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The cheapest and fastest trains from Lancaster to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Nov 06
Cheapest price
$158
Average price
$158
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
289 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lancaster to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Lancaster to Cardiff will cost around $158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $158.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Lancaster for Cardiff on Thu, Nov 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Nov 06 the direct trains cover the 289 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Thu, Nov 06 the slowest trains will take 3 h 50 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.
12:59PM3h50
Lancaster04:49PMCardiff
$1581One-way
0 transfers
12:59PM3h50
Lancaster04:49PMCardiff
$1581One-way
0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Lancaster to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lancaster to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €46. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 47m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €46, and a train costs an average of €84.
Distance: 179 miles (289 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€111 Average price | €64 Average price Cheapest |
4h 17m Average total duration Fastest 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 35m Average total duration 7h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
 Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Lancaster 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.
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Nov 06
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Lancaster to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
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 $56 (€46)
Distance 179 miles (289 km) |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $103 (€84) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 04:12 |
Last train 21:35 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Lancaster to Cardiff start from as low as $103 (€84) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $136 (€111) depending on the train type and class.
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 $56 (€46)
Train companies: Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales from Lancaster to Cardiff trainsAvanti West Coast, Transport for Wales trains will get you between Lancaster and Cardiff from $56 (€46). 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
4h 27m
Cheapest Price
$127 (€104)
Avanti West Coast frequency
3 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
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
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$103 (€84)
Transport for Wales frequency
4 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
FAQs: Trains from Lancaster to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Lancaster 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.
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.
A day trip from Lancaster to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 45m each way. Trains run 5 times per day.
The distance by train from Lancaster to Cardiff is 179 miles (289 km).
The train journey from Lancaster to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural scenery, showcasing rolling hills, picturesque countryside, and glimpses of the Welsh landscape, especially as you approach Cardiff.
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.
The first train from Lancaster to Cardiff leaves at 4:12 AM.
The last train from Lancaster to Cardiff leaves at 9:35 PM.
Train ticket prices from Lancaster to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $103 (€84), while the average price is around $136 (€111).
There is no high speed train available from Lancaster to Cardiff.
The cheapest way to get from Lancaster to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $56 (€46).
There is no direct train service currently available from Lancaster to Cardiff.
Yes, you can take the train from Lancaster to Cardiff.
The train from Lancaster to Cardiff takes 3h 45m and runs 5 per day.
The train station in Lancaster that goes to Cardiff is Lancaster station (LAN), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Lancaster to Cardiff.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Lancaster to Cardiff
Lancaster
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Lancaster is Lancaster. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Lancaster for your trip from Lancaster to Cardiff.
Amenities at train station
Shopping
Parking
Dining
Accessibility
WC
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:15 - 19:45 Saturday 05:15 - 19:45 Sunday 09:30 - 20:00
Distance to city center
2 kmShopping
- Type of shops available: News agent
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Accessibility
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: This station has step-free access to all platforms / the platform Lifts to All Platforms, accessible via taking the right hand entrance to the over bridge from the ticket office.
- 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
- Toilets Location: The National key toilets are located on Platforms 3 and 4; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Yes, located platform 4/5 and platform 3
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Platform 1 (south end)120 Stands Platform 3 (middle) 16 Platform 4 (North End), 12 Stands Platform 5, 40 Stands
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from information point,Yes - from ticket office
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transit options for Lancaster
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Pick Up / Drop Off at the bus stop outside the station rear entrance adjacent to platform 3.
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Lancaster.
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDining
ATM
TaxisAccessibilityWC
HotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transit options for Cardiff Central
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
Most popular train connections from Lancaster
More options for your journey from Lancaster to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Lancaster
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