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Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry

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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.

Trains to Cardiff Central from Glasgow

It takes an average of 9h 52m to travel from Glasgow to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 306 miles (493 km). There are normally 76 trains per day travelling from Glasgow to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £46.80 when you book in advance.

First train

03:28

Last train

23:45

Departure stationGlasgow
Arrival stationCardiff Central
Journey time

From 5h 45m

Distance

306 miles (493 km)

Frequency

76 trains per day

Changes

1 change

Price

From £46.80

Train operators

Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, East Midlands Railway, Great Western Railway, London North Eastern Railway, Lumo, ScotRail, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales

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. There's plenty of time to sit back, relax and enjoy the Welsh countryside as you travel with Avanti West Coast to Crewe, before a change onto a Transport for Wales train from Crewe to Cardiff.

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 offers a stunning journey through the scenic heart of Britain. From the Scottish Lowlands, you’ll pass the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales before reaching Crewe. The route then winds past Shrewsbury and into the rolling Shropshire Hills, stopping at Hereford before crossing into Wales. As you skirt the Brecon Beacons and follow the River Severn, the views are truly unforgettable. A window seat is highly recommended for this picturesque ride into Cardiff Central station.

What do people frequently ask 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 9 hours and 52 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 5 hours and 45 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 9 hours and 52 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 5 hours and 45 minutes. You'll usually find 76 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 £46.80 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 45 minutes.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central?

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. Book in advance

Train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff Central start at £46.80§ one way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. UK train companies usually release Advance tickets up to 12 weeks ahead of time, and these can be cheaper than tickets bought on the day of travel.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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 Glasgow to Cardiff Central 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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