chef Cail Bruich, known for modern Scottish tasting menus and polished service in a calm, refined setting.
A long-established Glasgow institution serving fresh Scottish seafood and shellfish in a lively, classic city brasserie atmosphere.
Traditional pub dining with a strong whisky focus, offering haggis, fish, and Scottish comfort food in a historic central Glasgow setting.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are cheaper than London, while transit and attractions are fairly priced for most tourists.
Restaurants: 10-12.5% if not already added. Taxis: round up or add about 10%. Cafes: tipping is optional, usually small change.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Glasgow 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 Glasgow, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Glasgow trains use the Cardiff Central to Glasgow Central station pair, with some services arriving at Glasgow Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Glasgow 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.
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 options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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.
Glasgow Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, Krispy Kreme, Gordon St Coffee, Starbucks, Upper Crust, The Beer House, Patisserie Valerie, Alston Bar & Beef
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are there is an ATM machine located on the concourse.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30, Sun: 09:15 - 21:30. Information desks are there is a customer service center in the station located next to the ticket office.
Luggage storage is luggage storage facilities are located near Platform 1 operated by Excess Baggage Co. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Glasgow Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Glasgow Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Central: There is step-free access in the whole station via elevators and ramps for train access. There are also escalators.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Indigo Glasgow, Radisson Blu Hotel, Glasgow, voco Grand Central Glasgow.
Glasgow Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, 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 Glasgow Queen Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Glasgow Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Glasgow Queen Street. 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 Glasgow Queen Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Glasgow Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Glasgow Queen Street: 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 Information Desk on Concourse, 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.
Charing Cross (Glasgow) has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, 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 Charing Cross (Glasgow).
ATMs are available at Charing Cross (Glasgow).
Ticket office support is available at Charing Cross (Glasgow). 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Charing Cross (Glasgow): Parking, WC.
Available at Charing Cross (Glasgow): Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Charing Cross (Glasgow): Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: This is a Category A station. This station has step-free access to both platforms. The Passenger Assist meeting point is at the Ticket Office, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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