The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Cardiff
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$29
Fastest journey
46 m
Average duration
48 m
Trains per day
65
Distance
41 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bristol to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Cardiff will cost around $29 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $27.
Of the 65 trains that leave Bristol for Cardiff every day 37 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 41 km distance in an average of 48 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 46 m .
The slowest trains will take 48 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.
P232221:27 PM0h49Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)2:16 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way0 changes
P2322112:36 PM0h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:22 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way0 changes
P31516 · P226271:08 PM1h00Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)2:08 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way1 change
P33684 · P2262512:08 PM1h08Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:16 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way1 change
P23022 · P2262612:38 PM0h57Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:35 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way1 change
P2322112:36 PM0h46Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:22 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way0 changes
P227208:58 AM0h48Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)9:46 AMCardiff Central (CDF)$341One-way0 changes
P2272812:57 PM0h48Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)1:45 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way0 changes
P2322011:29 AM0h48Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)12:17 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way0 changes
P227302:01 PM0h48Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)2:49 PMCardiff Central (CDF)$271One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bristol to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the coach as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from $5. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of $5, and a train costs an average of $13.
Distance: 41 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
$27 Average Price | $8 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 40m Average total duration Fastest 1h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 49m Average total duration 1h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Bristol to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Bristol to Cardiff trains for today, Wednesday, 13 May. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P23217 | On time 8:29 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h53 | 9:22 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
P23017 · P22618 | On time 8:38 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
P22720 | On time 8:58 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h48 | 9:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
P33675 · P22619 | On time 9:13 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h56 | 10:09 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
P23218 | On time 9:27 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h49 | 10:16 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
P23016 · P22617 | 8:08 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h00 | 9:08 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Cardiff by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
13 May
14 May
15 May
16 May
17 May
18 May
19 May
20 May
21 May
22 May
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24 May
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01 Jun
02 Jun
Why should you book Bristol to Cardiff 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, Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Bristol 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bristol to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country or Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bristol to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Cardiff
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 10m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 but you can travel from only $5 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:38. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 41m.
Distance 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 41m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:38 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 6 days |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Bristol to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Bristol and Cardiff from $5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
Great Western Railway (GWR)
FAQs: Bristol to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bristol 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.

popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Cardiff
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
- Car Park: Station Car Park
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Upper Crust
- Pumpkin Café
- Hart's Bakery
- Taxi: The taxi rank is available on the station forecourt. If you require an accessible taxi please approach a member of staff for assistance. To reach the station forecourt; exit through the ticket barriers, turn left and exit through the main doors. You can find more information about local taxi services here.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis are available
- Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
- Toilets Location: Ladies, Gents and Baby Change are located in the Passenger Subway. The Baby Change is located next to the Ladies Toilets. An additional Baby Change facility is also located in the Accessible Toilet on Platform 13/15. Accessible Toilets are located on Platform 3 by the Help Desk and on Platform 13/15.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: Radar Key available from station staff.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The main storage location for bikes is at The Friary at Temple Quay, just to the right of the ramped exit from the long stay car park. A limited bike storage location can be found on Station Approach by Queen Anne's Gate. There is no longer any bike storage inside the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located near the main entrance.
- Bus lines: A1, 1, 2, 8, 39/349/X39, 70, 73, 178, 376
- Train lines: CrossCountry, Great Western Main Line, Severn Beach Line
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Station front. Alternative: the lower approach road, outside the front of Bristol & Exeter House
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7 with short-term and long-term parking options available. Access via the A38 road.
- Dexters
- Brunel Bar & Kitchen
- Outside the main terminal.
- Elevators, ramps.
- £1
- Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport
- Holiday Inn Bristol Airport
- Winford Manor Hotel
- Cost £10
- Located in the main terminal
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Located in the main terminal
- Free
- Main Terminal: check-in desks, security, and departure gates
- Arrivals Hall: baggage claim and customs
- Parking: short-term and long-term options available
- Bus: Airport Flyer Express
- Train: Bristol Temple Meads station is the nearest major train station, connected by bus services
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: No
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step Free Category A Station - This station has step free access to the platform
- Accessible taxis: No
- Ramp for train access: No
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Cheltenham Road
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platforms 1 to 8. The National Key toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key/Accessible toilets are located in the East Subway near the lifts and on Platform 8; these toilets are operated by a RADAR key and are only available during staffing hours.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: East end of platforms 1 and 2, 3 and 4, 6 and 7 - also at the front and rear of the station.
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Commuter rail lines: City Line, Rhondda Line, Rhymney Line, Valley Line, South Wales Main Line
- Train lines: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the rear car park (Penarth Road entrance)
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 07:40 - 18:00 Sunday 10:00 - 15:30 Temporary opening hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on Platform 4. The National key toilets are located on the Main Concourse to the right of the Ticket Office; these toilets are operated by a radar key and are only available during staffing hours.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: No
- Travelodge
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: Limited service from stop outside station Mondays to Fridays
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: For services towards Cardiff Central use the bus stop at the front of the station. For services towards Cathays use the bus stop in front of the shop opposite the station entrance. Please ask a member of station staff if you are unsure of which stop to use.
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- 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
- Travelodge
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
- Onward travel information: The nearest bus stop is on Park Place
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the bus stops adjacent to the Cardiff University Students' Union on Park Place
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