- 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 on Aug 30
$83
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$132
Fastest journey on Aug 30
3 h 38 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
3 h 48 m
Trains on Aug 30
18
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 $132 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
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G00530Omio 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 an average ticket price of $29 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 57m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, while a train costs an average of $65.
Distance: 133 miles (215 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$65 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 57m Average total duration Fastest 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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 Liverpool to Cardiff:
A bus is $36 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Liverpool to Cardiff costing on average $65.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 59m.
You'll arrive about 25m sooner (3h 27m by train vs 3h 52m by car). Tickets start at around $65 compared to roughly $61 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 Liverpool to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
C16926+ G38872 | On time 9:12 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 12:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38922+ W33755 | Delayed 9:38 AM 9:43 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38875+ C16930 | Delayed 10:10 AM 10:12 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 1:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16933+ W29870+ W34625 | On time 10:33 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W29870+ W34625+ W33757 · W33599 | Delayed 11:00 AM 10:43 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G38876+ C16935 | Delayed 11:10 AM 11:12 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38924+ W33430 | 11:43 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 3:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16940+ G38879 | On time 12:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h31 | 3:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16943+ W29881+ W34631 | On time 12:33 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 4:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W29881+ W33688 · W33459+ W34631 | Delayed 1:00 PM 12:43 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 4:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G38881+ C16945 | Delayed 1:10 PM 1:12 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 4:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38926+ W33748 | Delayed 1:43 PM 1:43 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h35 | 5:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16950+ G38883 | On time 2:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h31 | 5:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16953+ W29893+ W35420 | On time 2:33 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W29893+ W35420+ W33433 · W33747 | 2:43 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 6:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
C16955+ G38884 | On time 3:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h34 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38929+ W33429 | Delayed 3:39 PM 3:43 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h38 | 7:21 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16960+ G38887 | On time 4:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 7:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16963+ W29906+ C42180 | On time 4:33 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W29906+ W33714 · W33737+ C42180 | Delayed 5:00 PM 4:43 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 8:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G38888+ C16965 | On time 5:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h44 | 8:56 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38933+ W33580 | On time 5:43 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h39 | 9:22 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G38891+ C16970 | On time 6:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h40 | 9:52 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W44848+ C16974 | Delayed 7:10 PM 7:12 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h53 | 11:05 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W44829+ C16978 | On time 8:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h00 | 12:12 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W33253+ G38894 | 8:34 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h29 | 1:03 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Liverpool to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $37 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:18, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 133 miles (215 km) distance in 3h 27m.
Distance 133 miles (215 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 27m |
First train 3:18 AM |
Last train 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 21 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 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.

Most Liverpool to Cardiff trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Lisvane & Thornhill. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Liverpool Lime Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage storage is 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. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: 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.
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are 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.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: 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” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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: Yes.
Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Lisvane & Thornhill is 7 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Lisvane & Thornhill has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Lisvane & Thornhill.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Parking.
Available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lisvane & Thornhill: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Rhymney) via a ramp with a steep gradient. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) via Clos Llysfaen and a ramp with a shallow gradient. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need