Ipswich to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Mon, Jun 01
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Greater Anglia
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Ipswich to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jun 01

Cheapest price

$67

Average price

$166

Fastest journey

4 h 26 m

Average duration

4 h 33 m

Trains per day

6

Distance

305 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Ipswich to Cardiff will cost around $166 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Ipswich to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.

  • Great Western RailwayW34624+Greater AngliaP01248+TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
    10:10 AM4h27
    Ipswich station (IPS)
    2:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $671One-way
    2 transfers
  • Elizabeth lineC38283+Great Western RailwayW34618+Greater AngliaP01228
    8:11 AM4h26
    Ipswich station (IPS)
    12:37 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $671One-way
    2 transfers
  • Greater AngliaP01239+Elizabeth lineC37213+Great Western RailwayW35417
    9:10 AM4h26
    Ipswich station (IPS)
    1:36 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $811One-way
    2 transfers
  • Elizabeth lineC37249+Great Western RailwayW35071+CrossCountryG01109+Greater AngliaP01252
    10:41 AM4h44
    Ipswich station (IPS)
    3:25 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $2361One-way
    3 transfers
  • Greater AngliaP01244+Elizabeth lineC37226+Great Western RailwayW35069+CrossCountryG01107
    9:41 AM4h44
    Ipswich station (IPS)
    2:25 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $2361One-way
    3 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Ipswich to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Ipswich to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 24m. 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 $42, and a train costs an average of $74.

Distance: 189 miles (305 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$157

Average price

$73

Average price

Cheapest

$84

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 56m

Average total duration

7h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 22m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

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 Ipswich to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $73 (€58).

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

A bus is $84 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Ipswich to Cardiff costing on average $157 (€126).

The fastest way to travel from Ipswich to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 24m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 7h 26m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Ipswich and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Ipswich 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 58m sooner (3h 24m by train vs 4h 22m by car). Tickets start at around $157 (€126) compared to roughly $84 (€68) 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

Ipswich to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Ipswich to Cardiff trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayC01228+Greater AngliaP01225+Elizabeth lineC37219
Delayed
8:31 AM 7:35 AMIpswich station (IPS)
4h40
12:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC01226+Greater AngliaP67202+Elizabeth lineC37138
Delayed
10:20 AM 9:11 AMIpswich station (IPS)
4h46
1:57 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC50047+Greater AngliaP67206+Elizabeth lineC37073
Delayed
11:20 AM 10:11 AMIpswich station (IPS)
4h42
2:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
Great Western RailwayC00840+Greater AngliaP67210+Elizabeth lineC37091
Delayed
12:20 PM 11:11 AMIpswich station (IPS)
4h45
3:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers
TubeTube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+Great Western RailwayC50040+Greater AngliaP67088
On time
11:41 AM Ipswich station (IPS)
5h17
4:58 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Ipswich 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.

Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02
Wed
Jun 03
Thu
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07

Why should you book Ipswich to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Greater Anglia offer trains services from Ipswich to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Ipswich to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Ipswich 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Ipswich to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greater Anglia to find the best option for your trip from Ipswich to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Ipswich to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Ipswich to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Ipswich to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 (€60) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 20:41. The fastest train covers the 189 miles (305 km) distance in 3h 44m.

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 $42 (€34)
Distance
189 miles (305 km)
Average train duration
3h 24m
Cheapest ticket price
$74 (€60)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 44m
First train
5:07 AM
Last train
8:41 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
4 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 $42 (€34)

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Greater Anglia from Ipswich to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Greater Anglia trains will get you between Ipswich and Cardiff from $42 (€34). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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
3h 44m
Cheapest Price
$74 (€60)
Great Western Railway frequency
6 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

Greater Anglia

About
Greater Anglia is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates a wide range of services, from commuter trains to intercity services. The commuter trains run at regular intervals throughout the day, while the intercity services run at peak times. The train types include the InterCity 125, InterCity 225, Class 90, Class 91, Class 360 and Class 379. The ticket types available are Standard, First Class and Advance. Onboard facilities include Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and refreshment trolleys. The most popular routes for Greater Anglia are London Liverpool Street to Norwich, London Liverpool Street to Cambridge and London Liverpool Street to Ipswich.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
$220 (€177)
Greater Anglia frequency
16 a day
Luggage included
Two items of luggage per person included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar service on intercity routes with hot and cold drinks, snacks. No service on local routes.
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for a fee. Free for First Class 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 require a ticket (£6 flat fee). Guide dogs travel free.
Quiet zone

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

Major national museum with art, natural history, and geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum showing Welsh life through historic buildings moved from across Wales. One of the country’s most loved cultural attractions.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Compact city museum covering Cardiff’s growth from market town to capital, with local stories, objects, and interactive displays.

Pound sterling

Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chain cafes are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.

Average meal costs

Budget
GBP 8-15 for fast food, cafes, or takeaway.
Mid-range
GBP 18-35 per person at a casual restaurant.
Fine dining
GBP 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
GBP 3-4.50 for a cappuccino or latte.

Tipping culture

Service charge is not always included. Tip 10-12.5% in restaurants for good service. Round up in taxis. Tipping in pubs and cafes is optional.

FAQs: Trains from Ipswich to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Ipswich 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 Ipswich to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $74 (€60), while the average price is around $157 (€126).
The train from Ipswich to Cardiff takes 3h 44m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Ipswich to Cardiff leaves at 5:07 AM.
The distance by train from Ipswich to Cardiff is 189 miles (305 km).
The last train from Ipswich to Cardiff leaves at 8:41 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Ipswich to Cardiff.
There is no direct train service currently available from Ipswich to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Ipswich to Cardiff.
The train station in Ipswich that goes to Cardiff is Ipswich station (IPS), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Ipswich to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $42 (€34).
The train journey from Ipswich to Cardiff offers a mix of scenic views, including stretches of the English countryside, rolling hills, and glimpses of coastal landscapes, particularly as you approach South Wales.
A day trip from Ipswich to Cardiff is not feasible, as the journey takes 3h 44m. However, there are 5 train trips available per day.
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 Ipswich to Cardiff.
Since neither Ipswich 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 train as it is the most popular way to get from Ipswich 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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Ipswich to Cardiff

Ipswich
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Ipswich is Ipswich. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Ipswich for your trip from Ipswich to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:00 - 21:20 Saturday 05:00 - 21:20 Sunday 07:20 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent Passport Photo Booth
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Premium Bay
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • 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: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Accessible toilets: Yes
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: Yes
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
WC
WC
  • Toilets Location: Toilets including accessible (radar key) toilets are located alongside platform 2
  • National key toilets: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities: Yes
  • Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets,Male toilets
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: Yes
  • Storage location: Close to platform 1
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Ipswich
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at bus stop on station forecourt.
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
information
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Staff help available: Yes
  • Step free access coverage: Yes
  • Accessible taxis: Details of nearest taxis are shown on station information poster
  • Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
  • Ramp for train access: Yes
  • Wheelchairs available: No
  • Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: Platforms 1 and 2
  • Storage CCTV: No
Public transit options for Derby Road
  • Location for Rail Replacement Services: Replacement transport stop at bus stop on Derby Road, near the Station Hotel

More options for your journey from Ipswich to Cardiff

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

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