4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Bristol to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€15
Average price
€21
Fastest journey
41 m
Average duration
43 m
Trains per day
30
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 traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bristol to Cardiff will cost around €21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €15.
Of the 30 trains that leave Bristol for Cardiff on Sun, Dec 21, 24 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Dec 21 the direct trains cover the 41 km distance in an average of 43 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 41 m .
On Sun, Dec 21 the slowest trains will take 43 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.
C74895
L16807L17232L16818P30173C74895L16801L16813L17234L17231
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Bristol to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Bristol to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €5. 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 bus costs an average of €5, and a train costs an average of €9.
Distance: 41 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€22 Average price | €10 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, Saturday, December 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| L23539 | On time 8:24 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 9:10 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L23293 · L23045 | On time 8:38 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h58 | 9:36 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L23117 | On time 8:57 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h48 | 9:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L23540 | On time 9:28 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h46 | 10:14 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| L23294 · L23046 | On time 9:38 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 1h02 | 10:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| L23119 | On time 10:00 AM Bristol Temple Meads (BRI) | 0h52 | 10:52 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 bus or train
Compare bus 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.
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
Dec 29
Dec 30
Dec 31
Jan 01
Jan 02
Jan 03
Jan 04
Jan 05
Jan 06
Jan 07
Jan 08
Jan 09
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff?
Journey 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 €9 but you can travel from only €5 by bus.
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.
Distance 41 km |
Average train duration 1h 12m |
Cheapest ticket price €9 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 5 |
Fastest train 42m |
First train 00:01 |
Last train 23:36 |
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 €5. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Rail
CrossCountry
Transport for Wales
Cross Country
first_great_western
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff
Trains depart from Bristol for Cardiff at a high frequency throughout the day, with a journey time of between 35 minutes and one hour. Trains depart from both the city's main station, Bristol Temple Meads and its second largest, Bristol Parkway. Trains on these routes are operated by Great Western Railway.
Bristol to Cardiff train time: daily departures
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff operate at a high frequency, with around two direct services per hour departing from Bristol Temple Meads, plus at least one direct service per hour departing from Bristol Parkway. The first trains from each station depart early in the morning and the last services, late in the evening.
How long is the journey by train from Bristol to Cardiff?
Trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central take approximately one hour, with the faster services taking just under 50 minutes. Passengers travelling from Bristol Parkway can enjoy an even quicker journey of just over 30 minutes.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Bristol to Cardiff?
Departure train station: there are two departure stations in Bristol for those travelling by train to Cardiff. The first is the city's main station, Temple Meads, famously designed by Brunel and located just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. It has numerous facilities including toilets, shops and ATMs. Trains also depart from Bristol Parkway, which is located on the northern outskirts of the city, close to the University of the West of England.
Arrival train station: trains from both Bristol Temple Meads and Bristol Parkway arrive at Cardiff Central, the city's main rail terminus. Cardiff Central is located just to the south of the city centre, moments from the main shopping area. This large railway station has numerous facilities including toilets, ATMs, waiting areas, cafes and shops.
Which train companies travel from Bristol to Cardiff?
Trains from Bristol to Cardiff are provided by Great Western Railway. This includes trains that depart from both Bristol Temple Meads and from Bristol Parkway.
Great Western Railway Bristol to Cardiff
Great Western Railway is the primary rail operator in the UK's Southwest region and operates all trains from Bristol to Cardiff. Great Western operates frequent services with up to two direct trains per hour from Britsol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central and at least one direct train per hour from Bristol Parkway to Cardiff Central.
Bristol to Cardiff trains: services on board
Great Western Railway (GWR) offers both standard and first-class seats. First-class passengers can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks as well as extra legroom, spacious seats and at-seat service. GWR's Passenger Assist service is available to disabled and elderly passengers, you can book this by calling the rail company directly before you travel.
Bicycles can be taken on board provided a space has been reserved. This can be reserved anytime from the point of booking right up until the train arrives. Up to two dogs, cats or other small domestic pets may be taken on board at no extra charge. Dogs must be kept on a lead and all other animals in a secure pet carrier.
Many services offer onboard dining whilst free WiFi is available on all GWR trains.
How to find cheap train tickets from Bristol to Cardiff?
It's easy to secure low cost train travel from Bristol to Cardiff. The lowest prices are available when you book in advance and may be even more affordable if you are fleixble about the time and date you travel on. Sometimes journeys that involve a change or trains which are a bit slower are considerably lower in price too. Compare a range of times, dates and journey speeds to find the best possible price.
FAQs: Trains from Bristol to Cardiff
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.
Passengers board the train most frequently from Bristol Temple Meads, which is located around 1.9 miles (3 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the train at Cardiff Central, located 1.1 miles (1.8 km) away from the city centre.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Bristol to Cardiff
Wifi
Shopping
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
WC
Hotel
Lounge
Lost and Found Office
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- 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
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelShowerLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts- 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
ParkingDiningAccessibilityLost and Found OfficeBike Parking- 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
WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental- 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)
ParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- 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.
ParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk- 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
Most popular train connections from Bristol
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
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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.
