Avanti West Coast
CrossCountry
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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.
Trains to Cardiff Central from Preston (Lancs)
It takes an average of 6h 6m to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 159 miles (256 km). There are normally 51 trains per day travelling from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from £42.50 when you book in advance.
| First train | 04:25 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:49 | |
| Departure station | Preston (Lancs) | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 3h 20m | |
| Distance | 159 miles (256 km) | |
| Frequency | 51 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £42.50 | |
| Train operators | Avanti West Coast, CrossCountry, Great Western Railway, Lumo, TransPennine Express, Transport for Wales |
Trains to Cardiff Central from Preston (Lancs)
Want to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central by train? Start your journey with us.
It takes an average of 6 hours 6 minutes to travel from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central by train. You'll find on average 51 trains per day running on this route.
There aren't any direct services on this line, but it's still easy to travel to Cardiff Central by train; you'll need to make 1 change.
Avanti West Coast, Great Western Railway, Lumo and Transport for Wales trains operate on this route.
The journey from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central starts at £42.50. Generally, booking Advance train tickets works out cheaper.
See our Journey Planner for up-to-date times and prices.
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central?
Want to know more about your journey from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central?
How far is the train ride from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central?
What is the best way to travel to Cardiff Central from Preston (Lancs)?
What time does the first train run from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central?
How late does the train from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central run?
How many trains go from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central per day?
When do tickets from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central?
How do I find cheap train tickets from Preston (Lancs) 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 Preston (Lancs) to Cardiff Central start at £42.50§ 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 Preston (Lancs) 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.