The cheapest and fastest trains from Liverpool to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€66
Average price
€109
Fastest journey
4 h 10 m
Average duration
4 h 24 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
215 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff will cost around €109 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €66.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
S10511+
L64591 · L64748
W02908+
W05336+
C75242
W02908+
L64748
W02063+
L64705
W02063+
L64705 · L65695
W02063+
L64705 · L65695
W02063+
L64705
S10511+
L64591 · L64748
W02908+
W05336+
C75242
W02908+
L64748Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Liverpool to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Liverpool to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €19. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 39m. 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 €19, and a train costs an average of €41.
Distance: 215 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€77 Average price | €34 Average price Cheapest |
4h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 22m Average total duration 6h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg 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
Liverpool to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Cardiff trains for today, Saturday, December 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
W05338+ C75175+ L23048 | On time 8:31 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h12 | 12:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
W02881 · W02879+ C75175+ L23048 | On time 8:43 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h00 | 12:43 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W02881+ L64721 | On time 8:43 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h21 | 1:04 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
S59668+ L64764 | On time 9:32 AM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 3h59 | 1:31 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
W02866 · W02864+ C75176+ L23049 | On time 9:44 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h57 | 1:41 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
W02866+ L64723 · L65707 | On time 9:44 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h15 | 1:59 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, December 28 | |||||
![]() | 7:47 AM Liverpool | 4h29 | 12:16 PM Cardiff | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Liverpool to Cardiff 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.
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How far in advance should I book train tickets from Liverpool to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Liverpool to Cardiff
Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €41 but you can travel from only €19 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:18, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 3h 29m.
Distance 215 km |
Average train duration 3h 39m |
Cheapest ticket price €41 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 29m |
First train 03:18 |
Last train 23:34 |
Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Liverpool to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Liverpool and Cardiff from €19. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff
Although there are no direct journeys between Liverpool and Cardiff, numerous routes requiring only one change leave Liverpool headed to the Welsh capital daily, making rail travel a great option. Passengers can expect between 17 and 19 departures with journey times as little as three hours 32 minutes covering the 200-mile route. With departures spread throughout the day, passengers are sure to find a train to suit their needs.
Which train companies travel from Liverpool to Cardiff?
The route from Liverpool to Cardiff is offered by two main providers. A majority of the services are offered by Arriva Wales, with Cross Country also operating along the route. Arriva Wales journeys require a change at Crewe, whereas Cross Country may change at either Stafford or Birmingham. Neither companies offer a direct route.
How long is the train from Liverpool to Cardiff?
The shortest journey between Liverpool and Cardiff takes just three hours 30 minutes to complete. Journey times differ slightly depending on wait times at transfer stations, though there is very little difference between Arriva Wales and Cross Country journey times.
How many trains are there from Liverpool to Cardiff?
Every day of the week, passengers can expect between 17 and 19 indirect departures. Arriva Wales tend to offer a departure every hour between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The first journey of the day is offered by Cross Country. Schedules differ slightly over the weekend, but passengers will still have a wide range of choice when looking for an appropriate departure time.
What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Liverpool to Cardiff?
Departure train station: Trains depart from Liverpool Lime Street Station. Located centrally, the station is serviced by numerous local buses, though buses to the airport are available from Liverpool One bus terminal, a 15-minute walk across town. Within the station itself, passengers can expect numerous coffee shops and food options, toilets and baby change facilities as well as waiting rooms.
Arrival train station: All trains terminate at Cardiff Central Station. As the name would suggest, it is very centrally located and just a short walk from Cardiff Queen Street station. Passengers will arrive close to numerous high street shops as well as the Principality Stadium, home of the Welsh Rugby Union. The central bus station is adjacent for easy onward travel with services operating from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
FAQs: Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Liverpool to Cardiff
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38
- Sun: 07:15 - 23:05
- Free public Wi-Fi available.
- The Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00.
- Type of shops available: Various retail establishments including Photo Booths to purchase items whilst in the station
- Car Park: Short stay car park located on Skelhorne Street & Long Stay Car Park located on Lord Nelson Street
- Caffè Nero
- Costa Coffee
- Upper Crust
- Starbucks
- JD Wetherspoon
- Taxi: The station taxi rank is located at Skelhorne Street side of the station. There are two customer help points located for passengers requiring assistance.
- Accessible taxis: Accessible taxis at Liverpool Lime Street station can be provided at the taxi rank. If you require a private accessible taxi please locate a member of the station staff and they will provide you with a local taxi firm company number.
- Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
- Toilets Location: Male and Female toilets located on the station concourse by Lord Nelson street entrance
- National key toilets: Yes
- National key toilets location: The National Key (RADAR) toilet is located next to the Male and Female toilets by the Lord Nelson Street entrance. If you do not have a key please locate a member of staff and they will provide you with one.
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Pembroke Studios
- Riley’s Rooms
- Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center
- Waiting rooms location: Located on main concourse
- Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38
- Sun: 07:15 - 23:05
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Alongside station entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Located in the main concourse.
- Suburban train lines: Wirral Line (green)
- Bus lines: 9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
- Train lines: Northern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Rail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.
- Type of shops available: News agent
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes
- National key toilets: No
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Baby changing facilities location: Female toilets
- Storage sheltered: No
- Storage location: N/A
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: James Street Station, James Street, Liverpool
- Opening hours: Monday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,Friday,Saturday 05:25 - 00:16 Sunday 07:45 - 00:16 Station staffing times may vary, please visit Merseyrail.org for up-to-date times.
- Type of shops available: Shoe repairer Wide range of shops Convenience store Passport Photo Booth
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift
- Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible toilets: Yes
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: Yes
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Toilets Location: The toilets are located on the Station Concourse. The National key toilets are located next to the public toilets on the Station Concourse; these toilets are operated by a radar key.
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage location: Next to Mail entrance
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office
- Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111
- Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: 32 Great Charlotte Street, Liverpool 1
- 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)
- 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.
- 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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