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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Cardiff and Bournemouth. The average train journey from Cardiff to Bournemouth takes 5 hours and 12 minutes, but some Great Western Railway + Connections train trips are as short as 3 hours and 18 minutes.
| Distance | 77 mi (124 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 18m |
| Lowest price | $35.98 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Bournemouth?
Great Western Railway + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Cardiff to Bournemouth. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 8 | 5h 13m | $56.22 |
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Bournemouth start from $36, and on average cost . Daily there are 8 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Bournemouth. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Bournemouth trains arrive at Bournemouth Train Station .
From Cardiff to Bournemouth train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 5 hours and 13 minutes. If you are looking to get to Bournemouth faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cardiff and Bournemouth is approximately 77 miles, or 124 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 18 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains departing from Cardiff to Bournemouth tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 8 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff.
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.
Bournemouth
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Bournemouth, in picturesque Dorset County, is located on the South Coast. As such, you can enjoy several miles' worth of beaches. But aside from the world-class resorts and water activities in Bournemouth, this city also reflects England's rich history, culture, and heritage.
If you're drawn to Bournemouth's museums and galleries, you must visit the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum. This museum, styled as an Italian villa, sits atop a cliff, ensuring the views outside are as gorgeous as the art inside. The Poole Museum, housed in a Victorian warehouse, offers impressive exhibits to art, archeology, pirate, and pottery enthusiasts.
But if you're here for the beach, head straight to the Fisherman's Walk Beach, ideal for relaxation because of its quiet atmosphere. If you’d like to stay in a dog-friendly beach lined with pretty beach huts, then it's Southbourne for you. The Alum Chine Beach is recommended for families because of its pirate-themed playground, ice cream kiosks, and restaurants.
Bournemouth also offers cliff hiking, golfing, bowling, and tennis. Of course, you can also do some watersports on a kayak, paddleboard, or surfboard. Diehard sports fans shouldn’t miss the chance to visit Bournemouth’s premier league stadium, Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth Airport is about 7 miles from the center of town. The South Western Railway or CrossCountry trains are available to travel to Bournemouth from Liverpool, Manchester, or other destinations. In addition, Megabus provides bus service in and out of Bournemouth.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain departure 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.
All train stations in Cardiff:
Cardiff Central
Where is the train station in Bournemouth?
Image credit: włodi
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Bournemouth Train Station
Bournemouth Railway Station is the primary train station serving the seaside town of Bournemouth. This station is a major stop along the South West Main Line from London Waterloo to Weymouth and the end of the CrossCountry route from Manchester to Bournemouth. The large red-brick building is across from an Asda Superstore and adjacent to the Bournemouth Coach and Bus Station. Since the train station is slightly northeast of downtown Bournemouth and the famous quayside, most travelers will likely transfer to a local bus right outside to reach their accommodations and activities.
All train stations in Bournemouth:
Bournemouth Train Station
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Need a return trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff?
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