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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads by train

It takes an average of 58m to travel from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads by train, over a distance of around 26 miles (42 km). There are normally 43 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads and tickets for this journey start from £6.50 when you book in advance.

First train

05:28

Last train

23:30

Departure station

Cardiff Central

Arrival station

Bristol Temple Meads

Journey time

From 45m

Distance

26 miles (42 km)

Frequency

43 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £6.50

Train operators

Great Western Railway

How to travel from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads by train in 45 minutes

Want to hop across the border and looking for more information on the journey from Cardiff to Bristol by train? You’ve come to the right place! 

On average, the train journey from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads takes around 57 minutes, but can take just 45 minutes on the fastest services, with around 39 trains running on this popular route per day. You don’t need to worry about changing along your journey, as there are direct services available. 

If you’re travelling on this route, you’ll board either a CrossCountry or Great Western Railway train at Cardiff Central station. Once you’re on board, you can start to enjoy the onboard amenities, including power sockets, luggage allowances and family-sized tables. If you like to travel in style, why not upgrade to First Class? You’ll enjoy free WiFi, larger reclining seats and complimentary food and drink. In just 45 minutes, you will cross the border and 26 miles between these two great cities and arrive at Bristol Temple Meads station.  

Once you’ve exited the station, you’re just a short stroll along the river into the city centre. Now you can start exploring the city! Not sure where to start? Read our guide to the perfect weekend in Bristol, including a trip to Clifton Suspension Bridge and Bristol Castle.   

If you want to take advantage of the cheapest train tickets, try travelling Off-Peak as tickets tend to be cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends. If you’d like to save even more money, get yourself a Railcard and you’ll save up to 1/3 off eligible journeys for a whole year. 

Eager to get going? Start a search for cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads in our Journey Planner at the top of the page. Continue reading for more information about your journey, including FAQs and tips on booking cheap train tickets.  

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How long does the train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads take?

The average journey time by train between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads is 58 minutes, with around 43 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.

What's the fastest journey time between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads is 45 minutes.

How much does the train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads cost?

Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads can start from as little as £6.50 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.

Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads without having to change trains. There are 43 direct trains from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.

What time does the first train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads leave?

The first train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads leaves at 05:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads leave?

The last train from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads leaves at 23:30. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.

What's the distance between Cardiff Central and Bristol Temple Meads by train?

Trains travelling from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads cover a distance of around 26 miles (42 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bristol Temple Meads to Cardiff Central.

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads start at £6.50 one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, we’ll help you find the cheapest tickets.

Book in advance

Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.

Consider a Season Ticket

If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Cardiff Central to Bristol Temple Meads is right for you.

Use your Railcard

National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.

Split your tickets

Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.

For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.

Advance adult single fare. Excludes booking fee. Prices seen by Trainline customers in the last 30 days. Availability limited.
† Average savings on advance fares booked at least one week before day of travel vs Anytime fares purchased on day of travel. Subject to availability. Excludes coach.

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