Glasgow to Cardiff train with Avanti West Coast

Thu, Jul 16
+ Add return
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
Caledonian Sleeper
2,000+ travel companies
Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Transpennine Express
Caledonian Sleeper
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Glasgow to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jul 16

Cheapest price

$80

Average price

$142

Fastest journey

5 h 48 m

Average duration

5 h 56 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

493 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Glasgow to Cardiff will cost around $142 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $80.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Glasgow to Cardiff without transferring at least once.

  • CrossCountryW29873 · G01109
    6:48 AM8h37
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    3:25 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $801One-way
    1 transfer
  • Avanti West CoastC01362+Transport for WalesG38878
    9:40 AM6h05
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    3:45 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    1 transfer
  • Avanti West CoastW33903+Transport for WalesG38874
    8:00 AM5h53
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    1:53 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    1 transfer
  • Avanti West CoastW34271+Transport for WalesG38870
    5:48 AM5h50
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    11:38 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    1 transfer
  • Avanti West CoastW34160+Transport for WalesG38882
    11:56 AM5h48
    Glasgow Central (GLC)
    5:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $961One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Glasgow to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 6h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $35, and a train costs an average of $91.

Distance: 306 miles (493 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Driving

$184

Average price

$60

Average price

Cheapest

$177

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

12h 5m

Average total duration

11h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 59m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.5 - 1.2kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Avanti West Coast

Most popular train company

National Express

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.

The cheapest way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $60 (€49).

This is compared to other travel options from Glasgow to Cardiff:

A bus is $124 (€101) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Glasgow to Cardiff costing on average $184 (€151).

The fastest way to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 6h 27m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 11h 35m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Glasgow and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 32m sooner (6h 27m by train vs 6h 59m by car). Tickets start at around $184 (€151) compared to roughly $177 (€145) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Glasgow to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Glasgow to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Avanti West CoastW34181 · W34265+Transport for WalesG38873
On time
6:29 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h15
12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Transpennine ExpressW84899+Transport for WalesG38877
On time
7:11 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
7h33
2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW33903+Transport for WalesG38874
On time
8:00 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h53
1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW34039 · W33933+Transport for WalesG38877
On time
8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h06
2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Transpennine ExpressW84903+Transport for WalesG38880
On time
9:09 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
7h37
4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastC01362+Transport for WalesG38878
On time
9:40 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h05
3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW33973 · W34060+Transport for WalesG38880
On time
10:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h08
4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Avanti West CoastW34160+Transport for WalesG38882
On time
11:56 AM Glasgow Central (GLC)
5h48
5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
1 transfer
Avanti West CoastW34063 · W34124+Transport for WalesG38885
On time
12:40 PM Glasgow Central (GLC)
6h06
6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Glasgow 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.

Wed
Jul 15
Thu
Jul 16
Fri
Jul 17
Sat
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Sat
Jul 25
Sun
Jul 26
Mon
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02
Mon
Aug 03
Tue
Aug 04

Why should you book Glasgow to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Avanti West Coast as well as CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper and more offer trains services from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Avanti West Coast, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express or Caledonian Sleeper to find the best option for your trip from Glasgow 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

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

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Glasgow to Cardiff is 28 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Glasgow to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Glasgow to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Glasgow to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Glasgow to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 6h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€74) but you can travel from only $35 (€28) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:08, the last at 18:40. The fastest train covers the 306 miles (493 km) distance in 5h 45m.

