- Must visit
The Box
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Cheapest price
$111
Average price
$111
Fastest journey
3 h 4 m
Average duration
3 h 14 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth will cost around $111 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $111.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Plymouth without transferring at least once.
C42440 · C42188 · C42217
C42445+
G01149+
C42231
C42258+
G01137
C42254+
G01132
C42259+
G01141
W34965 · C04999
C42440 · C42188 · C42217
C42258+
G01137
C42259+
G01141
W29878+
C42266Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a train costs an average of $37.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$87 Average price | $19 Average price Cheapest | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration 4h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Plymouth:
A bus is $68 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Plymouth costing on average $87 (€87).
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 46m.
Tickets start at around $87 (€87) compared to roughly $45 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-41.61 (€-41.61). The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 48m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Plymouth trains for tomorrow, Saturday, July 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34965 · C04999 | 6:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h04 | 9:34 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42254+ G01132 | 7:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 10:47 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42436 · C42425 | 7:58 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h36 | 11:34 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42256+ G01134 | 8:27 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h21 | 11:48 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42258+ G01137 | 9:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 12:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42259+ G01141 | 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 1:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42440 · C42188 · C42217 | 10:58 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h14 | 2:12 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 transfers | |
C42261+ G01146 | 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 2:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42262+ W29867 | 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 3:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42264+ W29872 | 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 4:48 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42266+ W29878 | 2:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 5:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42267+ W29885 | 3:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 6:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
C42445+ G01149+ C42231 | 3:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h24 | 7:22 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 transfers | |
C42269+ G01151 | 4:27 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 7:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
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 Plymouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 (€37) but you can travel from only $11 (€11) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 22:31. The fastest train covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€37) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 10:31 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Discover the best of Plymouth — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Plymouth trip today.
Plymouth’s main museum, gallery, and archive. It covers local art, natural history, and maritime stories in an impressive contemporary cultural hub.
Interactive aquarium on the waterfront with ocean habitats, conservation displays, and a huge tank. A popular family attraction with strong educational value.
Tudor merchant’s residence in the Barbican, furnished to evoke historic domestic life. A compact museum ideal for understanding old Plymouth society.
Large waterfront parkland with sea views, monuments, and lawns. It is Plymouth’s classic promenade and a prime place to start exploring the city.
Historic harbourside quarter of cobbled lanes, old buildings, galleries, and maritime atmosphere. It is among Plymouth’s most characterful walking areas.
Broad city-centre avenue rebuilt after the Second World War. Shops, civic buildings, and public art make it useful for understanding modern Plymouth.
A classic Devon cream tea of scones, jam and clotted cream. In Devon, the cream goes on before the jam, making it a proud local ritual.
A traditional South West pasty with beef, potato, swede and onion in pastry. Common across Devon and Cornwall and a familiar local grab-and-go meal.
Fresh fish landed from Plymouth's historic fishing port, often grilled or battered. The city's waterfront location makes local seafood a signature choice.
Refined fine dining restaurant known for modern British tasting menus, polished service and a special occasion atmosphere near Plymouth Hoe.
Long-established market café famous for generous breakfasts, sandwiches and casual local dining in Plymouth Market.
Historic waterside pub in the Barbican serving seafood, local ales and hearty British dishes in a traditional, characterful setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels are often cheaper than London, while dining and local buses are fairly priced for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common if service is not included. Round up for taxis, and small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Plymouth Railway Station -> Plymouth City Centre
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Plymouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Plymouth station pair, with some services arriving at Devonport. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Plymouth 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.
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.
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Plymouth.
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Devonport.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Devonport: Parking.
Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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