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4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Plymouth
Cheapest price
$108
Average price
$131
Fastest journey
3 h 6 m
Average duration
3 h 14 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
141 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Plymouth will cost around $131 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $108.
Of the 19 trains that leave Cardiff for Plymouth on Sat, Jun 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jun 20 the direct trains cover the 141 km distance in an average of 3 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 6 m .
On Sat, Jun 20 the slowest trains will take 3 h 17 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.
W35158+
G01129+C422055:14 AM5h01Cardiff Central (CDF)10:15 AMPlymouth station (PLY)$1081One-way2 transfers- W35158+G011325:14 AM5h33Cardiff Central (CDF)10:47 AMPlymouth station (PLY)$1081One-way1 transfer
- Y416855:58 PM3h34Cardiff Central (CDF)9:32 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way0 transfers
- C42262+W2986712:30 PM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)3:47 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way1 transfer
- C42258+G011379:30 AM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)12:47 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way1 transfer
- W35191+W298782:41 PM3h06Cardiff Central (CDF)5:47 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way1 transfer
- C42440 · C42188 · C4221710:58 AM3h14Cardiff Central (CDF)2:12 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way2 transfers
- C42262+W2986712:30 PM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)3:47 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way1 transfer
- C42258+G011379:30 AM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)12:47 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way1 transfer
- C42261+G0114611:30 AM3h17Cardiff Central (CDF)2:47 PMPlymouth station (PLY)$1331One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Plymouth
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Plymouth among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a train costs an average of $45.
Distance: 87 miles (141 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$106 Average price | $23 Average price Cheapest | $55 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 40m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration 4h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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 Cardiff to Plymouth:
A bus is $83 (€68) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cardiff to Plymouth costing on average $106 (€87).
Other travel options to Plymouth take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 46m.
Tickets start at around $106 (€87) compared to roughly $55 (€45) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-50.80 (€-41.61). The journey takes 3h 10m versus 2h 48m 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.
Live departures
Cardiff to Plymouth train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Plymouth trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| G15042+G01133 | On time 8:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h10 | 11:48 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
| G15006+G01135 | On time 9:28 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h20 | 12:48 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
| G15008+G01140 | On time 10:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 1:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
| G15010+W29862 | On time 11:30 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 2:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
| G15012+W29868 | On time 12:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h17 | 3:47 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
| G15013+W29873 | On time 1:30 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3h18 | 4:48 PM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
| W35158+G01129+C42205 | 5:14 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h01 | 10:15 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 2 transfers | |
| W35158+G01132 | 5:14 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 5h33 | 10:47 AM Plymouth station (PLY) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Plymouth 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.
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Why should you book Cardiff to Plymouth trains with Omio?
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 CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Plymouth.
- 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 Cardiff to Plymouth.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Plymouth.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Plymouth.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Plymouth
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Cardiff to Plymouth run on average 6 times per day, taking around 3h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $45 (€37) but you can travel from only $14 (€11) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:54, the last at 22:31. The fastest train covers the 87 miles (141 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 87 miles (141 km) |
Average train duration 3h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $45 (€37) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 4:54 AM |
Last train 10:31 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 5 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Plymouth trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Plymouth from $14 (€11). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Plymouth
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Plymouth 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 Plymouth, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Plymouth
Most Cardiff to Plymouth trains use the Cardiff Central to Plymouth station pair, with some services arriving at Devonport. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Plymouth train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Central 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 and drink
Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
Cathays train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cathays.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cathays: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services
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
Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.
Tickets and information
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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
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.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Travelodge.
Which Plymouth station do trains from Cardiff arrive at?
Getting to Plymouth from Plymouth city centre
Plymouth train station facilities and services
Plymouth has practical services for this route, including Wifi, 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 Plymouth.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Plymouth. ATMs are available at Plymouth.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Plymouth.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Plymouth: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Plymouth: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Plymouth: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to all platforms via lifts and the station subway. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users may require assistance using car park equipment at this station, Accessible public telephones: Station pay phones are not accessible, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available. Please request staff assistance, Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible ticket machines note: Accessible ticket machines are located at the station entrance by the ticket office, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
Getting to Devonport from Plymouth city centre
Devonport is 2 km from Plymouth city centre. Public transport options include:
Devonport train station facilities and services
Devonport has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Lost and Found Office, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Devonport.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Devonport: Parking.
Bike and car services
Available at Devonport: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Devonport: Staff help available: No, Step free access note: Step-free category B3 station – “Some step-free access, may be in one direction only.” Step free access possible to South bound platform, there is no step free access for services to Plymouth. Safety warning - Please be aware that this station has no tactile paving on the platform edge. Please take extra care when using this station, Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are not available, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.
More options for your journey from Cardiff to Plymouth
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Plymouth and Cardiff
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