- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Porthcawl to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Jul 19
Cheapest price
$14
Average price
$14
Fastest journey
29 m
Average duration
29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
36 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Porthcawl to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Porthcawl to Cardiff will cost around $14 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $14.
Fast trains
Of the 1 trains that leave Porthcawl for Cardiff on Sun, Jul 19, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 29 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 29 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.
9:57 AM0h29Porthcawl10:26 AMCardiff$141One-way0 transfers
- 9:57 AM0h29Porthcawl10:26 AMCardiff$141One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train for Porthcawl to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Porthcawl to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $14.
Distance: 22 miles (36 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|
$14 Average price Cheapest | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 5m Average total duration Fastest 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Porthcawl to Cardiff is a train with an average price of $14 (€11).
The fastest way to travel from Porthcawl to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 35m.
Yes, you can take a train between Porthcawl and Cardiff.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Porthcawl 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 5m sooner (35m by train vs 40m by car). Tickets start at around $14 (€11) compared to roughly $10 (€8) 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.
Direct services run with Transport for Wales.
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.
Compare prices and tickets Porthcawl to Cardiff by train
Compare 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.
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Jul 19
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Why should you book Porthcawl to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Transport for Wales operates all trains services from Porthcawl to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Porthcawl to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Porthcawl to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Porthcawl to Cardiff run on average 4 times per day, taking around 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $14 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:22, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 22 miles (36 km) distance in 29m.
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
Distance 22 miles (36 km) |
Average train duration 35m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€11) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 29m |
First train 5:22 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Porthcawl to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Porthcawl and Cardiff from $14 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
29m
Cheapest Price
$14 (€11)
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
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
St Fagans National Museum of History
Open-air history museum with rescued Welsh buildings, crafts, and exhibitions that bring everyday life from different eras vividly to life.
- Recommended
Museum of Cardiff
Compact city-centre museum telling Cardiff’s story through local archaeology, industry, and community displays inside the Old Library.
- Must visit
Cardiff Bay
Revitalised waterfront district with basin views, modern landmarks, trails, and easy access to culture, public art, and waterside walks.
- Must visit
Bute Park
Large central park behind the castle, ideal for riverside walks, arboretum views, sculptures, and quick escapes from the busy centre.
- Recommended
Royal Arcade
Victorian shopping arcade packed with independent boutiques and period detail, representing Cardiff’s famous arcade culture at its best.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Laverbread
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.
- Gluten-free
Welsh Cockles
Cockles gathered from the Welsh coast, commonly eaten with laverbread. They are a long-standing local delicacy linked to South Wales seaside food culture.
- Gluten-free
Cawl
A traditional Welsh broth made with lamb or beef, root vegetables, and leeks. It is hearty, homely, and closely associated with Welsh family cooking.
Heaneys
Refined modern British dining with tasting menus in an elegant city-centre setting. It is one of Cardiff’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants.
Asador 44
A stylish venue known for seasonal Welsh ingredients, creative small plates, and a relaxed but polished atmosphere near the city centre.
Cardiff Market
Historic indoor market ideal for casual local food, Welsh cakes, fresh produce, and traditional snacks. It offers a lively everyday taste of Cardiff.
British pound sterling (£)
Moderate for the UK. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transit and casual meals are manageable for most visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- £8-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- £18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- £60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- £3-4.50 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Transport for Wales
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- £2.00
- Day pass
- £4.70
To the city center
Cardiff Central -> St Mary Street, Cardiff
- Distance
- 900 m
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Cardiff Bus accepts contactless card and mobile payments on buses. Exact fare is not needed if you pay contactless.
- For rail travel around Cardiff, use the official Transport for Wales app for tickets and live times.
FAQs: Trains from Porthcawl to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Porthcawl 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.
Train ticket prices from Porthcawl to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $14 (€11), while the average price is around $14 (€11).
The train from Porthcawl to Cardiff takes 29m and runs 4 per day.
The distance by train from Porthcawl to Cardiff is 22 miles (36 km).
The first train from Porthcawl to Cardiff leaves at 5:22 AM.
The last train from Porthcawl to Cardiff leaves at 11:57 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Porthcawl to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from Porthcawl to Cardiff. This service operates 4 times per day, provided by Transport for Wales.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Porthcawl to Cardiff.
The train station in Porthcawl that goes to Cardiff is Pyle station (PYL), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Porthcawl to Cardiff is by train, with a cost of around $14 (€11).
The journey from Porthcawl to Cardiff is not particularly scenic as it primarily passes through urban and suburban areas, lacking dramatic landscapes or notable natural features.
Yes, a day trip from Porthcawl to Cardiff is feasible with a travel time of 29m and a distance of 22 miles (36 km). Trains run 4 times 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 Porthcawl to Cardiff.
Since neither Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl 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.
More options for your journey from Porthcawl to Cardiff
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Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Porthcawl
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