Cardiff Central | Key Information & Cheap Tickets

Train Tickets to Cardiff Central

London Paddington to Cardiff Central

1h 44m

From

£43.00

Swansea to Cardiff Central

51m

From

£4.90

Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central

47m

From

£7.00

Train travel to Cardiff Central guide

Updated May 9, 2026

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 Bargoed	13:22	45m	Transport for Wales	On time
Cardiff Central to Holyhead	13:23	4h 49m	Transport for Wales	On time
Cardiff Central to Radyr	13:26	14m	Transport for Wales	On time
Cardiff Central to Barry Island	13:29	32m	Transport for Wales	On time
Cardiff Central to Radyr	13:30	15m	Transport for Wales	On time

Train	Time	Duration	Train Operator	Status
Holyhead to Cardiff Central	13:15	5h	Transport for Wales	Exp. 13:25
Barry Island to Cardiff Central	13:21	33m	Transport for Wales	On time
Exeter St Davids to Cardiff Central	13:22	2h 34m	Great Western Railway	Exp. 13:23
Nottingham to Cardiff Central	13:25	3h 18m	CrossCountry	Cancelled
Radyr to Cardiff Central	13:25	20m	Transport for Wales	On time