The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Holyhead
Cheapest price
$91
Average price
$115
Fastest journey
4 h 44 m
Average duration
4 h 56 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
226 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Holyhead is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Holyhead will cost around $115 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
Of the 5 trains that leave Cardiff for Holyhead on Thu, Jan 08, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jan 08 the direct trains cover the 226 km distance in an average of 4 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 44 m .
On Thu, Jan 08 the slowest trains will take 5 h 18 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Holyhead
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Holyhead among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €90. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 55m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €90, and a train costs an average of €63.
Distance: 140 miles (226 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€92 Average price | €90 Average price Cheapest |
5h 25m Average total duration Fastest 4h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 31m Average total duration 8h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Cardiff to Holyhead train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Holyhead trains for tomorrow, Thursday, January 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:23 AM Cardiff | 4h52 | 1:15 PM Holyhead | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:23 AM Cardiff | 4h53 | 3:16 PM Holyhead | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:53 AM Cardiff | 5h18 | 4:11 PM Holyhead | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:23 PM Cardiff | 4h52 | 7:15 PM Holyhead | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:22 PM Cardiff | 4h44 | 9:06 PM Holyhead | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Holyhead by train or bus
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.
Jan 08
Jan 09
Jan 10
Jan 11
Jan 12
Jan 13
Jan 14
Why should you book Cardiff to Holyhead trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales operates all train services from Cardiff to Holyhead. Omio is the only official third party seller for Transport for Wales tickets.
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.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Holyhead.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Transport for Wales tickets can only be bought on Omio or Transport for Wales's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Transport for Wales tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Transport for Wales tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Holyhead.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Holyhead
Trains from Cardiff to Holyhead run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $79 (€63) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:21, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 140 miles (226 km) distance in 4h 44m.
Distance 140 miles (226 km) |
Average train duration 4h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€63) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 44m |
First train 04:21 |
Last train 21:35 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Holyhead from $79 (€63). 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 Holyhead
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Holyhead 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 Holyhead, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Holyhead
- 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.
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platforms 1 (to Rhymney) via the car park. There are two routes onto the platform, one with a steep gradient and one with a moderate gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Access between the platforms is via a roadbridge with a walkway but no pavement
- 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 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
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Station Road
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: On the road outside the station
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 06:10 - 19:10 Saturday 06:10 - 19:10 Sunday 10:30 - 17:00
- Type of shops available: Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: Black Bridge
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B Step free access is via the Celtic Gateway Bridge, the ferry terminal, or via gates on to the platforms either side of Stena House. Transferring between platforms is step-free however distance between ferry terminal and Platform 1 is approximately 200m.
- 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 ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Wheelchairs available open hours: Monday - Friday 24 Hours a Day Saturday 00:00 - 21:30 Sunday 07:00 - 00:00
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located within the Ferry Terminal. The National key toilets are located within the Ferry Terminal; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: On Platform 2 by the gate (in ferry port area).
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: For the nearest bus stop, walk across the footbridge and turn right onto the main road.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at bus stops outside the station
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Holyhead
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