The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Cheapest price
€11
Average price
€12
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
37 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
36 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cardiff to Porthcawl will cost around €12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €11.
Of the 3 trains that leave Cardiff for Porthcawl on Thu, May 07, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 41 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.
10:54 AM0h34Cardiff11:28 AMPorthcawl€111One-way0 transfers
1:05 PM0h35Cardiff1:40 PMPorthcawl€121One-way0 transfers
12:59 PM0h41Cardiff1:40 PMPorthcawl€121One-way0 transfers
10:54 AM0h34Cardiff11:28 AMPorthcawl€111One-way0 transfers
1:05 PM0h35Cardiff1:40 PMPorthcawl€121One-way0 transfers
12:59 PM0h41Cardiff1:40 PMPorthcawl€121One-way0 transfers
Live departures
Cardiff to Porthcawl train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Porthcawl trains for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
L65011 | On time 8:51 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h34 | 9:25 AM Pyle station (PYL) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L65020 | On time 10:54 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h35 | 11:29 AM Pyle station (PYL) | 0 transfersDirect | |
L65030 | On time 12:51 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 0h34 | 1:25 PM Pyle station (PYL) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cardiff to Porthcawl by train
Compare 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Why should you book Cardiff to Porthcawl trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Transport for Wales?
- 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.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl run on average 4 times per day, taking around 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €11 if you book in advance.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 23:54. The fastest train covers the 36 km distance in 34m.
Distance 36 km |
Average train duration 29m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 34m |
First train 5:35 AM |
Last train 11:54 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Transport for Wales from Cardiff to Porthcawl trainsTransport for Wales trains will get you between Cardiff and Porthcawl from €11. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl are operated by Arriva Trains Wales and with just a short journey time are a convenient way of travelling between the two towns. The first train of the day leaves just after 5:30 a.m. and then there are regular departures throughout the day until around 11:15 p.m. The journey takes slightly less than one hour and involves a connection at Pyle. Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl depart from Cardiff Central Station and terminate at Porthcawl Station. A similar timetable operates seven days a week.
FAQs: Trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cardiff to Porthcawl 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 Porthcawl, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cardiff to Porthcawl
- 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: 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
- 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
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