- 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.
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
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.
It's difficult to get from Ipswich to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.
W34624+
P01248+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
C38283+
W34618+
P01228
P01239+
C37213+
W35417
C37249+
W35071+
G01109+
P01252
P01244+
C37226+
W35069+
G01107
P01239+
C37213+
W35417
C38283+
W34618+
P01228
W34624+
P01248+
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington
C37249+
W35071+
G01109+
P01252
P01244+
C37226+
W35069+
G01107Omio 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)
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 |
![]() 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 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).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 26m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C01228+ P01225+ C37219 | Delayed 8:31 AM 7:35 AMIpswich station (IPS) | 4h40 | 12:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C01226+ P67202+ C37138 | Delayed 10:20 AM 9:11 AMIpswich station (IPS) | 4h46 | 1:57 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C50047+ P67206+ C37073 | Delayed 11:20 AM 10:11 AMIpswich station (IPS) | 4h42 | 2:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
C00840+ P67210+ C37091 | Delayed 12:20 PM 11:11 AMIpswich station (IPS) | 4h45 | 3:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
Tube from London Liverpool Street to London Paddington+ C50040+ P67088 | 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 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 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.
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 |
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 geology collections in the city centre. Best known for its impressive Impressionist and Welsh art galleries.
Open-air museum showing Welsh life through historic buildings moved from across Wales. One of the country’s most loved cultural attractions.
Compact city museum covering Cardiff’s growth from market town to capital, with local stories, objects, and interactive displays.
Waterside district with modern landmarks, walking routes, public art, and some of the city’s most shared photo spots.
Large central park behind Cardiff Castle, ideal for riverside walks, picnics, and easy access to historic sites.
Historic Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades that give central Cardiff much of its character. Excellent for walking and architecture lovers.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’ most iconic comfort foods.
A classic Welsh dish of toasted bread topped with a savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. It is a staple pub and cafe dish in Cardiff.
Traditional Welsh vegetarian sausages made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. They are especially associated with South Wales.
Well-known steak restaurant with an open-fire cooking style, stylish interior, and strong reputation for high-quality meat and memorable service.
Established restaurant at HMP Cardiff, known for refined dining prepared and served by trainees in a unique, professional setting.
Highly regarded neighbourhood restaurant in Llandaff serving seasonal small plates, natural wine, and modern cooking in a relaxed contemporary space.
Moderate by UK standards. Pub meals and chain cafes are reasonable, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
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.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, 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.

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