Swansea to Cardiff train with Great Western Railway

Mon, Jul 27
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Transport for Wales
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Transport for Wales
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
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
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Swansea to Cardiff

Showing times and prices for Jul 27

Cheapest price

$8

Average price

$13

Fastest journey

51 m

Average duration

52 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

55 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Swansea to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Swansea to Cardiff will cost around $13 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.

Fast trains

Of the 19 trains that leave Swansea for Cardiff on Mon, Jul 27, 19 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Jul 27 the direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 51 m .

On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest trains will take 52 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.

  • Transport for WalesG39205
    1:27 PM1h11
    Swansea station (SWA)
    2:38 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG39193
    11:27 AM1h11
    Swansea station (SWA)
    12:38 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Transport for WalesG38955
    12:54 PM0h56
    Swansea station (SWA)
    1:50 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $81One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayW35188
    1:22 PM0h52
    Swansea station (SWA)
    2:14 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $121One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western RailwayG15046
    11:22 AM0h55
    Swansea station (SWA)
    12:17 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $121One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Swansea to Cardiff

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Swansea to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 57m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $4.

Distance: 34 miles (55 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$12

Average price

$6

Average price

Cheapest

$13

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 49m

Average total duration

1h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 23m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Swansea to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $6 (€6).

This is compared to other travel options from Swansea to Cardiff:

A bus is $6 (€6) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Swansea to Cardiff costing on average $12 (€12).

The fastest way to travel from Swansea to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 57m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 1h 19m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Swansea and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Swansea to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. On this route, it beats driving on both time and money.

The journey is about 26m faster (57m by train vs 1h 23m by car) and roughly $0.27 (€0.27) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($12 (€12) vs $13 (€13)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.

Direct services run with Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.

Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Swansea to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Swansea to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Monday, July 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western RailwayW351676:26 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
7:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG391586:31 AM Swansea station (SWA)
1h08
7:39 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG150417:18 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
8:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG391657:23 AM Swansea station (SWA)
1h09
8:32 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG382847:52 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h55
8:47 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW354328:23 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
9:16 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG391748:28 AM Swansea station (SWA)
1h10
9:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG389508:54 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h56
9:50 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW351789:22 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
10:15 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG391809:27 AM Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
10:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG1504510:22 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h53
11:15 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG1504611:22 AM Swansea station (SWA)
0h55
12:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG3919311:27 AM Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
12:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW3543412:22 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
1:14 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG3895512:54 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0h56
1:50 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayW351881:22 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
2:14 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG392051:27 PM Swansea station (SWA)
1h11
2:38 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Transport for WalesG382941:52 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0h51
2:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect
Great Western RailwayG150492:22 PM Swansea station (SWA)
0h52
3:14 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Swansea 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.

Mon
Jul 27
Tue
Jul 28
Wed
Jul 29
Thu
Jul 30
Fri
Jul 31
Sat
Aug 01
Sun
Aug 02

Why should you book Swansea to Cardiff trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Swansea to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Swansea 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 Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Swansea 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 Swansea to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Swansea to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Swansea to Cardiff.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Swansea to Cardiff?

The best time to book your train from Swansea to Cardiff is 7 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Swansea to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Swansea to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Swansea to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Swansea to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Swansea to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 57m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $4 (€4) if you book in advance.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 34 miles (55 km) distance in 51m.

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
34 miles (55 km)
Average train duration
57m
Cheapest ticket price
$4 (€4)
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
51m
First train
12:01 AM
Last train
11:58 PM
Cheapest Month
Nov
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Tue
Best time to book
21 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

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Swansea to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Swansea and Cardiff from $4 (€4). 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
54m
Cheapest Price
$4 (€4)
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

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
51m
Cheapest Price
$5 (€5)
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
52m
Cheapest Price
$40 (€40)
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
11 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

National Museum Cardiff

Wales’s national art and natural history museum, with Impressionist paintings, geology, and major collections in an elegant civic building.

  • 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.

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.

FAQs: Trains from Swansea to Cardiff

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Swansea 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Swansea to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $4 (€4), while the average price is around $12 (€12).
The train from Swansea to Cardiff takes 51m and runs 8 per day.
The first train from Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 12:01 AM.
The distance by train from Swansea to Cardiff is 34 miles (55 km).
The last train from Swansea to Cardiff leaves at 11:58 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Swansea to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from Swansea to Cardiff. This service operates 8 times per day, provided by Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, Great Western Railway (GWR), Transport for Wales.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Swansea to Cardiff.
The train station in Swansea that goes to Cardiff is Swansea station (SWA), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from Swansea to Cardiff is by train, with a cost of around $4 (€4).
The train journey from Swansea to Cardiff offers scenic views of the South Wales coastline and lush countryside, providing a pleasant visual experience for travelers.
Yes, a day trip from Swansea to Cardiff is feasible. The journey takes 51m and covers 34 miles (55 km), with trains running 8 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 Swansea to Cardiff.
Since neither Swansea 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 Bristol, Bath, Newport, Gloucester, Bridgend.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Swansea 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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Swansea to Cardiff

Most Swansea to Cardiff trains use the Swansea to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cathays. Use this guide to compare Swansea and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Swansea
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which Swansea station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from Swansea to Cardiff leave from Swansea. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Swansea city centre at Swansea station, High Street, Swansea, City & County of Swansea, SA1 1NU.
SwanseaSwansea station, High Street, Swansea, City & County of Swansea, SA1 1NU+44 8450507080ShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Swansea from Swansea city centre

Bus49, 30, 54 · 3m · $4 · every ~3 min

Swansea train station facilities and services

Swansea has practical services for this route, including Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Swansea.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

ATMs are available at Swansea.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Swansea.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Swansea: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Swansea: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Swansea: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A. Step free access to all platforms, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible public telephones: on concourse, Accessible ticket machines: There are 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: No.

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.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone