First train | 13:40 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 14:40 | |
Departure station | Newcastle | |
Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
Journey time | From 5h 26m | |
Distance | 250 miles (402 km) | |
Frequency | 2 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £55.70 | |
Train operators |
There are no direct services from Newcastle to Cardiff. When taking the train down to Wales, you'll need to change at both Birmingham New Street and Bristol Parkway. You’ll be travelling on CrossCountry and Great Western Railway trains.
Both trains are equipped with WiFi, which is free for all passengers on most GWR services while people travelling Standard with CrossCountry will have to pay a small fee to use the service on board. First Class tickets are available from both train operators. There's also the opportunity to buy hot and cold food and drink throughout the day on both of these trains thanks to their respective buffet cars. If there's not one on the service, a buffet cart will provide at-seat service.
Setting off from Newcastle, the train stops at Durham, Darlington and York, passing the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park on the way. Keep an eye out for the park from the train window, as it's a fantastic sight in the spring and summer months (when the area’s flora is in bloom).
After changing at Birmingham New Street, the route continues south to Bristol Parkway via Cheltenham and Gloucester, passing through the rest of the Cotswolds. After making your final change at Bristol Parkway, the GWR train takes you through the Severn Tunnel, which was the longest underwater tunnel in the world up until 1987.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.