- Must visit
Museum of Liverpool
Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.
Cheapest price
$63
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
3 h 35 m
Average duration
3 h 43 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool will cost around $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $63.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Liverpool without transferring at least once.
G38943+
C17849
G39019+
C07931
Y62730+
C17856+
G30575
G38967+
C17774
G38950+
C17780
Y62730+
W33883
G66712+
W33916
G39027+
C07963
G38967+
C17774
G38950+
C17780Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 55m. 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 $22, and a train costs an average of $41.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $34 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 13m Average total duration 5h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 15m 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 Liverpool:
A bus is $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Liverpool costing on average $77 (€63).
Other travel options to Liverpool take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 43m.
You'll arrive about 20m sooner (3h 55m by train vs 4h 15m by car). Tickets start at around $77 (€63) compared to roughly $61 (€50) 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 Liverpool trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38943+ C17849 | 4:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h12 | 8:42 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 1 transfer | |
G39019+ C07931 | 5:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h50 | 9:09 AM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 1 transfer | |
Y62730+ C17856+ G30575 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h06 | 9:54 AM Liverpool Central (LVC) | 2 transfers | |
Y62730+ W33883 | 5:48 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h35 | 9:23 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 1 transfer | |
W35161+ G66987+ C17903 | 5:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h24 | 10:17 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 2 transfers | |
G15041+ G00854+ C17797 | 8:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h59 | 12:17 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 2 transfers | |
G66712+ W33916 | 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h38 | 12:23 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 1 transfer | |
G38967+ C17774 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h47 | 12:42 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 1 transfer | |
G39027+ C07963 | 9:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h46 | 1:09 PM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 1 transfer | |
G38950+ C17780 | 9:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h49 | 1:42 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 1 transfer | |
W35178+ G66735+ C17773 | 10:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h59 | 2:17 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 2 transfers | |
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 Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 3h 36m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average train duration 3h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 36m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Liverpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Liverpool trip today.
Flagship city museum on the waterfront covering Liverpool’s social history, port heritage, music, and global influence.
Renowned public gallery with European old masters, Victorian works, and strong collections of painting, sculpture, and decorative art.
Leading modern and contemporary art gallery known for major exhibitions and national collection displays at the Royal Albert Dock.
Iconic waterfront promenade with Mersey views, the Three Graces, and some of the city’s best photo spots.
Scenic walking route along the Mersey connecting major sights, museums, and open views across the river.
Creative district filled with street art, warehouses, music venues, and photogenic corners popular with younger visitors.
Liverpool’s signature stew made with slow-cooked beef or lamb, potatoes, carrots and onions. It is the city’s best-known traditional dish and gave Liverpudlians the nickname Scousers.
A meat-free version of Scouse made with potatoes, carrots, onions and sometimes pearl barley or lentils. It reflects the city’s working-class food traditions.
A traditional Liverpool bread pudding made from leftover bread, dried fruit, spices and tea, usually served with custard. It is a nostalgic local dessert found in cafés and bakeries.
Refined fine-dining restaurant in a grand Victorian setting, known for modern British tasting menus and polished service.
Well-known food hall in the Baltic Triangle with a lively atmosphere and a range of street-food traders, bars and communal seating.
Upscale restaurant with city views, serving modern British dishes, seafood and afternoon tea in a stylish atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Pubs, cafés, and transport are fairly priced, while hotels and waterfront dining cost more on weekends and during football matches.
Service charge may be added in restaurants; if not, tip 10-12.5% for good service. No tip needed for pubs at the bar. Round up taxi fares or add about 10%.
Official public transport app
Liverpool Lime Street, Liverpool -> Liverpool ONE Bus Station, Liverpool
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Liverpool 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 Liverpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Liverpool trains use the Cardiff Central to Liverpool Lime Street station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool James Street. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Liverpool 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.
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: 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.
Liverpool Lime Street 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: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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.
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