The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Porthmadog
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
7 h 2 m
Average duration
7 h 2 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
174 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Porthmadog is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Porthmadog will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Porthmadog on Mon, Dec 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 174 km distance in an average of 7 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 2 m .
On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 7 h 2 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.


Live departures
Cardiff to Porthmadog train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Porthmadog trains for tomorrow, Monday, December 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:49 AM Cardiff | 7h02 | 11:51 AM Porthmadog | 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 Porthmadog 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.
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Why should you book Cardiff to Porthmadog trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales operates all train services from Cardiff to Porthmadog. Omio is the only official third party seller for Transport for Wales tickets.
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.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Transport for Wales tickets can only be bought on Omio or Transport for Wales's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Transport for Wales tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Transport for Wales tickets as they are not official sellers.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Porthmadog
Trains from Cardiff to Porthmadog run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€56) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:53, the last at 18:06. The fastest train covers the 108 miles (174 km) distance in 5h 29m.
Distance 108 miles (174 km) |
Average train duration 5h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€56) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 5h 29m |
First train 06:53 |
Last train 18:06 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Porthmadog trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Porthmadog from $69 (€56). 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 Porthmadog
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Porthmadog 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 Porthmadog, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Porthmadog
- 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)
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Machynlleth from High Street and an end of platform ramp. Step free access to Platform 2. Access between both platforms is via the level crossing
- Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Onward travel information: Services from the station to Gwastadnant, Caernarfon, Pwllheli and Beddgelert.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait in the station car park adjacent to the level crossing
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