4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Liverpool to Cardiff
Cheapest price
€37
Average price
€76
Fastest journey
3 h 28 m
Average duration
3 h 31 m
Trains per day
19
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 €76 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.
It's difficult to get from Liverpool to Cardiff without transferring at least once.
C16944+
G388801:12 PM3h34Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)4:46 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€371One-way1 transfer- C16934+G3887711:12 AM3h32Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€371One-way1 transfer
- G38878+C1693912:12 PM3h33Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)3:45 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€371One-way1 transfer
C07965+G389271:32 PM3h45Liverpool James Street (LVJ)5:17 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€521One-way1 transfer- C07949+G3892511:32 AM3h46Liverpool James Street (LVJ)3:18 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€521One-way1 transfer
- C16920+G388708:10 AM3h28Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)11:38 AMCardiff Central (CDF)€601One-way1 transfer
- C16934+G3887711:12 AM3h32Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)2:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€371One-way1 transfer
- C16925+G388739:12 AM3h32Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)12:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€601One-way1 transfer
- G38882+C169492:12 PM3h32Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)5:44 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€601One-way1 transfer
- C16959+G388864:12 PM3h33Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)7:45 PMCardiff Central (CDF)€601One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare bus and train 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 €14. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 32m. 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 €14, and a train costs an average of €36.
Distance: 215 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€64 Average price | €28 Average price Cheapest |
4h 2m Average total duration Fastest 3h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 46m Average total duration 6h 16m 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 tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C16920+G38870 | 8:10 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h28 | 11:38 AM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
C16923+ G01144+ W34618 | 8:33 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
G01144+W34618+ W33888 · W34170 | 8:43 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 12:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C16925+G38873 | 9:12 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 12:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C07933+G38921 | 9:32 AM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 3h43 | 1:15 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C16929+G38874 | 10:12 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h41 | 1:53 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C16932+W29871+W34624 | 10:33 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 4h04 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 2 transfers | |
| W29871+W34624+W34182 · W34095 | 10:43 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h54 | 2:37 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 3 transfers | |
| C16934+G38877 | 11:12 AM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 2:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C07949+G38925 | 11:32 AM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 3h46 | 3:18 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C16939+G38878 | 12:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h33 | 3:45 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C16944+G38880 | 1:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h34 | 4:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C07965+G38927 | 1:32 PM Liverpool James Street (LVJ) | 3h45 | 5:17 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C16949+G38882 | 2:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h32 | 5:44 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
| C16954+G38885 | 3:12 PM Liverpool Lime Street (LIV) | 3h34 | 6:46 PM Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Liverpool to Cardiff 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.
Aug 11
Aug 12
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Aug 20
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Aug 22
Aug 23
Aug 24
Why should you book Liverpool to Cardiff trains with Omio?
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, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Cardiff.
- 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 Liverpool to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or West Midlands Trains to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Cardiff.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Liverpool to Cardiff?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Liverpool to Cardiff
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff run on average 8 times per day, taking around 3h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €36 but you can travel from only €14 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:18, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 3h 26m.
Distance 215 km |
Average train duration 3h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Trains per day 8 |
Fastest train 3h 26m |
First train 3:18 AM |
Last train 11:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 2 days |
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 €14. 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
Most Liverpool to Cardiff trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool Lime Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is 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. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.
Getting to Liverpool James Street from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool James Street train station facilities and services
Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are 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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: 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.
Getting to Liverpool South Parkway from Liverpool city centre
Liverpool South Parkway is 8 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:
Liverpool South Parkway train station facilities and services
Liverpool South Parkway has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Accessibility, WC, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool South Parkway.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Liverpool South Parkway. Information desks are 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.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Liverpool South Parkway: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool South Parkway: 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” Platforms are accessible via lifts, Accessible car park equipment: Wheelchair users can use car park equipment at this station unaided, 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: Yes.
Getting to Cardiff Central from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cardiff Queen Street from Cardiff city centre
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.
Getting to Cathays from Cardiff city centre
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.
More options for your journey from Liverpool to Cardiff
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Cardiff and Liverpool
Most popular train connections to Cardiff
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