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Trains from Derby to Cardiff Bay

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CrossCountry
East Midlands Railway

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  1. Home
  2. Train times
  3. Derby to Cardiff Bay

Trains to Cardiff Bay from Derby

First train

04:55

Last train

22:50

Departure stationDerby
Arrival stationCardiff Bay
Journey time

From 2h 53m

Distance

123 miles (199 km)

Frequency

42 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Train operators

CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales

Plan your journey from Derby to Cardiff Bay

Considering a trip to Cardiff Bay and need more information on how to take the train from Derby to Cardiff Bay? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from Derby to Cardiff Bay takes around 4 hours 21 minutes. Every day, there are around 42 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 1 change on your journey from Derby to Cardiff Bay, as there are no direct trains.

Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales, East Midlands Railway and CrossCountry trains operate on this route.

Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Derby to Cardiff Bay?

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

How do you travel to Cardiff Bay from Derby?

To get to Cardiff Bay from Derby, why not take the train? With 42 trains per day and an average journey time of 4 hours and 21 minutes, taking the train is a great way to travel. See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.

How long does it take to get from Derby to Cardiff Bay by train?

On average, it takes around 4 hours and 21 minutes to travel from Derby to Cardiff Bay by train, although you can get there in 2 hours and 53 minutes on the fastest services. With 42 trains per day running on this route, journey times may vary, so check our Journey Planner for more information.

How fast can trains travel from Derby to Cardiff Bay?

The fastest time a train can travel the 123 miles (199 km) from Derby to Cardiff Bay is 2 hours and 53 minutes.

Are there any direct trains from Derby to Cardiff Bay?

There are no direct trains that run between Derby and Cardiff Bay. You’ll need to make at least 1 change along the way.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Derby to Cardiff Bay?

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. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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 Derby to Cardiff Bay 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.
† 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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