- 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 Sep 02
$7
Average ticket price on Sep 02
$12
Fastest journey on Sep 02
24 m
Average journey duration on Sep 02
25 m
Trains on Sep 02
34
Distance
15 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Risca to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Risca to Cardiff will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $7.
On Wed, Sep 02, we found 34 trains from Risca to Cardiff, including 20 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 02 the direct trains cover the 15 km distance in an average of 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 24 m .
On Wed, Sep 02 the slowest trains will take 25 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.










Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Risca to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $7 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 1h 0m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, while a train costs an average of $8.
Distance: 9 miles (15 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$8 Average price | $7 Average price Cheapest | $6 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 0m Average total duration Fastest 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 51m Average total duration 1h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 30m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Risca to Cardiff:
A bus is $1 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Risca to Cardiff costing on average $8.
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 21m.
Tickets start at around $8 compared to roughly $6 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-2.77. The journey takes 30m versus 30m 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 Risca to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:37 AM Risca & Pontymister | 0h26 | 7:03 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:08 AM Risca & Pontymister | 0h35 | 7:43 AM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:37 AM Risca & Pontymister | 0h26 | 8:03 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:08 AM Risca & Pontymister | 0h42 | 8:50 AM Cardiff | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:37 AM Risca & Pontymister | 0h25 | 9:02 AM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect |
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 Risca to Cardiff run on average 9 times per day, taking around 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $8 but you can travel from only $7 by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:52, the last at 23:47. The fastest train covers the 9 miles (15 km) distance in 28m.
Distance 9 miles (15 km) |
Average train duration 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $8 |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 28m |
First train 4:52 AM |
Last train 11:47 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Risca 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 Risca to Cardiff trains use the Risca & Pontymister to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Risca and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Risca & Pontymister has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Risca & Pontymister.
Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Risca & Pontymister: Parking.
Available at Risca & Pontymister: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Risca & Pontymister: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B. The platforms are accessible. Platform 1 (to Ebbw Vale) is accessible from the car park. Access to Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is via Mill Street, however this involves a long detour. There is no set down and pick up point for Platform 2, 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, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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.
Llandaf is 4 km from Cardiff city centre. Public transport options include:
Llandaf has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Llandaf.
Ticket office support is available at Llandaf. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Llandaf: Parking.
Available at Llandaf: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Llandaf: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a footbridge with lifts. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Pontypridd) from the station car park. Access between the platforms is via a footbridge with lifts, 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: There are two ticket machines. One accepts cash and the other accepts payment by major debit and credit cards only, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
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