- Must visit
National Waterfront Museum
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Cheapest price
$10
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
51 m
Average duration
52 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
55 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Swansea will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $10.
Of the 11 trains that leave Cardiff for Swansea on Sun, Aug 02, 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Aug 02 the direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .
On Sun, Aug 02 the slowest trains will take 53 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.
V20853
V20858
V20856
V20855
C50048
C50048
C50050
C01228
C01226
C01227Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swansea among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $6.
Distance: 34 miles (55 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$13 Average price | $7 Average price Cheapest | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 27m Average total duration Fastest 57m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 46m Average total duration 1h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 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 Swansea:
A bus is $5 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Swansea costing on average $13.
Other travel options to Swansea take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 16m.
The journey is about 6m faster (57m by train vs 1h 3m by car) and roughly $3 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($13 vs $16). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea trains for today, Saturday, August 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34631 | On time 4:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 5:32 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38881 | Delayed 3:54 PM 4:47 PMCardiff Central (CDF) | 0h53 | 4:42 PM 4:42 PMSwansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39257 | On time 4:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h11 | 6:04 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34635 | On time 5:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 6:30 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38308 | On time 5:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h56 | 6:41 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39268 | On time 5:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h14 | 7:04 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W35420 | On time 6:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h54 | 7:33 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38884 | On time 6:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h54 | 7:43 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39280 | On time 6:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h08 | 8:01 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34641 | On time 7:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 8:31 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38887 | On time 7:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h59 | 8:46 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39292 | On time 7:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h10 | 9:01 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42180 | On time 8:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 9:30 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38888 | On time 8:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h01 | 10:00 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C42181 | On time 9:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 10:31 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38318 | Delayed 10:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h54 | 10:05 PM 10:05 PMSwansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G38318 | On time 10:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h57 | 11:05 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39299 | On time 10:27 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h13 | 11:40 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
W34650 | On time 10:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h53 | 11:43 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, August 2 | |||||
V20855 | 8:31 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h59 | 9:30 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V20853 | 8:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1h00 | 9:59 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C50050 | 9:44 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 10:35 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V20858 | 9:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h56 | 10:46 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C50048 | 10:31 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 11:22 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V20856 | 10:47 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h55 | 11:42 AM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01228 | 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h51 | 12:21 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V20822 | 11:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h57 | 12:33 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01227 | 12:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h53 | 1:29 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
V20821 | 1:05 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h56 | 2:01 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
C01226 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h52 | 2:28 PM Swansea station (SWA) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Swansea run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 but you can travel from only $5 by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:05, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 miles (55 km) distance in 51m.
Distance 34 miles (55 km) |
Average train duration 57m |
Cheapest ticket price $6 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 51m |
First train 12:05 AM |
Last train 11:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.
Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.
Excellent local museum on Swansea's history, Egyptology, natural history, and ceramics, housed in an elegant city-centre building.
Contemporary art centre presenting changing exhibitions by Welsh and international artists in a bright, modern waterfront space.
Wide sandy bay backed by a long promenade, ideal for walking, cycling, sunsets, and classic views across Swansea Bay.
Historic fishing village turned lively seaside district, loved for the pier, independent shops, sea views, and access to coastal walks.
Dramatic clifftop path section on Gower with famous views over Three Cliffs Bay, perfect for hikers and photographers.
A rich Welsh fruit loaf packed with dried fruit and tea-soaked flavor, traditionally sliced and served with butter at tea time.
A traditional Welsh seaweed puree, often served with oats and laverbread cakes. It is a signature food of the Swansea Bay coastline.
Welsh cheddar melted with ale and mustard on toast. This comforting pub classic is strongly associated with Welsh home cooking.
Popular casual spot for quality Welsh ice cream and desserts on Mumbles seafront, loved for local flavor and sea views nearby.
Well-regarded waterfront restaurant known for modern British cooking, seafood, and polished service in a smart contemporary setting.
Historic market venue famous for traditional Welsh breakfast, laverbread, and cockles in a lively local atmosphere.
Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, cafes, and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.
Tipping is optional. In restaurants, 10-12.5% is polite if service is not included. Round up taxi fares; cafes usually only get small change or none.
Official public transport app
Swansea Railway Station -> Swansea Bus Station
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swansea 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 Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Swansea trains use the Cardiff Central to Swansea station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Swansea 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.
Swansea has practical services for this route, including 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 Swansea.
ATMs are available at Swansea.
Ticket office support is available at Swansea.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Swansea: Parking, WC.
Available at Swansea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: on concourse, 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: No.
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