Cheap train tickets to Cardiff

Are you looking for cheap train tickets to Cardiff? Split ticketing could be the answer.

Train tickets to Cardiff
Image credit: Nick Fewings | Unsplash

Located on the south Wales coast Cardiff is the capital city of the Principality and it's just a two hour train journey from London. Trains leave from London Paddington every 30 minutes and if you depart on a Friday morning and return on Sunday evening TrainSplit have found a split ticket saving of £60.94.
Cheap train tickets to Cardiff
Image credit: Grooveland Designs | Unsplash

If you're a sports fan Cardiff Central station is perfectly located with rugby and football at the Principality Stadium and 1st class cricket at Sophia Gardens just a short walk away. You can find great savings on the train journey to Cardiff by booking a split ticket with TrainSplit.

The exterior of Cardiff Castle might be around 2,000 years old but step inside and you'll find a grand Victorian interior with a mixture of decorative styles.

Rail tickets to Cardiff
Image credit: Shengpengpeng Cai | Unsplash

A short hop from the city centre of Cardiff you'll find Mermaid Quay. Located in the heart of Cardiff Bay with over 30 restaurants, bars and cafes a comedy club and the 5 screen Everyman boutique cinema. It's also the base for the Millenium Centre the home for the Arts in Wales and Aquabus - Cardiff Bay's waterbus service.

If you're looking for some fresh air then head to Bute Park with its acres of green space that run along the banks of the River Taff.

Did you know that TrainSplit can also compare your rail and car journey and calculate the emission savings? Book through TrainSplit and we'll also do their best to find you a split ticket saving.

The TrainSplit app makes it easy to find cheaper alternative journeys through split ticketing.

The app is available on both iOS and Android devices. Just search for "TrainSplit" in your app store and download the app today.

Things that make Cardiff a great tourist destination

Its rich history and culture: Cardiff has a long and fascinating history, dating back to the Roman occupation. The city is home to many historical landmarks, including Cardiff Castle, the National Museum of Wales, and the Millennium Stadium.
Its vibrant arts and culture scene: Cardiff is a thriving city with a vibrant arts and culture scene. There are numerous theaters, museums, and galleries to explore, as well as a thriving music scene.
Its beautiful natural scenery: Cardiff is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, including the River Taff, Cardiff Bay, and the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Its friendly and welcoming people: Cardiffians are known for being friendly and welcoming, and they are always happy to help visitors.

Some other interesting facts about Cardiff:

Cardiff is known as the "City of Arcades" because it has the highest concentration of Victorian and Edwardian shopping arcades in Britain.
Spillers Records is the oldest record shop in the world, and it is located in Cardiff.
Cardiff was the largest coal-exporting port in the world in the early 20th century.
The city is home to the BBC Wales headquarters, and it is also a major center for the Welsh media.
Cardiff is a popular destination for sporting events, and it has hosted the Rugby World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, and the Commonwealth Games.

If you are looking for a great place to visit in the UK, Cardiff is a great option. It has something to offer everyone, from history lovers to culture vultures to nature lovers. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Cardiff today!

10 Things to Do in Cardiff

1. Visit Cardiff Castle - This medieval castle is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Cardiff. It has a rich history dating back to the 11th century, and it is now a popular spot for events and concerts.

2. Explore Cardiff Bay - This waterfront area is home to the Cardiff Bay Barrage, the Wales Millennium Centre, and a number of other attractions. You can walk, bike, or boat around the bay, or visit one of the many restaurants or bars.

3. Go shopping in the city center - Cardiff has a wide variety of shops, from high-street stores to independent boutiques. You'll find everything from clothes and souvenirs to food and drink.

4. Visit the National Museum of Wales - This museum houses a collection of over 600,000 objects, including art, history, and natural history exhibits.

5. Take a walk through Bute Park - This beautiful park is located in the heart of Cardiff, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. There are also a number of walking and cycling trails in the park.

6. Catch a show at the Millennium Stadium - This iconic stadium is home to the Welsh national rugby team, and it's also used for a variety of other events, such as concerts and football matches.

7. Sample local food - Cardiff has a vibrant food scene, and you'll find everything from traditional Welsh dishes to international cuisine. Be sure to try some Welsh cakes, a type of griddle cake made with oats and butter.
Train tickets to Cardiff
Welsh cakes | Image credit: Llio Angharad | Unsplash

8. Take a day trip to the Brecon Beacons - This national park is located just outside of Cardiff, and it's a great place to go hiking, biking, and camping.
Trains to Brecon Beacons
Brecon Beacons | Image credit: Julia Zolotova | Unsplash

9. Visit the Rhondda Valley - This former coal mining valley is now a popular tourist destination, and it's home to a number of historical sites and museums.

