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Poole to Cardiff Bay by train

First train

04:00

Last train

21:54

Departure station

Poole

Arrival station

Cardiff Bay

Journey time

From 3h 57m

Distance

73 miles (117 km)

Frequency

20 trains per day

Changes

3 changes

Train operators

CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, South Western Railway, Transport for Wales

Taking the train from Poole to Cardiff Bay in 3 hours 57 minutes

Thinking about taking the train from Poole to Cardiff Bay? We've got you covered.

It usually takes around 5 hours 49 minutes to travel the 73 miles (117 km) from Poole to Cardiff Bay by train, although you can get there in as little as 3 hours 57 minutes on the fastest services. You'll normally find around 20 trains per day running on this route. You'll need to make 3 changes along the way as there aren't any direct services on this line. You're likely to be travelling with Great Western Railway, Transport for Wales or South Western Railway to Cardiff Bay. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

Book train tickets from Poole to Cardiff Bay in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices in our Journey Planner, for example when you travel at Off-Peak times or use a Railcard.

If you're feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Cardiff Bay by train, or check our timetable above to view live train times.

Journey details

Want to know more about your journey from Poole to Cardiff Bay? 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 Poole to Cardiff Bay take?

The average journey time by train between Poole and Cardiff Bay is 5 hours and 49 minutes, with around 20 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 Poole and Cardiff Bay by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Poole to Cardiff Bay is 3 hours and 57 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Poole to Cardiff Bay?

No, there are no direct train services from Poole to Cardiff Bay. Travelling from Poole to Cardiff Bay by train will require a minimum of 3 changes.

What time does the first train from Poole to Cardiff Bay leave?

The first train from Poole to Cardiff Bay leaves at 04:00. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Poole to Cardiff Bay leave?

The last train from Poole to Cardiff Bay leaves at 21:54. 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 Poole and Cardiff Bay by train?

Trains travelling from Poole to Cardiff Bay cover a distance of around 73 miles (117 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

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

Cheap train tickets from Poole to Cardiff Bay

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 Poole to Cardiff Bay 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.

† 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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