- Recommended
Margam Stone Museum
Museum on the Margam estate covering local history, archaeology and the Talbot family. A strong introduction to Port Talbot and wider Neath Port Talbot heritage.
Cheapest price on Sep 19
€18
Average ticket price on Sep 19
€18
Fastest journey on Sep 19
44 m
Average journey duration on Sep 19
1 h 11 m
Trains on Sep 19
3
Distance
43 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Port Talbot is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Port Talbot will cost around €18 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €18.
On Sat, Sep 19, we found 3 trains from Cardiff to Port Talbot, including 2 direct services.
On Sat, Sep 19 the direct trains cover the 43 km distance in an average of 1 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 44 m .
On Sat, Sep 19 the slowest trains will take 1 h 46 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.
W44088 · G38315
G38286
C42182
C42182
G38286
W44088 · G38315Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Port Talbot among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of €7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 4m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.0 - 0.0kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €7, while a train costs an average of €13.
Distance: 26 miles (43 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€13 Average price | €7 Average price Cheapest | €10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 4m Average total duration Fastest 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Port Talbot:
A bus is €6 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Port Talbot costing on average €13.
Other travel options to Port Talbot take longer:
Bus takes on average 52m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (34m by train vs 45m by car). Tickets start at around €13 compared to roughly €10 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.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
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 Port Talbot trains for tomorrow, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C42182 | 1:01 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h44 | 1:45 AM Port Talbot Parkway (PTA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38286 | 5:06 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h02 | 6:08 AM Port Talbot Parkway (PTA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W44088 · G38315 | 5:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h46 | 7:25 AM Port Talbot Parkway (PTA) | 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 Port Talbot run on average 7 times per day, taking around 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €8 but you can travel from only €5 by bus.
There are 7 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 26 miles (43 km) distance in 30m.
Distance 26 miles (43 km) |
Average train duration 34m |
Cheapest ticket price €8 |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 7 |
Fastest train 30m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Port Talbot — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Port Talbot trip today.
Museum on the Margam estate covering local history, archaeology and the Talbot family. A strong introduction to Port Talbot and wider Neath Port Talbot heritage.
Heritage centre interpreting the life and work of actor Richard Burton in nearby Pontrhydyfen. Worth visiting for film fans and local cultural history.
Volunteer-run heritage attraction preserving South Wales mining history with displays and restored equipment. A rewarding specialist museum nearby.
Large country park with deer park, trails, lakes and heritage sites. The area's top all-round destination for scenery, walking and history.
Forest park with mountain biking, walking and river scenery. One of the most popular active outdoor areas within easy reach of Port Talbot.
Wide sandy beach and seafront popular for walks, views and sunsets. A classic Port Talbot stop with easy access and strong local appeal.
A rich Welsh fruit loaf served sliced and buttered. It is a beloved tea-time staple across South Wales and a traditional local comfort food.
Slow-cooked lamb and root vegetable broth, long linked with Welsh farm kitchens. It is hearty, warming and closely associated with local food heritage.
Seaweed purée traditionally cooked with oats and served at breakfast. It is one of Wales’s most distinctive foods and reflects the nearby coast.
Popular Indian restaurant in Port Talbot, known for dependable curries, friendly service and a smart but casual setting.
Established seafront café and restaurant at Aberavon Beach, known for breakfasts, lunches and relaxed coastal views.
Well-known pub restaurant near the waterfront, serving grills, classics and drinks in a family-friendly modern chain setting.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than major cities, while local transport is fairly priced for visitors.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is common for good service if not already added. Round up for taxis; cafes usually do not expect tips.
Official public transport app
Port Talbot Parkway -> Port Talbot Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Port Talbot 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 Port Talbot, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Port Talbot trains use the Cardiff Central to Port Talbot Parkway station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Port Talbot 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.
Port Talbot Parkway has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Port Talbot Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Port Talbot Parkway.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Port Talbot Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Port Talbot Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Port Talbot Parkway: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to both platforms via a footbridge with lifts, 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 toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need