Cardiff to Swansea train with Transport for Wales

Sun, Nov 01
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Swansea

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 01
Cheapest price on Nov 01
$14
Average ticket price on Nov 01
$19
Fastest journey on Nov 01
51 m
Average journey duration on Nov 01
52 m
Trains on Nov 01
13
Distance
55 km
Cheap tickets

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 $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.

Fast trains

On Sun, Nov 01, we found 13 trains from Cardiff to Swansea, including 11 direct services.

On Sun, Nov 01 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, Nov 01 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.

  • Transport for WalesG38279 · G38984
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38276
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38279
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38896
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38844
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Swansea

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Swansea run on average 8 times per day, taking around 59m. 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 50m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $5

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance34 miles (55 km)
  • Average train duration59m
  • Cheapest ticket price$6
  • Trains per day8
  • Direct trains8
  • Fastest train50m
  • First train12:05 AM
  • Last train11:58 PM
  • Cheapest MonthDec
  • Cheapest DaySun
  • High SeasonJul - Sep
  • Low SeasonJan - Mar
  • Busiest DayThu
  • Least Busy DayMon
  • Best time to book14 days

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $5

Frequently asked questions about your Cardiff to Swansea trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Cardiff to Swansea.

Train ticket prices from Cardiff to Swansea can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $6, while the average price is around $17.
The train from Cardiff to Swansea takes 50m and runs 8 per day.
The distance by train from Cardiff to Swansea is 34 miles (55 km).
The first train from Cardiff to Swansea leaves at 12:05 AM.
The last train from Cardiff to Swansea leaves at 11:58 PM.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cardiff to Swansea. This service operates 8 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales.

Live departures

Cardiff to Swansea train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea trains for today, Saturday, October 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC42176
On time
3:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
4:28 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG39246
On time
3:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h15
4:58 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesY62461
On time
4:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h57
5:03 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34631
On time
4:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h52
5:32 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG38881
On time
4:48 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
5:42 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG39257
On time
4:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h11
6:04 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34635
On time
5:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
6:30 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesY62399
On time
5:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h56
6:41 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG39267
On time
5:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h14
7:04 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW35420
On time
6:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
7:33 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG38884
On time
6:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
7:43 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG39280
On time
6:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h08
8:01 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34641
On time
7:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
8:31 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG38887
On time
7:47 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h59
8:46 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG39292
On time
7:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h10
9:01 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42180
On time
8:39 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
9:30 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG38888 · G40093
On time
8:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h56
10:55 PM Swansea station (SWA)
1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38888
On time
8:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h01
10:00 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC42181
On time
9:40 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
10:31 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesY61675
On time
10:08 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
11:02 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG39299
On time
10:27 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h13
11:40 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW34650
On time
10:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h53
11:43 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0 transfersDirect
Sunday, November 1
Transport for WalesG38297_G389688:04 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h59
9:03 AM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC500509:44 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
10:35 AM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG382769:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h06
10:59 AM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC5004810:31 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
11:22 AM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG3827911:14 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
12:08 PM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG38279 · G3898411:14 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2h03
1:17 PM Swansea station (SWA)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC0122811:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
12:21 PM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG38282 · W4411712:06 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h40
1:46 PM Swansea station (SWA)1 transfer
Great Western RailwayC0122712:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h53
1:29 PM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG388961:19 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h01
2:20 PM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayC012261:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h52
2:28 PM Swansea station (SWA)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Cardiff to Swansea trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Transport for Wales offer trains services from Cardiff to Swansea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Swansea.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Swansea.
  • 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.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Swansea.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Swansea.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Swansea.

Train companies

Train companies from Cardiff to Swansea

Trains from Cardiff to Swansea with Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway. Night trains available on this route with Great Western Railway. High-speed trains available on this route with Great Western Railway. Regional trains available on this route with Transport for Wales and Great Western Railway. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
52m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
$6
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Great Western Railway

About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Great Western Railway Duration
50m
Cheapest Great Western Railway Price
$7
Great Western Railway frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Cardiff and Swansea

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train from Cardiff to Swansea.
Yes, there is a night train from Cardiff to Swansea.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Yes, rail passes such as the BritRail Pass are valid on most trains within the United Kingdom, offering unlimited travel on participating train operators for a set period.

Complete guide to Swansea

Things to do in Swansea

Discover the best of Swansea — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Swansea trip today.

  • Must visit

National Waterfront Museum

Major waterfront museum covering Wales's industrial and maritime story with interactive galleries in a landmark copper-smelting area.

  • Recommended

Swansea Museum

Excellent local museum on Swansea's history, Egyptology, natural history, and ceramics, housed in an elegant city-centre building.

  • Recommended

Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Contemporary art centre presenting changing exhibitions by Welsh and international artists in a bright, modern waterfront space.

British Pound Sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK: hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while buses, cafes, and casual meals stay fairly affordable for tourists.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-12 for fast food or a simple lunch.
Mid-range
£15-30 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£45+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£2.80-4 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

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.

Plan your visit to Swansea

Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Swansea.

The train journey from Cardiff to Swansea offers scenic views of the South Wales countryside, including glimpses of rolling hills, coastal landscapes, and charming villages along the route.
Popular day trips by train from Swansea include Neath, Carmarthen, Llanelli, Bridgend, Port Talbot.
The currency used in the United Kingdom is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). For travelers, using a card is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially in cities and for transportation tickets, though carrying some cash can be useful for small purchases or in rural areas.
In Swansea, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Swansea Market and popular nightlife spots. It's advisable to avoid unlicensed taxis and only use official transportation services. Be wary of street scams involving unofficial ticket sellers or overly aggressive vendors, and always keep personal belongings secure when visiting busy attractions.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Swansea

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.

FAQs
Yes, you can take the train from Cardiff to Swansea.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Swansea

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.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Swansea
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · $3 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

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.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · $2 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

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.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Ninian ParkNinian Park station, Leckwith Road, Ninian Park, Cardiff, CF11 8AHParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Ninian Park from Cardiff city centre

Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCardiff Central - Milford Haven, Cardiff Central - Carmarthen, Cardiff Central - Aberdare, Merthyr Tydfil - Aberdare, Cardiff Central - Pembroke Dock, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 3m · $2 · every ~4 min
Bus4, 611, 95 · 5m · $3 · every ~9 min

Ninian Park train station facilities and services

Ninian Park has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Ninian Park.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Ninian Park: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient, 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.

Train stations for Cardiff to Swansea

Check train stations information for Cardiff and Swansea, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.

The train station in Cardiff that goes to Swansea is Cardiff Central, which connects to Swansea.

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