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Trains to Cardiff

 

The capital of Wales, Cardiff is a significant tourist centre in Wales and is part of the Eurocities network of the largest European cities. 

Formerly a small town, the city served as a major port for the transporting of coal in the early 19th century. With the arrival of industry, the town rose as a major city in 1905 and became the capital of Wales in 1955.

Today the city is a mix of ancient and modern, with its redevelopments of Cardiff Bay and its many shops and cafes, while the ancient Cardiff Castle is at the heart of the city standing proudly on the hill.

Popular Routes to Cardiff

 

Cardiff Central station is the main station servicing the city and is the largest and busiest in Wales. There is step-free access available, toilets with baby changing facilities as well as shops and places to eat.

The most popular routes to and from Cardiff operate from the following stations:  

From	To	Average Travel Time*
Bristol	Cardiff	56 min
London	Cardiff	2 h 28 min
Manchester	Cardiff	3 h 30 min
Bath	Cardiff	1 h 16 min
Taunton	Cardiff	2 h 6 min
Southampton	Cardiff	2 h 42 min
Portsmouth	Cardiff	3 h 30 min

* Please note journey times are based on average and may vary depending on the rail provider and time of travel.

Cheap Tickets to Cardiff

 

Railcards offer value for money if you travel by train, saving you at least 1/3 on most rail fares. With a bit of planning, buying tickets in advance can save you a pretty pound, and if the travel bug has you travelling a lot then a Railcard might be worth your while!

The Railcards available include:

Adults

• 16-25 Railcard
• Two Together Railcard
• Family & Friends Railcard
• Senior Railcard
• Veterans Railcard
• Disabled Persons Railcard
• 26-30 Railcard

 Visit the Railcard Website and buy a Railcard Now!

You may also want to check out our Regional Railcards to see if there are discounts for travelling to and from where you are.

Children

Under 5	Travel free, accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
5-15	Are eligible for a 50% discount on most tickets, though proof of age will need to be carried where appropriate.
16-17 Saver	Like a Railcard but with bigger discounts for anyone aged 16 or 17.

When in Cardiff

Cardiff Castle houses over 2000 years of history within its walls. Built on top of a 3rd-century Roman fort in the 11th-century, the castle passed through many hands over the years until 19th-century architect William Burgess was enlisted by then-owner John, 3rd Marquess of Bute, to create the incredible site you see today.

 

Cardiff Bay is the city’s most recent development, making the most of the old docklands used to transport coal back in the day. Now you can enjoy views of the waterfront while you stroll along or are dining in one of the many restaurants and cafes on-site serving a number of cuisines, or continue to the Barrage for more breath-taking views.

For a spot of shopping, Cardiff has a variety of shopping centres, arcades and markets to suit every style, need and budget. Queens Arcade is a shopping centre located in the city centre with a mix of independent boutiques and big-name stores, while The Morgan Quarter houses high street and lifestyle brands. 

If you’re after some local fare to fill your bellies, Cardiff Market is a charming indoor market housed under a stunning Victorian structure. Buzzing with a number of independent businesses under its roof, the market is open between Monday - Saturday and offers fresh produce, traditional Welsh cuisine and more.

Explore and save

Interested in exploring more of what Cardiff and Wales have to offer? Check out our Days Out Guide for great deals on attractions and activities.

Ready to go?

Use our Journey Planner and book your tickets now!