Gloucester to Cardiff train
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Trip Summary
9 trains operate daily from Gloucester to Cardiff. The train trip from Gloucester to Cardiff is usually about one hour and 8 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest CrossCountry train can get you there in as little as 58 minutes.
| Distance | 48 mi (78 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 58m |
| Lowest price | £10.90 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | CrossCountry |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from Gloucester to Cardiff
- CrossCountry tickets: £11 one-way
- Great Western Railway tickets: £22 one-way
- Transport For Wales tickets: £22 one-way
Which train should you take from Gloucester to Cardiff?
There are 3 train lines with service from Gloucester to Cardiff. CrossCountry is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 5 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| CrossCountry | 5 | 1h 2m | £13.80 |
| Great Western Railway | 1 | 1h 40m | £21.98 |
| Transport For Wales | 3 | 1h 7m | £21.98 |
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 Gloucester to Cardiff usually takes about 1 hours and 2 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 5 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Great Western Railway is a train company in the United Kingdom responsible for rail services in the west of England and south Wales, including many intercity services to and from London. Whether you book a seat on a standard or first-class carriage, you can expect plenty of legroom, complimentary WiFi, power outlets/USB charging points, and onboard restrooms. There are also café cars or snacks trolleys onboard.
Transport for Wales is a trusted provider of passenger rail travel in Wales and the border region with England. Popular trips include Chester to Church Stretton, Caldicot to Cardiff Central station, and Manchester to London. Passengers onboard can enjoy complimentary WiFi and various options for onboard meals, from either a café car or at-seat trolley service for snacks, sodas, and hot drinks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains from Gloucester to Cardiff are the most crowded on Thursday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Gloucester at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 15:00. 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 9 scheduled trains on most days. 8 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 Gloucester.
City Information
Gloucester
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Gloucester is a delightfully lively city in the heart of England. The city is surrounded by the rural and verdant Cotswolds but offers excitement as one of the area's bigger cities.
A visit to Gloucester must include stopping by the 11th century Gloucester Cathedral to marvel at the Romanesque architecture and even visit the tomb of King Edward II. Several museums dot the city's downtown, including the National Waterways Museum Gloucester and the Museum of Gloucester.
To breathe in the fresh air, head to the Robinswood Hill Country Park, Rococo Garden, and the Barnwood Arboretum. You can paddleboard or kayak at the Gloucester Docks or watch a game at the Gloucester Rugby sports grounds.
Gloucester is a stop along the Great Western Railway, which connects to the United Kingdom's rail network. National Express and Sindbad operate coach service to and from Gloucester for affordable travel from cities including London. International travelers can reach the city via the nearby Gloucestershire airport.
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 Gloucester?
Image credit: Elliott Brown
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Gloucester Train Station
Gloucester Train Station is centrally located in the city, across the street from the Gloucester Transport Hub, where coaches operate, and within walking distance of Gloucester Cathedral. The station building is simple but includes a shopping concourse with retail alongside amenities like an ATM, onsite parking, and restrooms. From Gloucester Train Station, Transport for Wales operates hourly service along the line to Cardiff. In addition, CrossCountry stops in Gloucester on its Cardiff to Nottingham route, and Great Western Railway operates several routes from Gloucester to cities including London and Bristol.
All train stations in Gloucester:
Gloucester 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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