Cardiff to Brighton train with Great Western Railway

Mon, May 18
+ Add return
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
Great Western Railway
Great Western Railway (GWR)
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Brighton

Showing times and prices for May 18

Cheapest price

€55

Average price

€61

Fastest journey

3 h 55 m

Average duration

4 h 26 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

224 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Brighton will cost around €61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €55.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Cardiff for Brighton on Mon, May 18, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, May 18 the direct trains cover the 224 km distance in an average of 4 h 26 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 55 m .

On Mon, May 18 the slowest trains will take 4 h 38 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.

  • Great Western Railway
    8:27 AM4h38
    Cardiff
    1:05 PMBrighton
    551One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    6:28 AM4h37
    Cardiff
    11:05 AMBrighton
    561One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    10:30 AM4h35
    Cardiff
    3:05 PMBrighton
    611One-way
    0 transfers
  • Great Western Railway
    5:18 PM3h55
    Cardiff
    9:13 PMBrighton
    711One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Cardiff to Brighton

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Brighton among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €15. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 53m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €15, and a train costs an average of €24.

Distance: 224 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€60

Average price

€23

Average price

Cheapest

4h 23m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 8m

Average total duration

5h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Great Western Railway

Most popular train company

National Express

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 Brighton train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Brighton trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Great Western Railway6:28 AM Cardiff
4h37
11:05 AM Brighton0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway8:27 AM Cardiff
4h38
1:05 PM Brighton0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway10:30 AM Cardiff
4h35
3:05 PM Brighton0 transfersDirect
Great Western Railway5:18 PM Cardiff
3h55
9:13 PM Brighton0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Brighton by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Mon
May 18
Tue
May 19
Wed
May 20
Thu
May 21
Fri
May 22
Sat
May 23
Sun
May 24

Why should you book Cardiff to Brighton trains with Omio?

Great Western Railway as well as Great Western Railway (GWR) offer trains services from Cardiff to Brighton.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Brighton.

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 Great Western Railway (GWR) to find the best option for your trip from Cardiff to Brighton.
  • 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 Cardiff to Brighton.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Cardiff to Brighton.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Brighton

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Brighton run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €24 but you can travel from only €15 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 224 km distance in 3h 39m.

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
Bus from €15
Distance
224 km
Average train duration
3h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
€24
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 39m
First train
4:12 AM
Last train
9:20 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
Busiest Day
Wed
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
77 days
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
Bus from €15

Train companies: Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) from Cardiff to Brighton trainsGreat Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) trains will get you between Cardiff and Brighton from €15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Great Western Railway

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
3h 39m
Cheapest Price
€24
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

Great Western Railway (GWR)

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 24m
Cheapest Price
€200
Great Western Railway (GWR) frequency
25 a day

Train from Cardiff to Brighton: Journey Details

The train from Cardiff to Brighton is operated by First Great Western and Southern Trains, with a journey time of between four and five hours depending on whether connections are made in London or Southampton Central. Trains run from around 5:00 a.m. until just before 7:00 p.m., with two to three trains per hour. Later trains involve an overnight journey and there is a reduced service on Sundays.

Taking the Train from Cardiff

Cardiff Central is the busiest station in Wales. It is located in the heart of the city, close to Cardiff Bay. Regional trains operate into Cardiff from the Vale of Glamorgan and West Wales. Buses arrive at Cardiff Central Bus Station, opposite the Railway Station. Local buses are operated by Cardiff Bus and ECT, with regular services from all parts of Cardiff city centre and suburbs. Taxis are available at the station.

Getting into Brighton by Train

Brighton is a lively and attractive seaside town, with one of the few remaining Victorian piers in the country. Visitor attractions include the Brighton Pavilion with its exotic domes, the old shopping Lanes, Sea World Aquarium and the Brighton Eye, located at the entrance to the Palace Pier. Brighton Railway Station is a few minutes bus ride from the historic centre of Brighton, the Esplanade and beaches. It is a busy hub, which serves central London, Gatwick and Luton airports and towns along the South Coast. Frequent local bus services around the town are operated by the Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company. During university terms, the Big Lemon Bus Company also operates a frequent and economical service on weekdays. Brighton has a weekend night bus service and there is a secure bicycle garage and taxi ranks at the station.

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Brighton

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Brighton can start from as little as €24 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Brighton is €60; 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 Brighton is 3h 39m to travel the 224 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 Brighton leaves at 4:12 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to Brighton leaves at 9:20 PM.
There are 7 trains a day from Cardiff to Brighton which require at least one change with Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR). Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Brighton, you can count on Great Western Railway, Great Western Railway (GWR) for the best way to get you to Brighton. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Brighton and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Brighton from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 39m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to Brighton is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Brighton including taking a train and bus.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Brighton

Cardiff
Brighton
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 Brighton.
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 transit 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 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 transit 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.
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 transit 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 Cardiff to Brighton

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to BrightonCardiff to Brighton train

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