Train Tickets to Cardiff Central
London Paddington to Cardiff Central
1h 44m
Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central
46m
Swansea to Cardiff Central
51m
Train travel to Cardiff Central guide
Cardiff Central Station, known in Welsh as Caerdydd Canolog, is the largest and busiest railway station in Wales. Originally opened in 1850, it is strategically located in the heart of the city and serves as a central hub for both local and long-distance rail services, facilitating travel across Wales and the United Kingdom.
Managed by Transport for Wales (TfW), the station serves as a key interchange for several train operators, including Great Western railway (GWR) and CrossCountry. Cardiff Central offers frequent services to major destinations such as London Paddington, Bristol, Birmingham New Street, Manchester Piccadilly, and Swansea, ensuring comprehensive connectivity across the region and beyond.
Cardiff is renowned for its rich history, cultural attractions, and dynamic entertainment scene, with notable landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the National Museum Cardiff. The Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, is a short walk from Cardiff Central Station and serves as a versatile venue for rugby matches, concerts, and events, featuring a retractable roof and a seating capacity of around 74,000.
Which train companies run trains to Cardiff Central?
Elizabeth line, CrossCountry and Great Western Railway offer services to and from Cardiff Central, serving various UK locations. Prices and durations can vary depending on your travel time.
What are Cardiff Central's opening hours?
You can expect Cardiff Central to be open between the hours of 0:00 and 23:59, which are when the first and last train depart, but ensure you check prior to your journey as this is subject to change.
Pick up & drop off at Cardiff Central
You can enjoy a hassle-free journey with Cardiff Central's designated parking and pick-up/drop-off areas.
Connectivity of the Cardiff Central?
London, London Paddington, Bristol, Swansea and Bristol Temple Meads are just a few popular locations that run services to and from Cardiff Central. Frequent buses and taxi services are also available from the station, though we recommend researching prior to your journey to be sure.
Cardiff Central live timetable
Our live timetable provides real-time information on train schedules and services for passengers travelling to and from Cardiff Central, check now to plan your next journey.
Departures
Arrivals
| Train | Time | Duration | Train Operator | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff Central to Cheltenham Spa | 16:10 | 1h 18m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Cardiff Central to Rhymney | 16:11 | 56m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Cardiff Central to Maesteg | 16:13 | 52m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Cardiff Central to Pontypridd | 16:13 | 32m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Cardiff Central to Chester | 16:16 | 3h 9m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Train | Time | Duration | Train Operator | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff Central | 16:12 | 1h 3m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Carmarthen to Cardiff Central | 16:14 | 1h 54m | Great Western Railway | On time |
| Treherbert to Cardiff Central | 16:16 | 1h 7m | Transport for Wales | On time |
| Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central | 16:16 | 2h 25m | Great Western Railway | Exp. 16:16 |
| Penarth to Cardiff Central | 16:17 | 13m | Transport for Wales | On time |
Station Details
Address:
Cardiff Central station, Central Square, Cardiff, Cardiff, CF10 1EPTicket Office opening hours::
Monday to Saturday open from 06:30 until 19:30
Ticket Machine:
AvailableFacilities
Toilets
WiFi
Shops
Station Buffet
ATM
Cycle storage
Cycle storage CCTV
Cycle storage notes
Services
Accessible Booking Office counter
Wheelchairs
Accessible ticket machines
Step-free access
How to buy cheap train tickets to Cardiff Central

Book in Advance
Advance train tickets are typically the most cost-effective option for train travel. They are usually available for purchase 12 weeks before the travel date.

Use a Railcard
Use a Railcard to get an average of 1/3 off and explore more train routes for commuting, family & friends trips, and weekend getaways

Travel Off-Peak
Save on train fares by avoiding peak times, travelling off-peak, and allowing for a flexible travel schedule

Split Tickets
Split a long journey into two tickets to lower the fare and stay on the same train.
Recommendations
Popular Routes
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- Birmingham to London Euston
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