- Must visit
Showtown Blackpool
Award-winning attraction charting Blackpool’s entertainment history through costumes, sets, and stories from dance, circus, and seaside shows.
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$87
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$121
Fastest journey on Sep 08
4 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
4 h 44 m
Trains on Sep 08
2
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Blackpool is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Blackpool will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $87.
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 2 trains from Cardiff to Blackpool, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 4 h 44 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 30 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 57 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 Cardiff to Blackpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $56 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 41m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, while a train costs an average of $126.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$126 Average price | $56 Average price Cheapest | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 41m Average total duration Fastest 4h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 9m Average total duration 7h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Cardiff to Blackpool:
A bus is $70 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Blackpool costing on average $126.
Other travel options to Blackpool take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 39m.
You'll arrive about 57m sooner (4h 11m by train vs 5h 8m by car). Tickets start at around $126 compared to roughly $76 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.
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.
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Blackpool trains for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:45 PM Cardiff | 4h41 | 6:26 PM Blackpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 8 | |||||
![]() | 5:54 AM Cardiff | 4h30 | 10:24 AM Blackpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:53 AM Cardiff | 4h57 | 2:50 PM Blackpool | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Cardiff to Blackpool run on average 18 times per day, taking around 4h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $67 but you can travel from only $28 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 20:10. The fastest train covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 3h 37m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average train duration 4h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $67 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 3h 37m |
First train 4:00 AM |
Last train 8:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of Blackpool — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Blackpool trip today.
Award-winning attraction charting Blackpool’s entertainment history through costumes, sets, and stories from dance, circus, and seaside shows.
Hands-on heritage museum preserving traditional paper theatre craft with workshops, miniature stages, and specialist displays for all ages.
Contemporary art gallery in a Victorian Carnegie building, known for changing exhibitions and a strong programme of modern visual culture.
Famous seafront walk lined with illuminations, beaches, piers, and tram stops; the essential route for classic Blackpool views and atmosphere.
Popular beach area around the tower and piers, ideal for classic seaside scenes, sands, and quick access to central attractions.
Large historic park with boating lake, gardens, sports facilities, and broad paths, offering a calmer side of Blackpool beyond the seafront.
Fresh fish in crisp batter with chips, a classic Lancashire seaside staple and one of Blackpool's most iconic promenade meals.
Blackpool's famous fried potato slices, traditionally sold from promenade stalls and eaten hot with salt and vinegar.
A flaky pastry filled with minced beef and onion, long linked to Lancashire working-class food and northern seaside lunches.
Well-known traditional fish and chip shop serving classic seaside favourites in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Established Italian restaurant with polished service, hearty pasta and seafood dishes, and a more refined dining feel.
Popular seafront restaurant known for fish, seafood, and steaks in a smart but relaxed setting near North Pier.
Blackpool is usually cheaper than major UK tourist cities, with lower hotel, dining, and local transport costs, especially outside peak summer weekends.
Service is often included or optional. If not, 10-12.5% in restaurants is common for good service. Round up taxi fares; cafe tipping is optional.
Official public transport app
Blackpool North -> Blackpool Tower
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Blackpool 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 Blackpool, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cardiff to Blackpool trains use the Cardiff Central to Blackpool North station pair, with some services arriving at Blackpool South. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Blackpool train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Ticket office support is available at Cathays. 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 Cathays: Parking.
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: No, Step free access note: Category B3. While both platforms are step-free, there is no facility for wheelchair users, mobility scooter users or persons with reduced mobility to cross between Platform 1 and 2 due to a steep footbridge. Customers who have travelled from the Valleys and wish to access the University or the Civic Centre are advised to travel to Queen Street station, change onto a North-bound service and alight at Cathays on the return service, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) take cash, and major debit and credit cards. The machine on the Cardiff-bound platform is only available during staffing hours. The machine on the Pontypridd-bound platform is available all the time, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
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.
Blackpool North has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Blackpool North.
Ticket office support is available at Blackpool North.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Blackpool North: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Blackpool North: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Blackpool North: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, Scooter Friendly Station - Access to station front down 30 metre ramp from Talbot Road, 10 metre ramp or 9 steps from Springfield Road or 16 steps from High Street. Level access from station front onto concourse then through wide doors onto all platforms. There is a dropped kerb access to the station entrance from the Blue Badge car parking spaces, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accepts Cash & Cards Located Just inside concourse on right hand side, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Wheelchairs available open hours: As per ticket office opening hours, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Blackpool South is 2 km from Blackpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Blackpool South has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Blackpool South.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Blackpool South: Parking.
Available at Blackpool South: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Blackpool South: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A Station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station Access from Waterloo Road down 40 metre ramp with handrail or 25 steps with rest platform and handrail. A short ramp also gives access from car park, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
Layton is 2 km from Blackpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Layton has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, and Lost and Found Office.
Food and drink options are available at Layton.
Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Layton: Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Layton: Staff help available: No, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category B station, please note there are no tactile pavings at this station - Step free access via short ramps onto both platforms from Bispham Road. From car park up a 5 metre ramp and through gateway onto platform. Access between platforms is from Preston platform up 24 steps with rest platform and handrail over walkway and down 22 steps with rest platform and handrail, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: The highest operating part of the telephone is 1140 mm above floor level, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.
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