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Trip Summary
You can pick from 8 daily train trips between Glasgow and Cardiff. The average train journey from Glasgow to Cardiff takes 6 hours and 13 minutes, but some Virgin Trains + Connections train trips are as short as 5 hours and 38 minutes.
| Distance | 306 mi (493 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 38m |
| Lowest price | $201.19 |
| Most frequent service | Virgin Trains + Connections |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Glasgow to Cardiff?
Virgin Trains + Connections is the one and only train line which connects Glasgow to Cardiff. However, there are 8 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virgin Trains + Connections | 8 | 6h 13m | $201.19 |
Virgin Trains + Connections train tickets from Glasgow to Cardiff start from $201, and on average cost . Daily there are 8 Virgin Trains + Connections schedules to Cardiff. Virgin Trains + Connections in Glasgow leaves from Glasgow Central . And in Cardiff trains arrive at Cardiff Central .
From Glasgow to Cardiff train travel on Virgin Trains + Connections takes 6 hours and 13 minutes. If you are looking to get to Cardiff faster, Virgin Trains + Connections offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 5 hours and 38 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Glasgow and Cardiff is approximately 306 miles, or 493 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 38 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 Glasgow to Cardiff are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Glasgow at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 Cardiff to Glasgow.
City Information
Glasgow
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. The city's name means "Dear Green Place" in Gaelic, and Glasgow earns this title as it is one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the area. Beyond its impressive green spaces, it is full of historical and cultural destinations.
There are dozens of inspiring museums and galleries in the city, including the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum, and the Gallery of Modern Art. The Glasgow Green is a vast public park dotted with monuments right next to the People's Palace, a museum devoted to social history. In the central shopping district, Buchanan Street is your go-to for mouthwatering cuisine and retail therapy.
If you want to try some local beer, hit up The Pot Still, The Ben Nevis Bar, or The Laurieston. Be sure to visit the Clydeside Distillery, too, so you can see how the national drink of Scotland (hello, Scotch) is manufactured.
Several trains serve Glasgow, including Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, CrossCountry, Caledonian Sleeper, London North Eastern Railway, Northern Rail, and the West Midlands Railway. In addition, Megabus and FlixBus offer bus service from Glasgow to other destinations in Scotland and beyond.
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 Glasgow?
Image credit: Daniel
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Glasgow Central
Glasgow Central Station is a stunning, expansive Victorian railway station in the center of Glasgow. The station is so large that it contains a piano garden, a concourse of shops and dining, numerous amenities, and even the Glasgow Grand Central Hotel onsite. The area around the station is also packed with bars, restaurants, and hotels for a very warm welcome to Glasgow. Six train carriers, including CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast, London North Eastern Railway, and TransPennine Express, operate routes to Glasgow Central Station from destinations as far as London.
All train stations in Glasgow:
Glasgow Central
Where is the train station in Cardiff?
Image credit: Hugh Llewelyn
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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
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