Cardiff to Swansea train with Great Western Rail

Fri, 20 Feb
+ Add return
Great Western Rail
Transport for Wales
first_great_western
Transport for Wales
Eurostar
1,000+ travel companies
Great Western Rail
Transport for Wales
first_great_western
Transport for Wales
Eurostar
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Swansea

Showing times and prices for 20 Feb

Cheapest price

$7

Average price

$15

Fastest journey

50 m

Average duration

52 m

Trains per day

11

Distance

55 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Swansea is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Cardiff to Swansea will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only $7.

Fast trains

Of the 11 trains that leave Cardiff for Swansea every day 11 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

These direct trains cover the 55 km distance in an average of 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 50 m .

The slowest trains will take 54 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.

Transport for WalesL64753
07:21AM0h56
Cardiff Central (CDF)
08:17AMSwansea station (SWA)
$71One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64097
05:35AM1h16
Cardiff Central (CDF)
06:51AMSwansea station (SWA)
$111One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64714
08:47AM0h54
Cardiff Central (CDF)
09:41AMSwansea station (SWA)
$111One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL65011
08:51AM1h14
Cardiff Central (CDF)
10:05AMSwansea station (SWA)
$111One-way
0 changes
Transport for WalesL64123
06:43AM1h12
Cardiff Central (CDF)
07:55AMSwansea station (SWA)
$111One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train and coach for Cardiff to Swansea

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Swansea 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 58m. 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 $6.

Distance: 55 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach

$11

Average Price

$8

Average Price

Cheapest

1h 28m

Average total duration

Fastest

58m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 45m

Average total duration

1h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.0 - 0.0kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.1 - 0.1kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Rail

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Cardiff to Swansea train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Swansea trains for today, Thursday, 19 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 1:51 pm
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
great_western11:51 pm Cardiff
0h53
12:44 am Swansea0 changesdirect
Friday, 20 February
transport_for_walesL64097
On time
5:35 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h16
6:51 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22615
On time
6:39 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
7:30 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64123
On time
6:43 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h12
7:55 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64753
On time
7:21 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h56
8:17 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL65001
On time
7:45 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h14
8:59 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22651
On time
8:08 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
9:02 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22616
On time
8:42 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h50
9:32 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64714
On time
8:47 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h54
9:41 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL65011
On time
8:51 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
1h14
10:05 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
great_westernP22618
On time
9:38 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h51
10:29 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect
transport_for_walesL64103
On time
10:06 am Cardiff Central (CDF)
0h56
11:02 am Swansea station (SWA)
0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Swansea 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.

Fri
20 Feb
Sat
21 Feb
Sun
22 Feb
Mon
23 Feb
Tue
24 Feb
Wed
25 Feb
Thu
26 Feb

Why should you book Cardiff to Swansea trains with Omio?

Great Western Rail as well as Transport for Wales, first_great_western, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Swansea.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Swansea.

Why book with Omio vs Great Western Rail?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Rail, but also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, first_great_western or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Swansea.
  • 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 Rail with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Cardiff to Swansea.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Transport for Wales, first_great_western or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Swansea.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Swansea.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Cardiff to Swansea?

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Swansea is 6 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Swansea route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Swansea 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 Cardiff to Swansea.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Swansea

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Swansea run on average 8 times per day, taking around 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $6 but you can travel from only $5 by coach.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:58. The fastest train covers the 55 km distance in 52m.

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 $5
Distance
55 km
Average train duration
58m
Cheapest ticket price
$6
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
52m
First train
00:01
Last train
23:58
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 $5

Train companies: Great Western Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western from Cardiff to Swansea trainsGreat Western Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western trains will get you between Cardiff and Swansea from $5. 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
53m
Cheapest Price
$15
Great Western Rail frequency
4 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

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
52m
Cheapest Price
$6
Transport for Wales frequency
4 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

first_great_western

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Cheapest Price
$57
first_great_western frequency
12 a day

FAQs: Cardiff to Swansea train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Swansea 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 Swansea, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Swansea can start from as little as $6 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Swansea is $11; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Cardiff to Swansea is 52m to travel the 55 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Cardiff to Swansea leaves at 12:01 am. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to Swansea leaves at 11:58 pm.
Yes, there are 8 direct trains a day from Cardiff to Swansea with Great Western Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western, Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Swansea, you can count on Great Western Rail, Transport for Wales, first_great_western, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Swansea. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Swansea and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A day trip to Swansea from Cardiff is worth doing with a journey time of 52m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to Swansea is December.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Swansea including taking a train and coach.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Cardiff and Swansea

Cardiff
Swansea
The major train station for departures in Cardiff is Cardiff Central. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Cardiff Central for your trip from Cardiff to Swansea.
Cardiff CentralWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
ShoppingShopping
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
LoungeLounge
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station.
Shopping
Shopping
  • Type of shops available: News agent and convenience store
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: Brewery Car park
Dining
Dining
  • Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen
  • Pret a Manger
  • Tesco Express
Taxis
Taxis
  • Taxi: Taxi rank is on the right as you exit the main station entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.
WC
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
Hotel
  • Clayton Hotel Cardiff
  • Cardiff Marriott Hotel
  • Travelodge Cardiff Central
Lounge
Lounge
  • Waiting rooms location: On platforms 1/2, 3/4, 6/7 and 8.
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sat: 05:40 - 21:30
  • Sun: 07:30 - 21:30
Bike Parking
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)
CathaysParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 07:30 - 18:30 Saturday 09:30 - 15:30 Sunday Closed
Parking
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Information Desk
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
Cardiff Queen StreetParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
ticketOfficeHours
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
Parking
  • Car Park: No
Accessibility
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
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
Hotel
  • Travelodge
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • Storage sheltered: No
  • Storage location: to the right of the station front
  • Storage CCTV: Yes
Information Desk
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.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Swansea

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsCardiff to Swansea train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone