Cheap train tickets from Cardiff to York
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Cardiff to York Train Schedule
Trip Summary
8 trains operate daily from Cardiff to York. The train trip from Cardiff to York is usually about 6 hours and 16 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Great Western Railway + Connections train can get you there in as little as 5 hours and 4 minutes.
| Distance | 192 mi (310 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 4m |
| Lowest price | €67.08 |
| Most frequent service | Arriva Trains Wales + Connections |
| Train lines | 3 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to York?
There are 3 train lines with service from Cardiff to York. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 6 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 6 | 6h 29m | €88.69 |
| CrossCountry | 1 | 6h 9m | €67.08 |
| Great Western Railway + Connections | 1 | 5h 5m | €145.67 |
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to York start from €76, and on average cost . Daily there are 6 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to York. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in York trains arrive at Railway Station .
From Cardiff to York train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 6 hours and 29 minutes. If you are looking to get to York faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 4 minutes.
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 York usually takes about 6 hours and 9 minutes on a CrossCountry train. There are 1 trips on this route every day, and 0 daily trips on weekends.
Great Western Railway + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to York start from €146, and on average cost . Daily there are 1 Great Western Railway + Connections schedules to York. Great Western Railway + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in York trains arrive at Railway Station .
From Cardiff to York train travel on Great Western Railway + Connections takes 5 hours and 5 minutes. If you are looking to get to York faster, Great Western Railway + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 4 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Cardiff to York
The distance between Cardiff and York is approximately 192 miles, or 310 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 4 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Cardiff to York on Thursday. Tickets for Thursday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
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 York 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.
York
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
The ancient town of York in the northeast of England offers adventure and excitement, as well as opportunities to sit back and relax. With over 1,900 years of history within its walls, the city of York is home to an intriguing mix of Roman and Viking history. Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to experience a recreation of life in a Viking city, as well as life-size dioramas and a ride experience.
For those with an architectural eye, a visit to York Minster is a must. With its intricate stained glass windows and elaborate tombs, this medieval cathedral is an impressive yet peaceful place to spend a couple of hours exploring. York also boasts Europe's most visited street: The Shambles. Dating back to medieval times, this street now hosts many unique and independent shops, cafes, and bakeries, all with the feeling that you have stepped back in time.
With its position in the heart of the country, accessing York could not be simpler. East Midlands and Northern Rail services offer direct and quick train service to the city. York is also within reach of four international airports and many major roads for access via car. Park-and-ride services around the city mean you won't have to worry about parking in those medieval streets.
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 York?
Image credit: Tim Green
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Railway Station
Situated in a commanding Victorian building on the eastern outskirts of the old town, York Railway Station is part of the UK's east coast main line between London's King's Cross Station and Edinburgh. Upon its opening in 1877, the station was the world's largest railway station. It remains York's primary rail terminus, with 11 platforms welcoming trains daily. Most of its platforms are reached via a long footbridge, while the main concourse has a small amount of seating, ATMs, a newsagent, and various food outlets.
All train stations in York:
Railway Station
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Need a return trip from York to Cardiff?
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