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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 Porthmadog by train

It takes an average of 7h 46m to travel from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog by train, over a distance of around 108 miles (174 km). There are normally 17 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog and tickets for this journey start from £39.80 when you book in advance.

First train

03:35

Last train

19:41

Departure station

Cardiff Central

Arrival station

Porthmadog

Journey time

From 5h 14m

Distance

108 miles (174 km)

Frequency

17 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £39.80

Train operators

Transport for Wales

Taking the train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog in 5 hours 14 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 7 hours 46 minutes to travel the 108 miles (174 km) from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog by train, although you can get there in as little as 5 hours 14 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 17 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 1 change along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. As the main train operator on this route, you'll probably be travelling with Transport for Wales for all or at least part of your journey to Porthmadog.

Book train tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £39.80. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Porthmadog by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

Journey details

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.

How long does the train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog take?

The average journey time by train between Cardiff Central and Porthmadog is 7 hours and 46 minutes, with around 17 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 Porthmadog by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog is 5 hours and 14 minutes.

How much does the train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog cost?

Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog can start from as little as £39.80 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 Porthmadog?

No, there are no direct train services from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog. Travelling from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog by train will require a minimum of 1 change.

What time does the first train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog leave?

The first train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog leaves at 03:35. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog leave?

The last train from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog leaves at 19:41. 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 Porthmadog by train?

Trains travelling from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog cover a distance of around 108 miles (174 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Porthmadog start at £39.80 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 Porthmadog 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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