The cheapest and fastest trains from Cardiff to Porthcawl
Cheapest price
€12
Average price
€12
Fastest journey
34 m
Average duration
34 m
Trains per day
1
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 €12.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cardiff for Porthcawl on Mon, Dec 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Dec 08 the direct trains cover the 36 km distance in an average of 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 34 m .
On Mon, Dec 08 the slowest trains will take 34 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.


Live departures
Cardiff to Porthcawl train times
The table below shows live departures for Cardiff to Porthcawl trains for today, Sunday, December 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:24 AM Cardiff | 0h26 | 7:50 AM Porthcawl | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:06 AM Cardiff | 0h34 | 11:40 AM Porthcawl | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:20 PM Cardiff | 0h51 | 1:11 PM Porthcawl | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:12 PM Cardiff | 0h26 | 1:38 PM Porthcawl | 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 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 08
Dec 09
Dec 10
Dec 11
Dec 12
Dec 13
Dec 14
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 26m.
Distance 36 km |
Average train duration 29m |
Cheapest ticket price €11 |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 26m |
First train 05:35 |
Last train 23:54 |
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
- 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.
Most popular train connections from Cardiff
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