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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.

Glasgow to Cardiff Central by train

It takes an average of 10h 9m to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 306 miles (493 km). There are normally 56 trains per day travelling from Glasgow to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £50 when you book in advance.

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

Travelling from Glasgow to Cardiff by train

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.

FAQs about the train journey from Glasgow to Cardiff Central

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

How do you get to Cardiff Central from Glasgow?

To travel to Cardiff Central from Glasgow, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 10 hours and 9 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 5 hours and 42 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Glasgow to Cardiff Central?

Trains from Glasgow to Cardiff Central take an average of 10 hours and 9 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours and 42 minutes. You'll usually find 56 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Glasgow to Cardiff Central by train?

Train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central can start from £50 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

What is the quickest journey time between Glasgow and Cardiff Central by train?

The quickest journey time between Glasgow and Cardiff Central by train is 5 hours and 42 minutes.

Cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central

Train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central start at £50 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 Glasgow to Cardiff Central 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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