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The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Cardiff
Showing times and prices for 29 Dec
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
48 m
Average duration
54 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
41 km
Cheap tickets
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 $27 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $27.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Bristol for Cardiff every day 4 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 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 48 m .
The slowest trains will take 1 h 4 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.
P2321708:28AM0h56
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)09:24AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P23018 · P2262009:38AM1h04
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:42AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
1 change
P2272008:58AM0h48
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)09:46AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P2272210:02AM0h50
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:52AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P2321809:27AM0h54
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:21AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P2272008:58AM0h48
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)09:46AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P2272210:02AM0h50
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:52AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P2321809:27AM0h54
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:21AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P2321708:28AM0h56
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)09:24AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
0 changes
P23018 · P2262009:38AM1h04
Bristol Temple Meads (BRI)10:42AMCardiff Central (CDF)
$271One-way
1 change
Travel Information
Compare coach and train 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 $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 1h 12m. 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 $7, and a train costs an average of $11.
Distance: 41 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Coach |
|---|---|
$27 Average Price | $12 Average Price Cheapest |
1h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 48m Average total duration 1h 18m 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, Sunday, 28 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at 11:51 am
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:56 am Bristol | 0h47 | 12:43 pm Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 2:15 pm Bristol | 0h42 | 2:57 pm Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 7:45 pm Bristol | 0h44 | 8:29 pm Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| 9:45 pm Bristol | 0h45 | 10:30 pm Cardiff | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday, 29 December | |||||
| P23217 | On time 8:28 am Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h56 | 9:24 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P23017 · P22618 | On time 8:38 am Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h06 | 9:44 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 | |
| P23218 | On time 9:27 am Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h54 | 10:21 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
| P23018 · P22620 | On time 9:38 am Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h04 | 10:42 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
| P22722 | On time 10:02 am Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h50 | 10:52 am Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bristol to Cardiff by coach or train
Compare coach and train 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.
Sun
28 Dec
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff?
The best time to book your train from Bristol to Cardiff is 63 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Bristol to Cardiff route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Bristol to Cardiff per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Bristol to Cardiff.
Trains
from $11Coaches
from $4Journey information
Overview: Train from Bristol to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 1h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 but you can travel from only $7 by coach.
There are 5 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:36. The fastest train covers the 41 km distance in 42m.
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
Coach from $7
Distance 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 42m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:36 |
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
Coach from $7
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western from Bristol to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country, first_great_western trains will get you between Bristol and Cardiff from $7. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
About
Great Western Railway is a train operating company in the United Kingdom. It operates services from London Paddington to the West of England, South Wales and the Cotswolds. It also operates services from London Paddington to Oxford, Reading and Bristol. It offers a range of ticket types, including Advance, Anytime, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, air conditioning and catering services. The most popular routes for Great Western Railway are London Paddington to Bristol, Reading and Oxford.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
42m
Cheapest Price
$11
Great Western Rail frequency
8 a day
Luggage included
Two pieces of luggage and one piece of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, dedicated luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies apply as per ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Cafe bar serving hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches. First Class at-seat service on some routes
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservations available for a fee. Free in First Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets travel free. Dogs must be on lead. Maximum two dogs per passenger
Quiet zone
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 Duration
42m
Cheapest Price
$17
CrossCountry frequency
1 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 Duration
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
$28
Transport for Wales frequency
1 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
Cross Country
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 1m
Cheapest Price
$45
Cross Country frequency
1 a day
first_great_western
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
46m
Cheapest Price
$45
first_great_western frequency
49 a day
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.
Cheap train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff can start from as little as $13 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Bristol to Cardiff is $29; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
On average the Bristol to Cardiff train time is 42 min covering the 40 km long trip, but the journey time can vary depending on specific dates or if traveling on weekends and holidays.
The first train from Bristol to Cardiff leaves at 5: 20am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The last train from Bristol to Cardiff leaves at 10: 58pm.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Bristol to Cardiff without having to change trains with Great Western Rail, Cross Country or first_great_western. There are 5 direct trains from Bristol to Cardiff each day. There may be fewer direct services available on weekends or holidays.
For the trip from Bristol to Cardiff you can take a train with Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Transport for Wales, Cross Country or first_great_western. Be sure to check out all possible train companies that offer services from Bristol to Cardiff on Omio to compare what amenities they may have.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Bristol Temple Meads, which is located around away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cardiff Central, located away from the city centre.
A day trip to Cardiff from Bristol is worth doing with a journey time of 42 min each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month to travel from Bristol to Cardiff by train is March.
You have options as you can travel from Bristol to Cardiff 2 different ways: coach or train.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Bristol and Cardiff
Bristol
Cardiff
The major train station for departures in Bristol is Bristol Temple Meads. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Bristol Temple Meads for your trip from Bristol to Cardiff.
Bristol Temple Meads
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: WHS/M&S; Uppercrust; Pumpkin; Pasty Shop; Starbucks; Lily's Flowers
Parking
- Car Park: Station Car Park
Dining
- The Pasty Shop
- Starbucks
- Upper Crust
- Pumpkin Café
- Hart's Bakery
Taxis
- 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
Accessibility
- Wheelchair access, elevators, escalators.
WC
- 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
Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Bristol City Center
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Bristol City Center
- Hilton Garden Inn Bristol City Center
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: Waiting Rooms are located on Platform 5/7 and on Platform 13/15
Ticket Office
- Mon - Sat: 05:30 - 21:30
- Sun: 06:45 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- 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
Information Desk
- Located near the main entrance.
Public transport options for Bristol Temple Meads
- 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
Bristol, Airport
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 24 hours Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
11 kmWifi
- Free
Parking
- The car park is open 24/7 with short-term and long-term parking options available. Access via the A38 road.
Dining
- Dexters
- Brunel Bar & Kitchen
Taxis
- Outside the main terminal.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps.
WC
- £1
Hotel
- Hampton by Hilton Bristol Airport
- Holiday Inn Bristol Airport
- Winford Manor Hotel
Shower
- Cost £10
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main terminal
Car Rental
- Avis
- Europcar
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main terminal
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Main Terminal: check-in desks, security, and departure gates
- Arrivals Hall: baggage claim and customs
- Parking: short-term and long-term options available
Public transport options for Bristol, Airport
- Bus: Airport Flyer Express
- Train: Bristol Temple Meads station is the nearest major train station, connected by bus services
Montpelier
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parkinginformation
Distance to city center
1 kmParking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: platform
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Public transport options for Montpelier
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Bus stops on either side of Cheltenham Road
The major train station for arrivals in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your journey to Cardiff from Bristol.
Cardiff Central
Amenities at train station
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rentalinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
- Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
- Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
- Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
- Pret a Manger
- Tesco Express
Taxis
- Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
- There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
- 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
Hotel
- Clayton Hotel Cardiff
- Cardiff Marriott Hotel
- Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
- Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
- Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
- 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
Public transport options for Cardiff Central
- 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)
Cardiff Queen Street
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 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.
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
WC
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Bike Parking
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: to the right of the station front
- Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cardiff Queen Street
- 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.
Cathays
Amenities at train station
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
- Car Park: No
Accessibility
- 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
Hotel
- Travelodge
Information Desk
- Information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 03333 211202
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens
Public transport options for Cathays
- 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
More options for your journey from Bristol to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Bristol
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