Cardiff to Liverpool train with Transport for Wales

Mon, Jul 06
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Transport for Wales
Renfe AVANT
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Liverpool

Showing times and prices for Jul 06

Cheapest price

€60

Average price

€101

Fastest journey

3 h 38 m

Average duration

3 h 41 m

Trains per day

24

Distance

215 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Cardiff to Liverpool will cost around €101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €60.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from Cardiff to Liverpool without transferring at least once.

  • Transport for WalesG38975+West Midlands TrainsC17778
    10:53 AM3h54
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    2:47 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38983+West Midlands TrainsC17781
    12:55 PM3h47
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    4:42 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38955+West Midlands TrainsC17966
    1:53 PM3h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    5:42 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38947+West Midlands TrainsC17771
    7:53 AM3h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    11:42 AMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Transport for WalesG38950+West Midlands TrainsC17780
    9:53 AM3h49
    Cardiff Central (CDF)
    1:42 PMLiverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    671One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Cardiff to Liverpool

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cardiff to Liverpool among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €18. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 55m. 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 €18, and a train costs an average of €33.

Distance: 215 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€63

Average price

€28

Average price

Cheapest

4h 25m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 13m

Average total duration

5h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Transport for Wales

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 Liverpool train times

The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Liverpool trains for tomorrow, Monday, July 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
CrossCountryG66716+West Midlands TrainsC17903+Great Western RailwayG150406:24 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h53
10:17 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2 transfers
CrossCountryG00844+Avanti West CoastW339836:40 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h43
10:23 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38945+West Midlands TrainsC178106:46 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h56
10:42 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG39024 · G384897:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h15
11:34 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG39024+Mersey RailC079477:19 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h50
11:09 AM Liverpool James Street (LVJ)1 transfer
CrossCountryG66721+West Midlands TrainsC17887+Great Western RailwayW351677:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h54
11:17 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2 transfers
CrossCountryG00938+Avanti West CoastC013057:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h50
11:35 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38947+West Midlands TrainsC177717:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
11:42 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
CrossCountryG00854+West Midlands TrainsC17797+Great Western RailwayG150418:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h59
12:17 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2 transfers
CrossCountryG66712+Avanti West CoastW339168:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
12:23 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38967+West Midlands TrainsC177748:55 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h47
12:42 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG39027+Mersey RailC079639:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h46
1:09 PM Liverpool James Street (LVJ)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG39027 · G384969:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
4h11
1:34 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38950+West Midlands TrainsC177809:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
1:42 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
CrossCountryG66735+West Midlands TrainsC17773+Great Western RailwayW3517810:18 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h59
2:17 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2 transfers
Transport for WalesG38975+West Midlands TrainsC1777810:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h54
2:47 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG39032+Mersey RailC0797911:23 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h46
3:09 PM Liverpool James Street (LVJ)1 transfer
CrossCountryG00900+Avanti West CoastW3399611:45 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h38
3:23 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
Transport for WalesG38953+West Midlands TrainsC1777511:53 AM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h49
3:42 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)1 transfer
CrossCountryG00872+West Midlands TrainsC17758+Great Western RailwayG1504612:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF)
3h59
4:17 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2 transfers

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Liverpool 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.

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Why should you book Cardiff to Liverpool trains with Omio?

Transport for Wales as well as CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Cardiff to Liverpool.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Cardiff to Liverpool.

Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?

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

Why book with Omio over Wanderu?

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

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

The best time to book your train from Cardiff to Liverpool is 3 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Cardiff to Liverpool route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Cardiff to Liverpool 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 Liverpool.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Cardiff to Liverpool

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Cardiff to Liverpool run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €33 but you can travel from only €18 by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:00, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 3h 36m.

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 €18
Distance
215 km
Average train duration
3h 55m
Cheapest ticket price
€33
Trains per day
8
Fastest train
3h 36m
First train
4:00 AM
Last train
11:34 PM
Cheapest Month
Jan
Cheapest Day
Thu
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Wed
Best time to book
14 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 €18

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains from Cardiff to Liverpool trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains trains will get you between Cardiff and Liverpool from €18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

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
3h 36m
Cheapest Price
€37
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

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
3h 57m
Cheapest Price
€33
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

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 55m
Cheapest Price
€122
West Midlands Trains frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Liverpool

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

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to Liverpool can start from as little as €33 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Cardiff to Liverpool is €63; 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 Liverpool is 3h 36m to travel the 215 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 Liverpool leaves at 4:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Cardiff to Liverpool leaves at 11:34 PM.
There are 8 trains a day from Cardiff to Liverpool which require at least one change with Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer trains.
When taking a train from Cardiff to Liverpool, you can count on Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Transport for Wales for the best way to get you to Liverpool. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Cardiff and Liverpool and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.
A trip to Liverpool from Cardiff is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 36m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a train from Cardiff to Liverpool is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Cardiff and Liverpool including taking a bus and train.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Cardiff to Liverpool

Most Cardiff to Liverpool trains use the Cardiff Central to Liverpool Lime Street station pair, with some services arriving at Liverpool James Street. Use this guide to compare Cardiff and Liverpool train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Cardiff
Arrival train stations in Liverpool
Cardiff CentralCentral Square, Cardiff CF10 1EP, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar Rental
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre

Bus24, 25, 27, 86, 62, 30, 35, 21, 136, 7, 23, 63, 64 · 3m · €2 · every ~47 min
C1 · 5m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Central train station facilities and services

Cardiff Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.

Food and drink

Food options include: Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen, Pret a Manger, Tesco Express

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station. ATMs are located outside of the main entrance.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 05:40 - 21:30, Sat: 05:40 - 21:30, Sun: 07:30 - 21:30.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Central: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Central: There is step-free access in the whole station. There are also ramps for train access and elevators in the station.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Clayton Hotel Cardiff, Cardiff Marriott Hotel, Travelodge Cardiff Central.

CathaysCathays station, Plas-y-Parc, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 3LUParkingDiningAccessibilityHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre

TrainCardiff Central - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Treherbert, Cardiff Central - Pontypridd, Aberdare - Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff Central - Radyr, Radyr - Radyr · 6m · €1 · every ~8 min
BusC1 · 16m · every ~8 min

Cathays train station facilities and services

Cathays has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Accessibility, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cathays.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cathays. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cathays: Parking.

Bike and car services

Available at Cathays: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cathays: 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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

Cardiff Queen StreetCardiff Queen Street station, Station Terrace, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 4EYParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre

Bus52, 57, 58 · 13m · €2 · every ~25 min
C1 · 21m · every ~8 min

Cardiff Queen Street train station facilities and services

Cardiff Queen Street has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Cardiff Queen Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Cardiff Queen Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 03333 211202, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Cardiff Queen Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Cardiff Queen Street: 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.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Travelodge.

More options for your journey from Cardiff to Liverpool

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

HomeTrainsTrain Times to LiverpoolCardiff to Liverpool train

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