The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Holyhead
Cheapest price
$56
Average price
$113
Fastest journey
4 h 44 m
Average duration
4 h 53 m
Trains per day
13
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 $113 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $56.
Of the 13 trains that leave Cardiff for Holyhead on Mon, May 25, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 226 km distance in an average of 4 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 44 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 4 h 59 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.
Y62730 · G38352 · G383995:48 AM5h52Cardiff Central (CDF)11:40 AMHolyhead station (HHD)$561One-way2 transfers
G390195:19 AM4h55Cardiff Central (CDF)10:14 AMHolyhead station (HHD)$561One-way0 transfers
G390247:19 AM4h57Cardiff Central (CDF)12:16 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$681One-way0 transfers
G38947 · G38356 · G384057:53 AM5h47Cardiff Central (CDF)1:40 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$681One-way2 transfers
G38947 · G38627 · G384057:53 AM5h47Cardiff Central (CDF)1:40 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$1011One-way2 transfers
G390279:23 AM4h44Cardiff Central (CDF)2:07 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$1351One-way0 transfers
G3903211:23 AM4h49Cardiff Central (CDF)4:12 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$1121One-way0 transfers
G390195:19 AM4h55Cardiff Central (CDF)10:14 AMHolyhead station (HHD)$561One-way0 transfers
G390247:19 AM4h57Cardiff Central (CDF)12:16 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$681One-way0 transfers
G38947+
W340117:53 AM4h59Cardiff Central (CDF)12:52 PMHolyhead station (HHD)$1611One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train 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 train with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $55, and a train costs an average of $55.
Distance: 140 miles (226 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$93 Average price Cheapest | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 23m Average total duration Fastest 4h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Tickets start at around $93 (€75) compared to roughly $69 (€56) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-23.33 (€-18.88). The journey takes 4h 53m versus 4h 44m 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.
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 Holyhead train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Holyhead trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38942 · G38365 | 8:42 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h58 | 1:40 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38966 · G38367 | On time 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h19 | 3:04 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38969 · W44296 | 10:43 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h02 | 4:45 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38974 · G38376 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h20 | 6:00 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38974+ W33122 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h15 | 4:55 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 1 transfer | |
G38376+ G00898+ W33375 | 11:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h15 | 6:00 PM Holyhead station (HHD) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Holyhead by train
Compare 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.
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Why should you book Cardiff to Holyhead 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 Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Holyhead.
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Holyhead
Trains from Cardiff to Holyhead run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $55 (€44) 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 52m.
Distance 140 miles (226 km) |
Average train duration 4h 53m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€44) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 4h 52m |
First train 4:21 AM |
Last train 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Holyhead trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Holyhead from $55 (€44). 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: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- 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
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
- 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
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