- Must visit
York Castle Museum
Social history museum in the former prison complex, famous for recreated Victorian streets and everyday life displays.
Cheapest price
$87
Average price
$179
Fastest journey
4 h 31 m
Average duration
4 h 34 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
310 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to York is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to York will cost around $179 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
It's difficult to get from Cardiff to York without transferring at least once.
G38945+
G16307
G38967+
P00053
G38945+
G89210 · G88971
G38967+
G88981 · G89219
G39027+
G15955+
G89122
W35169+
G01062 · G00739
W35187+
G01080 · G00716
G00938 · G00739
G01067 · G00701
G66712 · G00698Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to York among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 33m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $12, and a train costs an average of $43.
Distance: 192 miles (310 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$81 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 4h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 54m Average total duration 7h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 York:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to York costing on average $81 (€66).
Other travel options to York take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 24m.
The journey is about 1m faster (4h 33m by train vs 4h 34m by car) and roughly $3 (€3) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($81 (€66) vs $84 (€69)). 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 CrossCountry, Cross Country.
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 York trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G38945+ G16307 | 6:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h21 | 1:07 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G38945+ G89210 · G88971 | 6:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h13 | 12:59 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35166+ G01060 | 6:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h41 | 11:32 AM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G00938 · G00739 | 7:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h35 | 12:20 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
W35169+ G01062 · G00739 | 7:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h31 | 12:20 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35169+ G01062 | 7:49 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h42 | 12:31 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G66712 · G00698 | 8:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h35 | 1:20 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G38967+ P00053 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h12 | 3:07 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G38967+ G88981 · G89219 | 8:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h02 | 2:57 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G39027+ G15955+ G89122 | 9:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h50 | 3:13 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G01067 · G00701 | 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h35 | 2:20 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G39035+ C24924+ G89133 | 1:23 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h52 | 7:15 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
G00905 · G00716 | 1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h38 | 6:23 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
W35187+ G01080 · G00716 | 1:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h33 | 6:23 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
W35187+ G01080 | 1:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 4h42 | 6:32 PM York station (YRK) | 1 transfer | |
G38955+ G89241 · G89007 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 6h04 | 7:57 PM York station (YRK) | 2 transfers | |
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 York run on average 8 times per day, taking around 4h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) but you can travel from only $12 (€10) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:34, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 192 miles (310 km) distance in 4h 35m.
Distance 192 miles (310 km) |
Average train duration 4h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 (€35) |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 4h 35m |
First train 2:34 AM |
Last train 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect York trip today.
Social history museum in the former prison complex, famous for recreated Victorian streets and everyday life displays.
Immersive archaeology attraction built around Viking-age remains, one of York’s signature experiences.
National collection of historic locomotives and railway engineering, widely regarded as one of York’s top free attractions.
York’s most famous medieval street, known for overhanging timber buildings and constant visitor interest.
Central riverside gardens with abbey ruins, lawns, and one of the city’s best places for a relaxed historic walk.
Green space beside York Minster offering classic cathedral views and a quieter break from the busy centre.
The county’s best-known speciality, a baked batter pudding traditionally served with roast beef and gravy in Yorkshire Sunday lunches.
A classic Yorkshire Sunday roast of beef, roast potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding; deeply associated with the region.
Cured ham traditionally linked to York, known for its mild flavour and historic association with the city’s butchery and curing trade.
Established fine dining restaurant from Tommy Banks, focused on seasonal tasting menus and refined Yorkshire produce.
Well-known riverside restaurant serving modern British food with strong Yorkshire ingredients in an elegant but relaxed setting.
Popular steak and cocktail venue known for quality meat, polished service, and a stylish brasserie atmosphere near the city walls.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and attractions are manageable, but hotels and weekend dining cost more.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Small tips are optional in cafés, pubs, and for hotel staff.
Official public transport app
York Railway Station, York -> York Minster, York
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to York 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 York, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to York trains use the Cardiff Central to York station pair. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and York 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.
Ninian Park is 1 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options are available at Ninian Park.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Ninian Park: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Ninian Park: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
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.
York has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at York.
Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.
Ticket office support is available at York.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at York: Parking, WC.
Available at York: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, 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