- 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.
.png){kind=small}
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for Jul 18
Cheapest price
$70
Average price
$102
Fastest journey
3 h 18 m
Average duration
3 h 24 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
164 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portsmouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Portsmouth to Cardiff will cost around $102 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $70.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Portsmouth for Cardiff on Sat, Jul 18, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 18 the direct trains cover the 164 km distance in an average of 3 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 18 m .
On Sat, Jul 18 the slowest trains will take 3 h 37 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.
10:55 AM3h55Portsmouth2:50 PMCardiff$701One-way0 transfers- 10:27 AM3h20Portsmouth1:47 PMCardiff$771One-way0 transfers
- 8:27 AM3h23Portsmouth11:50 AMCardiff$941One-way0 transfers
- 5:27 PM3h18Portsmouth8:45 PMCardiff$961One-way0 transfers
- 9:27 AM3h23Portsmouth12:50 PMCardiff$1051One-way0 transfers
- 5:27 PM3h18Portsmouth8:45 PMCardiff$961One-way0 transfers
- 10:27 AM3h20Portsmouth1:47 PMCardiff$771One-way0 transfers
- 9:27 AM3h23Portsmouth12:50 PMCardiff$1051One-way0 transfers
- 8:27 AM3h23Portsmouth11:50 AMCardiff$941One-way0 transfers
- 9:00 AM3h37Portsmouth12:37 PMCardiff$1731One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Portsmouth to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portsmouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 21m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $42.
Distance: 101 miles (164 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 51m Average total duration Fastest 3h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Portsmouth to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $41 (€34).
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Cardiff:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Cardiff costing on average $94 (€77).
The fastest way to travel from Portsmouth to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 3h 21m.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Portsmouth and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $94 (€77) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-45.11 (€-37.02). The journey takes 3h 21m versus 2h 52m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Portsmouth to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cardiff trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:28 PM Portsmouth | 3h22 | 11:50 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
| 8:27 AM Portsmouth | 3h23 | 11:50 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:00 AM Portsmouth | 3h37 | 12:37 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:27 AM Portsmouth | 3h23 | 12:50 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:27 AM Portsmouth | 3h20 | 1:47 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:55 AM Portsmouth | 3h55 | 2:50 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Portsmouth 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.
Sat
Jul 18
Jul 18
Sun
Jul 19
Jul 19
Mon
Jul 20
Jul 20
Tue
Jul 21
Jul 21
Wed
Jul 22
Jul 22
Thu
Jul 23
Jul 23
Fri
Jul 24
Jul 24
Why should you book Portsmouth to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Portsmouth 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portsmouth to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Portsmouth to Cardiff run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $18 (€14) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:25, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 101 miles (164 km) distance in 3h 17m.
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 $18 (€14)
Distance 101 miles (164 km) |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 3h 17m |
First train 4:25 AM |
Last train 9:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 $18 (€14)
Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Portsmouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Portsmouth and Cardiff from $18 (€14). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 17m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 16m
Cheapest Price
$134 (€110)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
12 a day
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 Portsmouth to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $42 (€34), while the average price is around $94 (€77).
The train from Portsmouth to Cardiff takes 3h 17m and runs 6 per day.
The first train from Portsmouth to Cardiff leaves at 4:25 AM.
The distance by train from Portsmouth to Cardiff is 101 miles (164 km).
The last train from Portsmouth to Cardiff leaves at 9:20 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from Portsmouth to Cardiff. This service operates 3 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Portsmouth to Cardiff.
The train station in Portsmouth that goes to Cardiff is Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $18 (€14).
The train journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff offers varied scenery, including views of the South Downs, picturesque countryside, and glimpses of the Severn Estuary, making it a pleasant and scenic experience.
A day trip from Portsmouth to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 17m. Trains run 5 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 Portsmouth to Cardiff.
Since neither Portsmouth 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 Portsmouth 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.
Most popular train connections from Portsmouth
More options for your journey from Portsmouth to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Portsmouth
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
