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Trip Summary
You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Derby and Cardiff. The average train journey from Derby to Cardiff takes 2 hours and 59 minutes, but some CrossCountry + Connections train trips are as short as 2 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 123 mi (198 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 49m |
| Lowest price | DKK 350.83 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry + Connections |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Derby to Cardiff?
2 train services operate from Derby to Cardiff. CrossCountry + Connections usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 2 | 2h 51m | DKK 350.83 |
| CrossCountry + Connections | 5 | 3h 3m | DKK 670.87 |
CrossCountry operates an extensive rail network in the U.K., centered in Birmingham. In standard class, passengers enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets, and onboard restrooms. Trains also contain a small café or a trolley that passes through the carriages. An upgrade to first-class gives passengers more legroom and complimentary food. The journey from Derby to Cardiff usually takes about 2 hours and 51 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 2 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Derby to Cardiff start from DKK 671, and on average cost . Daily there are 5 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Cardiff. CrossCountry + Connections in Derby leaves from Derby Train Station . And in Cardiff trains arrive at Cardiff Central .
From Derby to Cardiff train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 3 hours and 3 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cardiff faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 2 hours and 49 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Derby to Cardiff on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Derby at 10:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Cardiff. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Cardiff to Derby.
City Information
Cardiff
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Cardiff is the capital of Wales, as well as its largest city. Although the city was initially founded as a Roman fort, Cardiff has glided effortlessly into the 21st century, offering tourists a diverse mix of old and new.
Looking to explore the city's history? Cardiff Castle at the heart of the city makes for an exciting day out, where visitors can learn about the fascinating 2,000 years of history that the castle represents.
If the castle gets you in the mood to explore more history, the St Fagans National Museum of History will surely satisfy your historical appetite. As one of Europe's leading open-air museums, the museum offers historical attractions that detail history back to the Celtic era.
For those seeking a more modern experience, Cardiff boasts a fantastic selection of shops and cafes, with Cardiff Central Market as the top choice for retail therapy.
Cardiff has excellent transport links, making it an easy place to visit no matter where you're coming from. Cardiff Airport provides access for visitors traveling from off the island, while high-speed rail services make access to and from London simple. Cardiff Central Station also offers direct routes from Bristol, Bath, Manchester, Nottingham, as well as other main cities and towns.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Derby?
Main departure station: Derby Train Station
There is one train station in Derby.
All train stations in Derby:
Derby Train Station
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Cardiff Central
Cardiff Central Station is the largest and busiest rail terminal in Wales and one of two primary train stations in Cardiff. A registered historic building, it first opened in 1850 but is known for its art deco concourse and north entrance, both added in the 1930s. Most facilities are in the main concourse, including ATMs, food outlets, and a newsagent. Transport for Wales operates services to south, central, and north Wales, while Cross Country runs hourly services to Gloucester, Birmingham, and Derby. Great Western operates the route to London Paddington via Bristol Parkway.
Train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
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