First train | 03:28 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 23:45 | |
Departure station | Glasgow | |
Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
Journey time | From 5h 42m | |
Distance | 306 miles (493 km) | |
Frequency | 56 trains per day | |
Changes | 1 change | |
Price | From £50 | |
Train operators | CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, East Midlands Railway, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, Transport for Wales, Lumo |
The train from Glasgow to Cardiff takes you from Scotland’s second city to the Welsh capital, through some scenic landscapes, down into Wales and eventually pulling into Cardiff Central in the south of the country. Travelling by Avanti West Coast to Crewe, before a change onto a Transport for Wales train from Crewe to Cardiff, there's plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy the Welsh countryside.
All Avanti West Coast Trains come with a buffet car known as The Foodbar, where you can buy hot and cold food and drinks throughout the day. If not, a buffet cart service will be provided at your seat. There's also a Quiet Coach, ideal for those looking to relax more or concentrate on work during the journey. There's complimentary WiFi when sat in First Class, while passengers in Standard will need to pay a small fee for the service.
Visit our Transport for Wales page for more information about their onboard services.
The Glasgow to Cardiff train takes you on a scenic trip from the Scottish Lowlands, through the rolling hills of Northern England, before changing course and heading into the picturesque Welsh countryside. A window seat for both parts of this journey is recommended, as there are plenty of opportunities to take some great photos from the comfort of your seat. On the way into Crewe from Glasgow, you’ll pass through the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales before reaching the major rail interchange station of Crewe. Coming out of Crewe, you’ll travel past Shrewsbury and into the Shropshire Hills, before pulling into Hereford. From there, you’ll finally cross into Wales and travel alongside the Brecon Beacons National Park, giving you a fantastic chance to get those photos. You’ll eventually travel along the mouth of the River Severn, before pulling into Cardiff Central station.
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.
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 Glasgow to Cardiff Central is right for you.
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.
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.