Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
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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.
Trains to Porthmadog from Cardiff Central
It takes an average of 8h 15m to travel from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (174 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog and tickets for this journey start from £36.80 when you book in advance.
| First train | 03:20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:23 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | Porthmadog | |
| Journey time | From 5h 17m | |
| Distance | 108 miles (174 km) | |
| Frequency | 19 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £36.80 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales |
Travel by train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog
Looking to travel from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog by train? You've come to the right place!
Generally, the train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog takes around 8 hours 15 minutes, but can take just 5 hours 17 minutes on the fastest services. There are up to 19 trains per day from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog.
You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line.
Trains on this route are operated by Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales and CrossCountry.
Book your ticket from £36.80 for this journey. Booking early is one of the most effective ways to save money.
Start your search for train tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog in our Journey Planner.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
How far is the train ride from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
What is the best way to travel to Porthmadog from Cardiff Central?
What time does the first train run from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
How late does the train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog run?
How many trains go from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog per day?
When do tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog?
As most UK train companies increase their prices as the departure date approaches, our Trainline team of experts have put together these tips to help you find the cheapest tickets.
1. Book in advance
Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog start at £36.80§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.
2. Sign up to Ticket Alert
If you're planning a trip more than 12 weeks ahead, sign up to our Ticket Alert to get notified when Advance tickets are released for your travel date.
3. Use a Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel throughout the year. Buy one with us and you'll be able to store it digitally in our app, so you'll always have it on your travels.
4. Book split tickets
Our handy feature SplitSave will 'split' your train journey into multiple tickets, which can be much cheaper than buying a single ticket. Find out more about split tickets.
5. Travel Off-Peak
If you can be flexible with your travel times, Off-Peak and Super Off-Peak tickets are usually cheaper in the UK. Generally, Off-Peak times are any time at weekends and outside of Monday to Friday morning and evening rush hours.
6. Consider a Season Ticket
Best for commuters, if you catch a train on the same route more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly, weekly and flexi options available, find out if a Season Ticket for Cardiff Central to Porthmadog is right for you.
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.