TrainlineTrainline is Europe’s leading platform for train and bus tickets

Low prices found by our customers
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 9h 56m to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 306 miles (493 km). There are normally 87 trains per day travelling from Glasgow to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £39.10 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

87 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £39.10

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, TransPennine Express, ScotRail, 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.

Journey details

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 long does the train from Glasgow to Cardiff Central take?

The average journey time by train between Glasgow and Cardiff Central is 9 hours and 56 minutes, with around 87 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 Glasgow and Cardiff Central by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Glasgow to Cardiff Central is 5 hours and 42 minutes.

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

Train ticket prices from Glasgow to Cardiff Central can start from as little as £39.10 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 Glasgow to Cardiff Central?

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

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

The first train from Glasgow to Cardiff Central leaves at 03:28. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

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

The last train from Glasgow to Cardiff Central leaves at 23:45. 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 Glasgow and Cardiff Central by train?

Trains travelling from Glasgow to Cardiff Central cover a distance of around 306 miles (493 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central

Train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central start at £39.10 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.

Europe’s leading train and coach app

We help customers across Europe make more than 172,000 smarter journeys every day.