Swansea to Cardiff Central by train
It takes an average of 1h 13m to travel from Swansea to Cardiff Central by train, over a distance of around 34 miles (55 km). There are normally 81 trains per day travelling from Swansea to Cardiff Central and tickets for this journey start from $6.20 when you book in advance.
| First train | 02:38 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 23:29 | |
| Departure station | Swansea | |
| Arrival station | Cardiff Central | |
| Journey time | From 52m | |
| Distance | 34 miles (55 km) | |
| Frequency | 81 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $6.20 | |
| Train operators |
Travelling from Swansea to Cardiff by train
Want to travel from Swansea to Cardiff by train for a sunny day out? Start your journey with us.
The train from Swansea to Cardiff usually takes around 1h 5m but can take just 51m on the fastest Great Western Railway or Transport for Wales services, with around 59 trains running on this popular route every day. Once you're on board, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes along the way.
To snap up the cheapest fares, book an Off-Peak time – tickets are usually cheaper when you travel Off-Peak compared to taking the train at Peak times. If you want to save even more, why not get a Railcard? You’ll save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year.
Ready to book? Start a search for cheap train tickets with us today. Want to check if trains are running? Use our timetable to view live train times from Swansea to Cardiff.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Swansea to Cardiff Central? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Swansea to Cardiff Central take?
The average journey time by train between Swansea and Cardiff Central is 1 hour and 13 minutes, with around 81 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Swansea and Cardiff Central by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Swansea to Cardiff Central is 52 minutes.
How much does the train from Swansea to Cardiff Central cost?
Train ticket prices from Swansea to Cardiff Central can start from as little as $6.20 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Swansea to Cardiff Central?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Swansea to Cardiff Central without having to change trains. There are 81 direct trains from Swansea to Cardiff Central each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Swansea to Cardiff Central leave?
The first train from Swansea to Cardiff Central leaves at 02:38. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Swansea to Cardiff Central leave?
The last train from Swansea to Cardiff Central leaves at 23:29. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Swansea and Cardiff Central by train?
Trains travelling from Swansea to Cardiff Central cover a distance of around 34 miles (55 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Cardiff Central to Swansea.
Cheap train tickets from Swansea to Cardiff Central
Book in advance
Look out for Advance tickets – they usually come out up to 12 weeks before the departure date and can be cheaper than buying on the day. If you’re here a tad early, sign up for our Advance ticket alert today to get notified when your tickets are released.
Consider a Season Ticket
If you catch this train more than 3 times per week, you could save money with a Season Ticket. With annual, monthly and weekly options available, find out if a season ticket for Swansea to Cardiff Central is right for you.
Use your Railcard
National Railcards offer a 1/3 off eligible train tickets in the UK and can be a great investment if you travel a few times or more in a year. Find out how you can save with a National Railcard here.
Split your tickets
Download our app to find split tickets — courtesy of SplitSave, our handy feature which 'splits' your train tickets where possible to find you a better deal. Learn more about the clever tech behind split tickets, and how to spot SplitSave discounts in our app.
For more money-saving tips on UK and European train travel, read our cheap train tickets guide.