The cheapest and fastest trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€82
Average price
€120
Fastest journey
3 h 22 m
Average duration
3 h 28 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff will cost around €120 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €82.
It's difficult to get from Bournemouth to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
L46946+
P08384
L48284+
P08388
L48278+
P08386
C23392+
P08242
L48449_L48143 · L48024+
P09264 · P08241
L48284+
P08388
L48278+
P08386
C23387+
P08240
L46946+
P08384
C23392+
P08242Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Bournemouth to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €17. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. 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 €17, and a train costs an average of €31.
Distance: 124 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€77 Average price | €30 Average price Cheapest |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration 6h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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
Bournemouth to Cardiff train times
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L46946+ P08384 | On time 8:15 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h31 | 11:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C23387+ P08240 | On time 8:40 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h30 | 12:10 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L48449_L48143 · L48024+ P09264 · P08241 | On time 8:54 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h42 | 12:36 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
L48278+ P08386 | On time 9:22 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h27 | 12:49 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C23392+ P08242 | On time 9:45 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h31 | 1:16 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
L48284+ P08388 | On time 10:22 AM Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h22 | 1:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bournemouth to Cardiff by train or bus
Nov 05
Nov 06
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bournemouth to Cardiff
Distance 124 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price €31 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 22m |
First train 04:12 |
Last train 21:20 |
Train companies: Great Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway from Bournemouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Rail, CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway trains will get you between Bournemouth and Cardiff from €17. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Cross Country
FAQs: Trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bournemouth to Cardiff
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:40 Saturday 05:40 - 20:40 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
- Car Park: Premium
- Taxi: Yes
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on both platforms. The National key toilets are located on both platforms; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Southampton / Brockenhurst: Station entrance on Halfords side. To Poole: Station entrance on Asda side.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 12:30 Saturday 07:50 - 13:40 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Bournemouth: Christchurch Road (A35) Bus Stop by Bell Inn To Christchurch: Christchurch Road (A35) lay by outside Station
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B. The platform has level access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue.
- 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.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Onward travel information: There is a bus stop outside the station.
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the bus stop close to the station entrance on Bute Street
- 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
- 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.
- 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)
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B1. Step free access is available to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Pwllmelin Road. Step free access is available to Platform 2 (to Radyr) via a long moderately shallow ramp from Fairwater Road. Both platforms are connected via a footbridge with steps.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: This machine does not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: At the top of the ramp to the Cardiff bound platform on Fairwater Road
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category B2. Step free access to Platform 1 (to Cardiff) from Leckwith Road. Step free access to Platform 2 (to Radyr) Leckwith Road via a ramp with a steep gradient
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: The bicycle stands can be found on Platform 1 (to Cardiff).
- Storage CCTV: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait at the station entrance on Leckwith Road close to traffic lights
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