The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
34 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
36 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cardiff for Porthcawl on Mon, Jun 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 34 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.
8:51 AM0h34Cardiff9:25 AMPorthcawl$141One-way0 transfers
12:51 PM0h34Cardiff1:25 PMPorthcawl$141One-way0 transfers
12:51 PM0h34Cardiff1:25 PMPorthcawl$141One-way0 transfers
8:51 AM0h34Cardiff9:25 AMPorthcawl$141One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Cardiff to Porthcawl
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Porthcawl among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $14.
Distance: 22 miles (36 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 1m Average total duration Fastest 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about 10m sooner (31m by train vs 41m by car). Tickets start at around $14 (€11) compared to roughly $10 (€8) 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 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Porthcawl train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Porthcawl trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:53 AM Cardiff | 0h35 | 10:28 AM Porthcawl | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Porthcawl 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Why should you book Cardiff to Porthcawl trains with Omio?
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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl run on average 4 times per day, taking around 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 22 miles (36 km) distance in 34m.
Distance 22 miles (36 km) |
Average train duration 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 34m |
First train 5:35 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Porthcawl trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Porthcawl from $14 (€11). 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 Porthcawl
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Most Cardiff to Porthcawl trains use the Cardiff Central to Pyle station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Porthcawl train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Heath High Level from Cardiff city centre
Heath High Level is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Heath High Level train station facilities and services
Heath High Level has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Heath High Level.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Heath High Level: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Heath High Level: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Heath High Level: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level, 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.
Getting to Lisvane & Thornhill from Cardiff city centre
Lisvane & Thornhill is 7 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Lisvane & Thornhill train station facilities and services
Lisvane & Thornhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Lisvane & Thornhill.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Rhymney) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via Clos Llysfaen and a ramp with a shallow gradient. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge, 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.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Porthcawl
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