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Trip Summary
There are 21 daily trains from Swansea to Cardiff. Traveling by train from Swansea to Cardiff usually takes around one hour and 5 minutes, but the fastest Great Western Railway train can make the trip in 52 minutes.
| Distance | 34 mi (55 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 52m |
| Lowest price | RON 31.19 |
| Trains per day | 12 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Swansea to Cardiff?
2 train services operate from Swansea to Cardiff. Great Western Railway usually has more trains scheduled, with 14 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway | 14 | 1h 4m | RON 90.92 |
| Transport For Wales | 7 | 1h 8m | RON 64.98 |
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 departing from Swansea to Cardiff tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Swansea at 04:00 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 21 scheduled trains on most days. 12 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 Swansea.
City Information
Swansea
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Pixabay
Swansea is a coastal city in the southwest of Wales. With its sweeping coastline and diverse city, this historically industrial town has so much to offer. A visit to Swansea would be incomplete without a visit to one, or all, of its magnificent beaches and peninsulas. Swansea Bay makes a great picnic stop on a warm day, with its soft sand, blue waters, and plentiful ice cream parlours.
The Gower Peninsula, famous for being the U.K.'s first Area of Outstanding National Beauty, provides a great place to experience the real Wales, with its dramatic limestone cliffs, wild moors, and diverse ecology; it's definitely worth the short car drive from the city.
If the weather drives you indoors, then visit the National Waterfront Museum to learn about the industrial and maritime history of Wales. Swansea is also home to a large indoor market where you can explore independent retailers' goods and indulge in the many local delicacies on offer.
With its major road links and park-and-ride car parks, Swansea is easy to reach by car. Direct trains also run from many major cities, including London and Manchester, via the Great Western Railway. National Express and Megabus also provide frequent coach services to the city.
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 Swansea?
Image credit: Jeremy Segrott
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Swansea Train Station
Trains to Swansea arrive at the Swansea Train Station on the northern edge of the city center. Opened in 1850, the station overlooks the Swansea Canal to the east. The historic building is not huge but includes a coffee shop and essential amenities. It is the terminus of regular services from London and serves as an intermediate stop for hourly Great Western Railways trains between Cardiff, West Wales, and Manchester. Transport for Wales operates additional routes from Swansea to cities throughout Wales.
All train stations in Swansea:
Swansea 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
Ninian Park Station
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Need a return trip from Cardiff to Swansea?
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