- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$21
Average price
$28
Fastest journey
1 h 10 m
Average duration
1 h 11 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
89 km
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 $28 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $21.
Of the 11 trains that leave Cheltenham for Cardiff on Thu, Jun 04, 8 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jun 04 the direct trains cover the 89 km distance in an average of 1 h 11 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 10 m .
On Thu, Jun 04 the slowest trains will take 1 h 16 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.
G39585
G39594
G39592
G01095
G01098
G01092
G01095
G01098
G15488 · G14936
G39585Omio 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 $8. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. 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 $8, and a train costs an average of $9.
Distance: 55 miles (89 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $12 Average price Cheapest | $25 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 0m Average total duration 2h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.2kg 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff:
A bus is $7 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cheltenham to Cardiff costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 30m.
The journey is about 12m faster (1h 12m by train vs 1h 24m by car) and roughly $5 (€4) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($20 (€16) vs $25 (€20)). 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 Cross Country, 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 Cheltenham to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday, June 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01085 | 6:08 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h17 | 7:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01088 | 6:41 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h17 | 7:58 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15053 · W35415 | 6:48 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h51 | 8:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G39585 | 7:43 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h16 | 8:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01092 | 8:15 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h10 | 9:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G39592 | 8:43 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h16 | 9:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01095 | 9:15 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h10 | 10:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15488 · G14936 | 9:26 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h11 | 10:37 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G39594 | 9:40 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h19 | 10:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G01098 | 10:15 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h10 | 11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
G15477 · G14938 | 10:23 AM Cheltenham Spa (CNM) | 1h17 | 11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
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 Cheltenham to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $9 (€7) but you can travel from only $8 (€6) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 55 miles (89 km) distance in 1h 10m.
Distance 55 miles (89 km) |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $9 (€7) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 1h 10m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 11:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.
Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.
Waterfront district with modern public spaces, harbourside walks, major landmarks, and a lively atmosphere.
Large riverside park beside the castle, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing near the city centre.
Network of elegant Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, famous for architecture and independent businesses.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
Toasted bread topped with a rich savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. A classic Welsh dish strongly associated with Cardiff pubs and cafes.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is a distinctive meat-free regional speciality.
Popular steakhouse focused on wood-fired cooking, quality Welsh beef, and a lively upscale atmosphere close to the city centre.
Well-known restaurant at HMP Cardiff offering refined dining with a social mission, using seasonal ingredients in a calm, professional setting.
Charming tea room near Bute Park, loved for Welsh cakes, afternoon tea, and homemade bakes in a relaxed heritage atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, 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.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need