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Trip Summary
You can pick from 5 daily train trips between Cardiff and Doncaster. The average train journey from Cardiff to Doncaster takes 5 hours and 4 minutes, but some Great Western Railway + Connections train trips are as short as 3 hours and 58 minutes.
| Distance | 165 mi (266 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 58m |
| Lowest price | $77.31 |
| Most frequent service | Great Western Railway + Connections |
| Train lines | 4 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Doncaster?
There are 4 train lines with service from Cardiff to Doncaster. Great Western Railway + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 3 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 1 | 7h 39m | $158.77 |
| CrossCountry | 1 | 4h 29m | $77.31 |
| CrossCountry + Connections | 1 | 4h 11m | $79.87 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 3 | 4h 3m | $154.67 |
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Doncaster start from $153, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to Doncaster. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Doncaster trains arrive at Doncaster Train Station .
From Cardiff to Doncaster train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 7 hours and 39 minutes. If you are looking to get to Doncaster faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 58 minutes.
If you're considering a weeked trip, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers 2 schedules for you to choose from. You can expect to pay for a one-way train ticket to Doncaster.
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 Cardiff to Doncaster usually takes about 4 hours and 29 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 1 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
CrossCountry + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Doncaster start from $80, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 CrossCountry + Connections schedules to Doncaster. CrossCountry + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Doncaster trains arrive at Doncaster Train Station .
From Cardiff to Doncaster train travel on CrossCountry + Connections takes 4 hours and 11 minutes. If you are looking to get to Doncaster faster, CrossCountry + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 58 minutes.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Doncaster start from $153, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to Doncaster. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Doncaster trains arrive at Doncaster Train Station .
From Cardiff to Doncaster train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 4 hours and 3 minutes. If you are looking to get to Doncaster faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 3 hours and 58 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Doncaster on a weekend there is typically one Great Western Railway + Connections scheduled trip per day, which will cost for a one-way weekend reservation from Cardiff.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cardiff and Doncaster is approximately 165 miles, or 266 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 58 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 from Cardiff to Doncaster are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Cardiff at 7:00am 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 5 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 Doncaster 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 Doncaster?
Main arrival station: Doncaster Train Station
Doncaster has one train station.
All train stations in Doncaster:
Doncaster Train Station
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Need a return trip from Doncaster to Cardiff?
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