- 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.
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Glasgow to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
W29873 · G01109
C01362+
G38878
W33903+
G38874
W34271+
G38870
W34160+
G38882
W34160+
G38882
W34271+
G38870
W33903+
G38874
C01362+
G38878
W34039 · W33933+
G38877Omio 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)
| 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 |
![]() 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 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).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 35m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W34181 · W34265+ G38873 | On time 6:29 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h15 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W84899+ G38877 | On time 7:11 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 7h33 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W33903+ G38874 | On time 8:00 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 5h53 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34039 · W33933+ G38877 | On time 8:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h06 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W84903+ G38880 | On time 9:09 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 7h37 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C01362+ G38878 | On time 9:40 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h05 | 3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W33973 · W34060+ G38880 | On time 10:38 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 6h08 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W34160+ G38882 | On time 11:56 AM Glasgow Central (GLC) | 5h48 | 5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W34063 · W34124+ G38885 | 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 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 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.
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 |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
A Welsh breakfast staple of seaweed cooked into a savoury puree, often served with oats or alongside bacon and cockles. It is a classic taste of Welsh coastal cooking.
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, 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.

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