Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Cardiff to Dublin. Traveling by train from Cardiff to Dublin usually takes 11 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train can make the trip in 9 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 183 mi (295 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 20m |
| Lowest price | $53.32 |
| Most frequent service | Arriva Trains Wales |
| Train lines | 2 |
Which train should you take from Cardiff to Dublin?
2 train services operate from Cardiff to Dublin. Arriva Trains Wales usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arriva Trains Wales | 5 | 11h 24m | $51.01 |
| Arriva Trains Wales + Connections | 3 | 10h 30m | $57.16 |
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.
Arriva Trains Wales + Connections train tickets from Cardiff to Dublin start from $57, and on average cost . Daily there are 3 Arriva Trains Wales + Connections schedules to Dublin. Arriva Trains Wales + Connections in Cardiff leaves from Cardiff Central . And in Dublin trains arrive at O'Connell Street Upper 59-60 .
From Cardiff to Dublin train travel on Arriva Trains Wales + Connections takes 10 hours and 30 minutes. If you are looking to get to Dublin faster, Arriva Trains Wales + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 9 hours and 20 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Cardiff and Dublin is approximately 183 miles, or 295 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 20 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 Dublin on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday 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 7:00pm. 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 Dublin 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.
Dublin
Dublin is a melting pot that effortlessly blends traditional Irish culture with modern luxury, creating one of the most unique cultural experiences in Europe. Voted one of the most walkable cities in Europe, Dublin offers many pleasant surprises to explorers who enjoy seeing the city on foot. The best place to stroll around is Grafton Street, a busy shopping quarter that offers everything from designer boutiques to quaint bookshops. If you are looking to dive into the unique Celtic root of the Irish culture, head over to Trinity College and marvel at The Book of Kells, which dates back to 800 A.D. If you’re a nature-lover, head over to St. Stephen’s Green and enjoy a picnic away from the crowd without having to leave Central Dublin.
Dublin’s food scene has enjoyed a successful renaissance since the 90s, and the city boasts a wide range of cuisines now. For some of the best dishes in town, head over to the area south of Liffey. If you wish to try delightful cakes or puddings, Queen of Tarts is the place to be.
The two principal train stations in Dublin are the Heuston Station and Connolly Station. The Dublin Airport is located north of the city.
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 Dublin?
Main arrival station: O'Connell Street Upper 59-60
Dublin has one train station.
All train stations in Dublin:
O'Connell Street Upper 59-60
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Dublin to Cardiff?
Search Train Tickets
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more