York to Cardiff train with CrossCountry

Wed, Sep 02
+ Add return
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from York to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 02

Cheapest price on Sep 02

$85

Average ticket price on Sep 02

$210

Fastest journey on Sep 02

4 h 15 m

Average journey duration on Sep 02

4 h 29 m

Trains on Sep 02

6

Distance

310 km

Cheap tickets

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 $210 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from York to Cardiff without transferring at least once.

  • CrossCountryG01140 · G01101
    7:43 AM4h43
    York station (YRK)
    12:26 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    1 transfer
  • CrossCountryG01135 · G01098
    6:42 AM4h43
    York station (YRK)
    11:25 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $851One-way
    1 transfer
  • CrossCountryW29925 · G01138+Great Western RailwayG14938
    7:25 AM4h15
    York station (YRK)
    11:40 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $2731One-way
    2 transfers
  • CrossCountryG01140+Great Western RailwayW34617
    7:43 AM4h27
    York station (YRK)
    12:10 PMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $2731One-way
    1 transfer
  • CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayG14937
    6:42 AM4h27
    York station (YRK)
    11:09 AMCardiff Central (CDF)
    $2731One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for York to Cardiff

Omio 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 an average ticket price of $60 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 5h 1m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, while a train costs an average of $156.

Distance: 192 miles (310 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$156

Average price

$60

Average price

Cheapest

$86

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

5h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 17m

Average total duration

8h 47m

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

CrossCountry

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 York to Cardiff is a bus with an average price of $60.

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

A bus is $95 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from York to Cardiff costing on average $156.

The fastest way to travel from York to Cardiff is by train with an average journey time of 4h 31m.

Other travel options to Cardiff take longer:

Bus takes on average 8h 47m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between York and Cardiff including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from York to Cardiff among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 2m sooner (4h 31m by train vs 4h 33m by car). Tickets start at around $156 compared to roughly $86 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with Cross Country.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

York to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for York to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryG01176 · W29851+Transport for WalesG395946:24 AM York station (YRK)
4h35
10:59 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
CrossCountryG01135 · G010986:42 AM York station (YRK)
4h43
11:25 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01135+Great Western RailwayG149376:42 AM York station (YRK)
4h27
11:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
CrossCountryW29925 · G01138+Great Western RailwayG149387:25 AM York station (YRK)
4h15
11:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)2 transfers
CrossCountryG01140 · G011017:43 AM York station (YRK)
4h43
12:26 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer
CrossCountryG01140+Great Western RailwayW346177:43 AM York station (YRK)
4h27
12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets York 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.

Wed
Sep 02
Thu
Sep 03
Fri
Sep 04
Sat
Sep 05
Sun
Sep 06
Mon
Sep 07
Tue
Sep 08

Why should you book York to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as Transport for Wales or Cross Country offer trains services from York to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from York to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from York 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 CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from York 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 or Cross Country to find the best option for your trip from York to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from York to Cardiff.

Journey information

Overview: Train from York to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from York to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $60 but you can travel from only $27 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 3h 39m.

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 $27
Distance
192 miles (310 km)
Average train duration
4h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
$60
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 39m
First train
2:35 AM
Last train
9:35 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Sat
Best time to book
6 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 $27

Train companies: CrossCountry, Transport for Wales from York to Cardiff trainsCrossCountry, Transport for Wales trains will get you between York and Cardiff from $27. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 39m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
$60
CrossCountry frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
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 Transport for Wales Duration
3h 58m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
$67
Transport for Wales frequency
3 a day
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

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 York to 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from York to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $60, while the average price is around $156.
The train from York to Cardiff takes 3h 39m and runs 7 per day.
The first train from York to Cardiff leaves at 2:35 AM.
The distance by train from York to Cardiff is 192 miles (310 km).
The last train from York to Cardiff leaves at 9:35 PM.
There is no high speed train available from York to Cardiff.
Yes, there is a direct train from York to Cardiff. This service operates 0 times per day, provided by Cross Country.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from York to Cardiff.
The train station in York that goes to Cardiff is York station (YRK), which connects to Cardiff Central (CDF).
The cheapest way to get from York to Cardiff is by bus, with a cost of around $27.
The train journey from York to Cardiff offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through parts of the Yorkshire Dales and the Severn Estuary, providing passengers with picturesque landscapes of rolling hills and coastal vistas.
A day trip from York to Cardiff is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 39m, covering a distance of 192 miles (310 km). Trains run 7 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 York to Cardiff.
Since neither York 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 York 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 York to Cardiff

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

Departure train stations in York
Arrival train stations in Cardiff

Which York station do trains to Cardiff leave from?

Trains from York to Cardiff leave from York. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from York city centre at York station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB.
YorkYork station, Station Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO24 1AB+44 800 200 6060WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike Parking
City-centre transport

Getting to York from York city centre

BusY12, Y14, 15, X15 · 4m · $4 · every ~4 min
37 · 7m
Cs · 28m · $5 · every ~5 min

York train station facilities and services

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

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at York.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at York. ATMs are available at York.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at York.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at York: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at York: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at York: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, Accessible taxis: No advance booking is required but it will reduce the waiting time for a wheelchair access Taxi, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible machines are available on the main concourse, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

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