- Must visit
National Museum Cardiff
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Cheapest price
$107
Average price
$139
Fastest journey
4 h 26 m
Average duration
4 h 38 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
164 km
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 $139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $107.
It's difficult to get from Portsmouth to Cardiff without transferring at least 2 times.
G15005 · G15218 · W35417
G15007 · GW579600+
G38874
G15005 · GW579800+
G39604
L79928+
C03041 · W35065+
G01101
G15007 · GW579600+
G38874
L79928+
C03041 · W35065+
G01101
G15005 · GW579800+
G39604
G15005 · G15218 · W35417Omio 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)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$95 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Portsmouth to Cardiff:
A bus is $54 (€43) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portsmouth to Cardiff costing on average $95 (€77).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 58m.
Tickets start at around $95 (€77) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-45.77 (€-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.
The table below shows live departures for Portsmouth to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L79928+ C03041 · W35065+ G01101 | 8:00 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h26 | 12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
G15005 · G15218 · W35417 | 8:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 5h09 | 1:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15005 · GW579800+ G39604 | 8:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h32 | 12:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G15007 · GW579600+ G38874 | 9:27 AM Portsmouth & Southsea (PMS) | 4h26 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.
Major national museum with art, natural history, and archaeology collections. A top cultural stop in the city centre.
Open-air museum showing Welsh historic buildings, crafts, and daily life. One of Wales's most celebrated cultural attractions.
Local history museum covering Cardiff's growth from small town to capital city, with interactive displays and social history exhibits.
Waterfront district with modern public spaces, harbourside walks, major landmarks, and a lively atmosphere.
Large riverside park beside the castle, ideal for walking, cycling, and relaxing near the city centre.
Network of elegant Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades, famous for architecture and independent businesses.
Traditional Welsh soup or stew, usually made with lamb or beef, leeks, potatoes, and root vegetables. It is one of Wales’s best-known comfort dishes.
Toasted bread topped with a rich savoury cheese sauce, often flavoured with mustard or ale. A classic Welsh dish strongly associated with Cardiff pubs and cafes.
A traditional Welsh vegetarian sausage made with cheese, leeks, and breadcrumbs. It is a distinctive meat-free regional speciality.
Popular steakhouse focused on wood-fired cooking, quality Welsh beef, and a lively upscale atmosphere close to the city centre.
Well-known restaurant at HMP Cardiff offering refined dining with a social mission, using seasonal ingredients in a calm, professional setting.
Charming tea room near Bute Park, loved for Welsh cakes, afternoon tea, and homemade bakes in a relaxed heritage atmosphere.
Moderate by UK standards. Dining and transport are manageable, while central hotels and nightlife cost more on busy weekends.
About 10-12.5% in restaurants if service is not included. Round up taxis. Not expected in pubs or cafés, but small change is appreciated.
Official public transport app
Cardiff Central, Cardiff -> Cardiff City Centre, 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.

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