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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 Swansea by train

It takes an average of 1h 8m to travel from Cardiff Central to Swansea by train, over a distance of around 34 miles (55 km). There are normally 98 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Swansea and tickets for this journey start from £5 when you book in advance.

First train

04:35

Last train

01:39

Departure station

Cardiff Central

Arrival station

Swansea

Journey time

From 51m

Distance

34 miles (55 km)

Frequency

98 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £5

Train operators

Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales

Travelling from Cardiff to Swansea by train

Planning a sunny day out and looking to travel from Cardiff to Swansea by train? You've come to the right place!

The train from Cardiff to Swansea usually takes around 1h 7m but can take just 51m on the fastest Transport for Wales services, with around 92 trains running on this popular route every day. Trains are direct, so once you’re on board you can sit back, relax, and stay connected with free WiFi available on most services.

If you're heading for a relaxing day at Swansea Beach or want to visit Swansea Castle and museums, use our Journey Planner at the top of the page – we’ll highlight the cheapest fares for you. We recommend travelling Off-Peak as it can be so much cheaper compared to travelling at Peak times. You can also get a Railcard if you’re travelling by train more than a few times a year – you'll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys, what’s not to like?

Keen to book your train tickets from Cardiff to Swansea? No need to wait, start a search with us today! Want to learn a bit more about the journey first? Find ticket options, tips on booking cheap tickets and our FAQs below including first and last train times from Cardiff to Swansea.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Swansea? 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 Swansea take?

The average journey time by train between Cardiff Central and Swansea is 1 hour and 8 minutes, with around 98 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 Swansea by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to Swansea is 51 minutes.

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

Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to Swansea can start from as little as £5 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 Swansea?

Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff Central to Swansea without having to change trains. There are 98 direct trains from Cardiff Central to Swansea 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 Swansea leave?

The first train from Cardiff Central to Swansea leaves at 04:35. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

The last train from Cardiff Central to Swansea leaves at 01:39. 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 Swansea by train?

Trains travelling from Cardiff Central to Swansea cover a distance of around 34 miles (55 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Swansea

Train tickets from Cardiff Central to Swansea start at £5 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 Swansea 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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