The cheapest and fastest trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff
Cheapest price
£77
Average price
£95
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
124 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bournemouth to Cardiff will cost around £95 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £77.
To travel from Bournemouth to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.
P61450+
L231218:223h24Bournemouth station (BMH)11:46Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
P61453+
L231239:223h28Bournemouth station (BMH)12:50Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
P61456+
L2312510:223h25Bournemouth station (BMH)13:47Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
P61459+
L2312711:223h28Bournemouth station (BMH)14:50Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
C72317+
L230489:063h34Bournemouth station (BMH)12:40Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way1 change
P61450+
L231218:223h24Bournemouth station (BMH)11:46Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
P61456+
L2312510:223h25Bournemouth station (BMH)13:47Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
P61453+
L231239:223h28Bournemouth station (BMH)12:50Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
P61459+
L2312711:223h28Bournemouth station (BMH)14:50Cardiff Central (CDF)£771One-way1 change
C72329+
L2305111:063h31Bournemouth station (BMH)14:37Cardiff Central (CDF)£1311One-way1 change
Travel Information
Compare train and coach for Bournemouth to Cardiff
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Bournemouth to Cardiff among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 14m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £13, and a train costs an average of £43.
Distance: 124 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£83 Average Price | £23 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 44m Average total duration Fastest 3h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration 6h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg 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
Bournemouth to Cardiff train times
The table below shows live departures for Bournemouth to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Friday 3 April. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
P61450+ L23121 | On time 7:22 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h24 | 10:46 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C72317+ L23048 | On time 8:06 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h34 | 11:40 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
P61453+ L23123 | On time 8:22 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h28 | 11:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
P61456+ L23125 | On time 9:22 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h25 | 12:47 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
C72329+ L23051 | On time 10:06 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h31 | 13:37 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
P61459+ L23127 | 10:22 Bournemouth station (BMH) | 3h28 | 13:50 Cardiff Central (CDF) | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Bournemouth to Cardiff by train or coach
Compare train and coach 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.
04 Apr
05 Apr
06 Apr
07 Apr
08 Apr
09 Apr
10 Apr
11 Apr
12 Apr
13 Apr
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16 Apr
17 Apr
Why should you book Bournemouth to Cardiff trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Great Western Railway?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Great Western Railway, but also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Bournemouth 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 Great Western Railway with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of CrossCountry, Cross Country or South Western Railway to find the best option for your trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Bournemouth to Cardiff
Trains from Bournemouth to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £43 but you can travel from only £13 by coach.
The earliest train runs at 05:07, the last at 21:20. The fastest train covers the 124 km distance in 2h 52m.
Distance 124 km |
Average train duration 3h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price £43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 5:07 |
Last train 21:20 |
Train companies: Great Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway from Bournemouth to Cardiff trainsGreat Western Railway, CrossCountry, Cross Country, South Western Railway trains will get you between Bournemouth and Cardiff from £13. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Great Western Railway
CrossCountry
South Western Railway
Cross Country
FAQs: Bournemouth to Cardiff train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bournemouth 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
Important Stations and Airports in Bournemouth and Cardiff
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:40 - 20:40 Saturday 05:40 - 20:40 Sunday 06:40 - 20:40
- Car Park: Premium
- Taxi: Yes
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: Yes
- Step free access note: Step-free category B2 station. Level access to both sides of station from separate entrances. Long and steep ramped subway between platforms - up to 1:8 gradient Please be aware that some platforms at this station have no or only partial tactile paving on the platform edge.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: All South Western Railway ticket machines are able to sell tickets with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. All machines are accessible, however the station may not be so please check the station access note for further details
- 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 both platforms. The National key toilets are located on both platforms; these toilets are operated by a radar key. A radar key is available from station staff upon request. A 'National Key Scheme' key [RADAR] can be purchased by contacting the following. Address: 12 City Forum, 250 City Road, London, EC1V 8AF. Tel: 020 7250 3222. Minicom: 020 7250 4119. Fax: 020 7250 0212. Email: [email protected]
- National key toilets: Yes
- Baby changing facilities: Yes
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Southampton / Brockenhurst: Station entrance on Halfords side. To Poole: Station entrance on Asda side.
- Opening hours: Monday - Friday 05:50 - 12:30 Saturday 07:50 - 13:40 Sunday Closed
- Car Park: No
- Storage sheltered: Yes
- Storage CCTV: Yes
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: To Bournemouth: Christchurch Road (A35) Bus Stop by Bell Inn To Christchurch: Christchurch Road (A35) lay by outside Station
- 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.
- Car Park: No
- Staff help available: Yes
- Step free access coverage: No
- Step free access note: Category B3. The station is not suitable for wheelchair or powered mobility scooter users. Platform 1 (to Rhymney) has a long, steep access ramp. Platform 2 (to Cardiff) is only accessible via 41 steps. Customers travelling from the Rhymney Valley are advised to alight at Cardiff Queen Street and return to Heath Low Level.
- Accessible ticket machines: There are accessible ticket machines at this station
- Accessible ticket machines note: The ticket machine(s) do not accept cash. Payment is by major debit and credit cards only.
- Ramp for train access: Yes
- Wheelchairs available: No
- Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No
- Location for Rail Replacement Services: Wait outside station on Heath Halt Road
Most popular train connections from Bournemouth
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