- 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
$99
Average price
$204
Fastest journey
4 h 23 m
Average duration
4 h 32 m
Trains per day
11
Distance
310 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from York to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from York to Cardiff will cost around $204 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
It's difficult to get from York to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
W29925+
C16990+
G38921
G01180+
C16995+
G38925
W29868 · G01107
G01180 · W29866+
G39610
G01184 · W29877+
G39619
G01180 · W29866+
G39610
G01184 · W29877+
G39619
W29925 · G01138+
G39601
G01176 · W29851+
G39594
W29868 · G01107Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from York to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 39m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $44.
Distance: 192 miles (310 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$91 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $85 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 9m Average total duration Fastest 4h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 39m Average total duration 7h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg 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 York to Cardiff:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Cardiff costing on average $91 (€74).
Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 9m.
Tickets start at around $91 (€74) compared to roughly $85 (€69) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.86 (€-4.72). The journey takes 4h 39m versus 4h 33m 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 York to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, June 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G01176 · W29851+ G39594 | 6:24 AM York station (YRK) | 4h35 | 10:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G01135 · G01098 | 6:42 AM York station (YRK) | 4h43 | 11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29925 · G01138+ G39601 | 7:25 AM York station (YRK) | 4h34 | 11:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W29925+ G38921+ C16990 | 7:25 AM York station (YRK) | 5h50 | 1:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G01140 · G01101 | 7:43 AM York station (YRK) | 4h43 | 12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29862 · G01102 | 8:41 AM York station (YRK) | 4h44 | 1:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01180 · W29866+ G39610 | 9:36 AM York station (YRK) | 4h23 | 1:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G01180+ G38925+ C16995 | 9:36 AM York station (YRK) | 5h42 | 3:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W29868 · G01107 | 9:42 AM York station (YRK) | 4h43 | 2:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W29873 · G01109 | 10:42 AM York station (YRK) | 4h43 | 3:25 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
G01184 · W29877+ G39619 | 11:36 AM York station (YRK) | 4h23 | 3:59 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 York to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€36) but you can travel from only $28 (€22) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 02:35, the last at 21:35. The fastest train covers the 192 miles (310 km) distance in 4h 24m.
Distance 192 miles (310 km) |
Average train duration 4h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€36) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 24m |
First train 2:35 AM |
Last train 9:35 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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 York 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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