10. Learn about Welsh history and culture - Cardiff is a great place to learn about Welsh history and culture. There are a number of museums and historical sites in the city, and you can also take a Welsh language course.

The TrainSplit app is more than just a way to save money on train travel. It's a great way to explore new places and meet new people.

Get the app

How to Get Around Cardiff: Tips for Public Transportation and More

Cardiff Bus: Cardiff Bus is the main bus operator in Cardiff, and it operates a network of services covering the city and surrounding areas. Buses are a convenient and affordable way to get around Cardiff, and they can be used to reach most of the city's major attractions.
Cardiff Tram: The Cardiff Tram is a modern light rail system that links the city center with the suburb of Penarth. The tram is a quick and efficient way to get around, and it's a great option if you're visiting the city with children.
Train: Cardiff Central train station is the main railway station in Cardiff, and it's served by trains operated by Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, and GWR. Trains are a good option for getting to Cardiff from other parts of the UK, and they can also be used to travel to some of the city's surrounding areas.
Walking and cycling: Cardiff is a relatively small city, so it's easy to get around on foot or by bike. Walking is a great way to explore the city's historic center, and cycling is a fun and healthy way to get around.
River taxi: The River Taff runs through Cardiff, and there are a number of river taxis that operate along the river. River taxis are a great way to see the city from a different perspective, and they're also a fun way to get to some of the city's more remote attractions.

Here are some additional tips:

Buy a day pass: If you're planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in Cardiff, it can be worth buying a day pass for the bus or tram. This will give you unlimited travel for a set period of time, and it can save you money in the long run.
Use the Park and Ride: If you're driving into Cardiff, you can use the Park and Ride service. This will allow you to park your car at one of the city's park and ride sites and then take a bus or tram into the city center.
Download a map app: There are a number of map apps available that can help you get around Cardiff. These apps can show you the location of bus stops, tram stops, and train stations, and they can also help you plan walking or cycling routes.

Sports

Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, is a city deeply passionate about its sports. Whether you're a football fanatic, a rugby enthusiast, or a lover of various athletic pursuits, Cardiff has a sporting scene that caters to all tastes.

Football - Cardiff City FC, based at the Cardiff City Stadium, is the city's beloved football team. Join the Bluebirds' faithful supporters as they cheer on the club in their quest for victory. The atmosphere on matchdays is electric, making it a must-visit for football aficionados.

Rugby - Rugby is more than just a sport in Cardiff; it's a way of life. The iconic Principality Stadium, formerly known as the Millennium Stadium, hosts thrilling rugby matches. Be it the national team, the Cardiff Blues, or other regional teams, the stadium comes alive with the roar of passionate fans.

Cricket - Sophia Gardens, the home of Glamorgan County Cricket Club, is where you can witness the grace and precision of cricket matches. The ground also hosts international matches, making it a great spot for cricket lovers.

Athletics - Cardiff is no stranger to athletic competitions. The Cardiff International Sports Stadium is where you can catch track and field events, showcasing the talents of local athletes and international stars.

Water Sports - With Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel nearby, water sports enthusiasts have ample opportunities for sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. The Cardiff International White Water Centre offers thrilling experiences for rafting and canoeing.

Golf - Cardiff boasts several excellent golf courses, including the Celtic Manor Resort, where prestigious golfing events have taken place. Tee off in the lush surroundings and enjoy a round of golf in the heart of the city.

Extreme Sports - For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Cardiff offers activities like indoor skydiving, indoor surfing, and rock climbing. Push your limits and experience the thrill of extreme sports in a safe environment.

Whether you're cheering on your favorite team, participating in recreational sports, or simply enjoying the sporting atmosphere, Cardiff invites you to be part of the excitement. So, grab your jersey, show your support, and immerse yourself in the world of sports in this dynamic Welsh city.

Are you a Sports Fan? TrainSplit has partnered with Pledgeball, a grassroots charity that rallies fellow fans to take action to protect where we play, making changes that improve our air and our green spaces. It can be as simple as swapping to reusable water bottles or taking the train to a match instead of driving. Fans, players, clubs, grassroots teams – the impact we can have together is game-changing.

Looking to extend your stay? Click here to explore the variety of accommodations for an overnight break.

Getting the best-value rail tickets possible is something that we at TrainSplit are sure many people want to do. This can include booking in advance, using a Railcard if you have one, travelling outside peak times, and – of course – splitting tickets via our website. If you’d like further information on any of these, please get in touch, and we’ll do what we can to assist you. We do have a comprehensive guide here at TrainSplit on the booking process, which we hope will be very useful. Below, we've outlined some of the key points, including securing cheap train tickets.

