Getting to Cardiff from Swansea couldn’t be easier when you travel by train with Transport for Wales.

Our fastest routes take as little as 50 minutes, and trains run around every 20 minutes Monday to Friday, so there really is no more convenient way to make the journey. With Advance and flexible Anytime ticket options available, you can either book in advance for the best deals, or keep it flexible and decide on the day.

  • Journey duration: Approximately 50 minutes
  • Direct trains: Yes
  • Frequency: Around 50 trains per day
  • First train: Approximately 03:45 from Swansea
  • Last train: Approximately 23:30 from Swansea
  • Departure station: Swansea
  • Arrival station: Cardiff Central
  • Amenities: Spacious seating, free onboard Wi-Fi
  • Ticket savings: Book Advance fares early, use a Railcard, or travel Off Peak for the best value.

 

Why travel by train from Swansea to Cardiff?

Whether you are making the trip to Cardiff for shopping, sport and to take in the sites, you won’t be stuck for things to do to fill your day.

  • Enjoy Cardiff’s shopping experience - Shoppers are well catered for with something to suit every style and budget in a plethora of stores within the city. Whether you are looking for big-name brands, designer labels, or more niche and unique treasures, there is something for everyone within the Queen’s Arcade shopping centre and surrounding streets.
  • Go on an adventure - If adventure is more your thing, then a visit to Cardiff International White Water is a perfect way to spend your day. Try out white water rafting, stand up paddleboarding, gorge walking or kayaking, and you don’t even need to worry about being too tired to make the journey home again with our train service.
  • Enjoy some world-class sports - If you prefer getting your sports fix from the stands, then Cardiff has something for everyone. Football with Cardiff City football team at the Cardiff City Stadium, rugby with Cardiff Blues rugby union team at the world-famous Cardiff Arms Park or even ice hockey at the Ice Arena Wales with the Cardiff Devils ice hockey team, you’ll be spoilt for choice with what to watch.
  • Visit the Millennium Centre - There are performances for all the family, including the Top West End shows, as well as smaller family-friendly shows and craft sessions for the little ones, there really is something for everyone.

Head to our guide to things to do in Cardiff to find out more great things to do.

 

Live departures and arrivals

 

Top tips for buying your Swansea to Cardiff train tickets

Save money on your journey with the following options:

  • Advance tickets* - Buy early for the lowest fares
  • Railcards - Save up to a third on your next trip
  • Anytime tickets - Flexible travel any time of day
  • Season tickets - Great value for frequent travellers

Why not use our app? It lets you see all our budget-friendly travel deals in one place.

*Advance tickets are our best value fares and railcard discounts can be used when buying them. We cannot guarantee the availability of Advance tickets as they are limited in number and only on sale until 18:00 before the day you travel. We recommend buying early to avoid disappointment.

 

FAQs

Can I get a direct train from Swansea to Cardiff?

Yes, there are plenty of direct trains available, which will take you around 50 minutes to get from Swansea to Cardiff.

How often are trains from Swansea to Cardiff?

Trains are around every 20 minutes or so, with about 50 trains on average a day.

When is the first train from Swansea to Cardiff?

Trains start from around 03:45, depending on the day. Use the journey planner to find the train on your day of travel.

What time is the last train from Swansea to Cardiff?

Trains will run until around 23:30, depending on your day of travel

How much is the train from Swansea to Cardiff?

The average train ticket starts from £9.50 from Swansea to Cardiff.

Book your ticket for the train from Swansea to Cardiff directly with us today for the best prices without any admin fees.