The cheapest and fastest trains from Liverpool to Cardiff
Cheapest price
$68
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
3 h 29 m
Average duration
3 h 38 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $68.
Of the 5 trains that leave Liverpool for Cardiff on Fri, Jan 16, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jan 16 the direct trains cover the 215 km distance in an average of 3 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 29 m .
On Fri, Jan 16 the slowest trains will take 3 h 46 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.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Liverpool to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €19, and a train costs an average of €41.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€77 Average price | €34 Average price Cheapest |
4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 22m Average total duration 6h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Liverpool to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Friday, January 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:17 AM Liverpool | 3h59 | 10:16 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:06 AM Liverpool | 3h32 | 10:38 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:08 AM Liverpool | 3h29 | 10:37 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:12 AM Liverpool | 3h40 | 12:52 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:47 AM Liverpool | 5h30 | 4:17 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Liverpool 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.
Jan 16
Jan 17
Jan 18
Jan 19
Jan 21
Jan 22
Jan 23
Jan 25
Jan 26
Jan 27
Jan 29
Jan 30
Feb 01
Feb 04
Why should you book Liverpool to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast offer trains services from Liverpool to Cardiff. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Transport for Wales, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool 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 Transport for Wales with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Multiple travel company options: While Transport for Wales tickets can be bought on Transport for Wales's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains and Avanti West Coast to help you choose the right option for your journey from Liverpool to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Liverpool to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Liverpool to Cardiff
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Liverpool to Cardiff start from as low as $51 (€41) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $95 (€77) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
- On average there are 7 daily trains from Liverpool to Cardiff with 0 direct service.
- The fastest trains can take as little as 3h 29m but the average duration is 3h 39m
Train Operators
- Travel from Liverpool to Cardiff with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, and West Midlands Trains
- The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Transport for Wales.
Stations & Schedule
- Most trains depart from Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) and arrive in Cardiff Central (CDF)
- First train typically departs at 03:18 AM and the last at 11:34 PM
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average train duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 (€41) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 03:18 |
Last train 23:34 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Liverpool to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Liverpool and Cardiff from $24 (€19). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
FAQs: Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Liverpool to Cardiff
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38
- Sun: 07:15 - 23:05
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
- The Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00.
- Type of shops available: Various retail establishments including Photo Booths to purchase items whilst in the station
- Car Park: Short stay car park located on Skelhorne Street & Long Stay Car Park located on Lord Nelson Street
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- Upper Crust
- Starbucks
- JD Wetherspoon
- Taxi: The station taxi rank is located at Skelhorne Street side of the station. There are two customer help points located for passengers requiring assistance.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis at Liverpool Lime Street station can be provided at the taxi rank. If you require a private accessible taxi please locate a member of the station staff and they will provide you with a local taxi firm company number.
- Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
- Toilets Location: Male and Female toilets located on the station concourse by Lord Nelson street entrance
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key (RADAR) toilet is located next to the Male and Female toilets by the Lord Nelson Street entrance. If you do not have a key please locate a member of staff and they will provide you with one.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Pembroke Studios
- Riley’s Rooms
- Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center
- Waiting rooms location: Located on main concourse
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38
- Sun: 07:15 - 23:05
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Alongside station entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located in the main concourse.
- Suburban train lines: Wirral Line (green)
- Bus lines: 9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
- Train lines: Northern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.
- Type of shops available: News agent
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: N/A
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: James Street Station, James Street, Liverpool
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:25 - 00:16 Sunday 07:45 - 00:16 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
- Type of shops available: Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Convenience store Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no 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: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Station Concourse. The National key toilets are located next to the public toilets on the Station Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Next to Mail entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: 32 Great Charlotte Street, Liverpool 1
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- 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
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- 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
- 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)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machines are near the main entrance and take cash and major debit and credit cards.
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
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