How to book Cheap Train Tickets to Cardiff

Book Your Train Tickets Early

For the best deals on Cheap Train Tickets, don't delay until the day of departure. Instead, book an Advance Ticket up to 12 weeks ahead when released by the Train Operating Companies. Advance Tickets for trains to Cardiff, offering lower prices, often sell out fast. We recommend booking your journey in advance, as early as possible, to secure the most affordable fares. Even if you need to book last minute, you can sometimes still purchase Advance Fares up to an hour before departure.

Use a Railcard

Pairing your journey with a railcard can slash up to a third off the ticket price, offering significant savings on cheap train tickets. If you're a regular train traveller, investing in a railcard will swiftly offset its cost through discounted fares.

Split Your Tickets

With TrainSplit’s unique journey planner, we search for the best-priced train tickets for your journey. You can easily discover the best split ticketing combinations that maximise your savings on train tickets, and best of all, TrainSplit will do all the work for you and doesn’t charge a booking fee.

Avoid Peak Times

Opting for off-peak travel not only saves money on higher-priced train tickets but also offers a more tranquil journey experience. Off-peak hours typically commence around 09:30, making them an ideal choice for budget-conscious travellers heading to Cardiff. Additionally, considering splitting your tickets during off-peak hours can further enhance your savings on cheap train tickets for your journey.

Travelling with Multiple Passengers

Explore Groupsave train tickets for discounted fares when travelling with a group of three or more people. It's a great way to save on train tickets and make your journey more affordable. And remember, you can also consider splitting your tickets with TrainSplit to save even more on your train tickets.

Consider an Alternative Route

If you're not starting your journey from London, why not try a different route that doesn't pass through the capital? Cross Country trains offer trips to Bristol Temple Meads that avoid London, providing a smart way to cut down on train travel costs. With TrainSplit’s journey planner, you can easily find cheaper routes to Cardiff by splitting your tickets. This can save you money on your train tickets, ensuring you enjoy affordable travel to your destination.

Avoid Booking Fees

Many ticket retailers impose booking fees for each journey booked, adding unnecessary expenses to your travel costs. With TrainSplit, we don't charge a booking fee. Instead, we only charge a Share of Savings, which is a small percentage of the savings you made if we found a split for your journey. Rest assured, it will still work out cheaper than purchasing a through fare. If no splits are found, no Share of Savings will be charged.

Cheap Tickets to Cardiff -Rated Excellent on Trustpilot

Claim Delay Repay

In the event of a delay, you may be entitled to compensation under the Delay Repay scheme. Be sure to familiarise yourself with the compensation policy of the operator you're travelling with and submit a claim for any eligible delays.

By following these tips, along with using TrainSplit’s unique journey planner to unearth the best deals on cheap train tickets to Cardiff, now is the perfect opportunity to embark on exciting adventures to this welsh city.

Popular Train Journeys in the UK

Check out our other blog posts

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I book Cheap Train Tickets to Cardiff?

You can find the cheapest train tickets to Cardiff by booking in advance and considering split ticket options. Websites like TrainSplit offer tools to help you find the best deals.

What's the most cost-effective way to travel to Cardiff?

The most economical way to travel to Cardiff is by booking cheap Advance Tickets and exploring split ticketing options, which can significantly reduce your travel expenses.

When should I book my train tickets to Cardiff for the best prices?

To secure the cheapest train tickets to Cardiff, it's advisable to book well in advance, as fares tend to increase closer to the travel date. Additionally, consider exploring split ticketing options for additional savings.

Can I save money by splitting my train tickets when travelling to Cardiff?

Yes, splitting your train tickets to Cardiff can often result in significant cost savings compared to purchasing a single through ticket. Services like TrainSplit can help you find the most advantageous split ticket combinations.

Are there any discounts available for frequent train travellers to Cardiff?

Consider purchasing a digital railcard that offers discounts for frequent train travellers to Cardiff and other destinations. A railcard can provide significant savings on train tickets, especially when combined with strategies such as split ticketing, to ensure you get the cheapest possible fares for your journeys. Whether you're commuting regularly or planning occasional trips, a railcard is a valuable investment that can help you maximise your savings on train travel to Cardiff and beyond.

Is it cheaper to book train tickets to Cardiff online or at the station?

When looking to secure cheap train tickets to Cardiff, booking online in advance typically provides the most cost-effective fares. Using train ticket booking platforms like TrainSplit can also help in finding split ticket options, further reducing your travel expenses.

Remember, if you have any questions about train travel or need assistance, feel free to reach out to our team. We're here to help you plan a memorable journey.

Trains to Aberystwyth

Trains to Brighton

Trains to the Lake District

Take your journeys with you

Journey Planner