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 $35 (€28)
Distance
306 miles (493 km)
Average train duration
6h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$91 (€74)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
5h 45m
First train
4:08 AM
Last train
6:40 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
5 days
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 $35 (€28)

Train companies: Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express from Glasgow to Cardiff trainsAvanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Transpennine Express, Caledonian Sleeper, TransPennine Express trains will get you between Glasgow and Cardiff from $35 (€28). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 45m
Cheapest Price
$91 (€74)
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

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
8h 8m
Cheapest Price
$149 (€123)
CrossCountry frequency
3 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
8h 31m
Cheapest Price
$220 (€180)
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

Transpennine Express

About
Transpennine Express is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates services from Manchester and Liverpool to Scotland, the North East and Yorkshire. It offers a range of services, including express, regional and local trains. Express trains are the fastest, with journey times of up to three hours. Regional trains are slower, but offer more stops and a more relaxed atmosphere. Local trains are the slowest, but offer the most stops. Transpennine Express offers a range of ticket types, including single, return, group and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drink options. The most popular routes for Transpennine Express are Manchester to Edinburgh, Liverpool to Leeds and Manchester to York. These routes offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between the cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 35m
Cheapest Price
$106 (€87)
Transpennine Express frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 large items and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks, plus a small selection of hot and cold food items
Seat reservation
Seat reservations are free of charge and recommended for busy routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance booking service
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on a lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone

Caledonian Sleeper

About
The Caledonian Sleeper is a train service operating in the United Kingdom. It offers overnight journeys between London, Scotland, the North of England and Wales. The service is operated by Serco and consists of two types of trains: the Classic Sleeper and the Lowland Sleeper. The Classic Sleeper offers comfortable sleeping berths, while the Lowland Sleeper offers reclining seats. Both trains offer onboard facilities such as Wi-Fi, power sockets, and complimentary tea and coffee.Ticket types include Standard, First Class and Solo. Standard tickets offer access to the lounge car, while First Class tickets include access to the lounge car and complimentary breakfast. Solo tickets are available for single travellers and offer access to the lounge car and a private sleeping berth. The most popular routes for the Caledonian Sleeper are London to Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. Passengers can also travel from London to Aberdeen, Fort William and Dundee.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 3m
Cheapest Price
$297 (€244)
Caledonian Sleeper frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Dedicated luggage storage areas in each carriage and under beds in sleeping compartments
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies vary by ticket type and timing before departure
Refund
Full refund provided if service is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Complimentary breakfast for all guests. Club Car serves dinner and drinks. Room service available for sleeping car passengers
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for sleeping car passengers. Optional seat reservations available for seated carriages
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Accessible rooms available, wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and staff assistance
Pets
Small pets allowed in sleeping compartments for a fee. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

TransPennine Express

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
7h 12m
Cheapest Price
$286 (€235)
TransPennine Express frequency
2 a day

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

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

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.

British pound sterling (£)

Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Restaurants often add a 10-12.5% service charge; if not, tip around 10%. Taxi tips are optional, often rounded up. Cafes usually do not require tipping, but small tips are appreciated.

FAQs: Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Glasgow 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Glasgow to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $91 (€74), while the average price is around $184 (€151).
The train from Glasgow to Cardiff takes 5h 45m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Glasgow to Cardiff is 306 miles (493 km).
The first train from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 4:08 AM.
The last train from Glasgow to Cardiff leaves at 6:40 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Glasgow to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a night train from Glasgow to Cardiff.
The train station in Glasgow that goes to Cardiff is Glasgow Central (GLC), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Glasgow to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $35 (€28).
The train journey from Glasgow to Cardiff offers varied scenery, including views of the Scottish Lowlands, the rolling hills of the English countryside, and glimpses of the Welsh landscape, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Glasgow to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 45m. Trains operate 5 times per day for this 306 miles (493 km) distance.
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.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from Glasgow to Cardiff.
Since neither Glasgow nor Cardiff are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United Kingdom and United Kingdom. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Cardiff include Swansea, Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Glasgow to Cardiff among Omio's users.
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.
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 Cardiff, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like Cardiff Central Station and popular tourist spots. Taxi scams can occur, so it’s advisable to use licensed taxis or reputable ride-hailing apps. Additionally, travelers should be aware of occasional street distractions designed to divert attention while accomplices attempt theft. Staying vigilant and securing personal belongings helps ensure a safe visit.
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.

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone