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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Dec 04
Cheapest price
$18
Average price
$26
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 h 18 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
89 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cheltenham to Cardiff will cost around $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $18.
Fast trains
Of the 5 trains that leave Cheltenham for Cardiff on Thu, Dec 04, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Dec 04 the direct trains cover the 89 km distance in an average of 1 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Thu, Dec 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 22 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.
01:37PM1h22
Cheltenham02:59PMCardiff
$181One-way
0 transfers
05:06AM1h18
Cheltenham06:24AMCardiff
$201One-way
0 transfers
06:43AM1h16
Cheltenham07:59AMCardiff
$261One-way
0 transfers
04:38AM1h20
Cheltenham05:58AMCardiff
$281One-way
0 transfers
08:52AM1h15
Cheltenham10:07AMCardiff
$371One-way
0 transfers
08:52AM1h15
Cheltenham10:07AMCardiff
$371One-way
0 transfers
06:43AM1h16
Cheltenham07:59AMCardiff
$261One-way
0 transfers
05:06AM1h18
Cheltenham06:24AMCardiff
$201One-way
0 transfers
04:38AM1h20
Cheltenham05:58AMCardiff
$281One-way
0 transfers
01:37PM1h22
Cheltenham02:59PMCardiff
$181One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cheltenham to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cheltenham to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €6. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 13m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €6, and a train costs an average of €9.
Distance: 55 miles (89 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€23 Average price | €10 Average price Cheapest |
1h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 1m Average total duration 2h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Cheltenham to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Cheltenham to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, December 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:00 AM
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:45 PM Cheltenham | 1h16 | 6:01 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, December 4 | |||||
| 4:38 AM Cheltenham | 1h20 | 5:58 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 5:06 AM Cheltenham | 1h18 | 6:24 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:43 AM Cheltenham | 1h16 | 7:59 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:52 AM Cheltenham | 1h15 | 10:07 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cheltenham to Cardiff by train or bus
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.
Thu
Dec 04
Dec 04
Fri
Dec 05
Dec 05
Sat
Dec 06
Dec 06
Sun
Dec 07
Dec 07
Mon
Dec 08
Dec 08
Tue
Dec 09
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Dec 10
Why should you book Cheltenham to Cardiff trains with Omio?
CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail and Cross Country offer trains services from Cheltenham to Cardiff. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail and Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
- 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While CrossCountry tickets can be bought on CrossCountry's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail and Cross Country to help you choose the right option for your journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cheltenham to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€9) but you can travel from only $7 (€6) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:20, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 1h 5m.
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 $7 (€6)
Distance 55 miles (89 km) |
Average train duration 1h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€9) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 1h 5m |
First train 04:20 |
Last train 23:47 |
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 $7 (€6)
Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western from Cheltenham to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Great Western Rail, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Cheltenham and Cardiff from $7 (€6). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
CrossCountry
About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 5m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€9)
CrossCountry frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
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 Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€9)
Transport for Wales frequency
2 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 Rail
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 Duration
1h 15m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€30)
Great Western Rail frequency
3 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Cheapest Price
$95 (€77)
Cross Country frequency
32 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 8m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€42)
first_great_western frequency
4 a day
FAQs: Trains from Cheltenham to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cheltenham to Cardiff 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 Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Cheltenham to Cardiff is 55 miles (89 km).
A visit of 2 to 3 days is typically sufficient to explore Cardiff's main attractions, such as Cardiff Castle, the National Museum, and Cardiff Bay, while allowing time for leisure and dining experiences.
The first train from Cheltenham to Cardiff leaves at 4:20 AM.
In Cardiff, you can enjoy a variety of activities and sights. Attend performances at the Millennium Centre, explore the vibrant nightlife in the city center, or take a scenic boat tour around Cardiff Bay. For adventure, visit Cardiff International White Water for rafting and kayaking. Shop and dine at Cardiff Market. Discover history at Cardiff Castle and St Fagans National Museum of History, explore art and culture at the National Museum Cardiff, and relax in Bute Park. Cardiff Bay also offers dining, entertainment, and cultural attractions.
The last train from Cheltenham to Cardiff leaves at 11:47 PM.
Yes, a day trip from Cheltenham to Cardiff is feasible as the journey takes 1h 5m and there are 7 train trips per day. The distance between the two is 55 miles (89 km).
Train ticket prices from Cheltenham to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12 (€9), while the average price is around $28 (€23).
The train journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff offers scenic views, including picturesque countryside landscapes, charming villages, and glimpses of the River Severn, making it a visually pleasant trip.
There is no high speed train available from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
The cheapest way to get from Cheltenham to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $7 (€6).
Yes, you can take the train from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
The train from Cheltenham to Cardiff takes 1h 5m and runs 7 per day.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cheltenham to Cardiff. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Transport for Wales.
The train station in Cheltenham that goes to Cardiff is Cheltenham Spa (CNM), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cheltenham to Cardiff
Cheltenham
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Cheltenham is Cheltenham Spa. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cheltenham Spa for your trip from Cheltenham to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Desk
Luggage Cartsinformation
Address
Cheltenham Spa Railway Station, Queens Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL51 8NP, United Kingdom
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:30 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Friday
- 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Saturday
- 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
2Wifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7, accessible from Queens Road.
Dining
- The Railway Inn
- The Coconut Tree
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £0.50
Hotel
- Queens Hotel Cheltenham
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cheltenham
- Hotel du Vin & Bistro Cheltenham
Lost and Found Office
- Located near the main entrance
Bike Parking
- 300 places, covered
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- The station has a main concourse with ticketing facilities and waiting areas, with platforms accessible via lifts and stairs.
Public transit options for Cheltenham Spa
- Bus: Several local bus services available
- Taxi: Taxi rank outside the station
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Bay. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Bay for your journey to Cardiff from Cheltenham.
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rentalinformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- 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.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Bay
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cathays
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Cardiff Queen Street
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
Most popular train connections from Cheltenham
More options for your journey from Cheltenham to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Cheltenham
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