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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Cardiff and Aberystwyth. The average train journey from Cardiff to Aberystwyth takes 6 hours and 1 minute, but some Arriva Trains Wales train trips are as short as 4 hours and 26 minutes.
| Distance | 75 mi (121 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 26m |
| Lowest price | $81.93 |
| Most frequent service | Arriva Trains Wales |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Aberystwyth?
Arriva Trains Wales is the one and only train line which connects Cardiff to Aberystwyth. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales | 8 | 6h 2m | $81.93 |
Arriva Trains Wales is a friendly and reliable operator of passenger rail services in Wales with services that cross the border into England. Destinations for Arriva Trains Wales services in Wales include Newport, Wrexham, Birmingham, and Manchester. Onboard, passengers will find power outlets and restrooms, plus snacks and beverages available for purchase from a café car or roving trolley service.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cardiff and Aberystwyth is approximately 75 miles, or 121 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 26 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.
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Cardiff to Aberystwyth. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 Aberystwyth 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.
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 Aberystwyth?
Main arrival station: Train Station
Aberystwyth has one train station.
All train stations in Aberystwyth:
Train Station
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Need a return trip from Aberystwyth to Cardiff?
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