A train trip from Balcombe to Cathays takes about 4hrs 7 mins on average, covering roughly 134 miles (217 kilometres). With around 29 trains running each day, there's plenty of flexibility for your travel plans. If you book in advance, you can grab tickets starting from just £30.00, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Cathays |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Balcombe |
Frequency | 29trains per day |
Journey Time | from3hrs 37 mins |
Changes | 3-3no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 00:28 / 00:50 |
Distance | 134miles (217 km) |
2 Routes | Via London Blackfriars & London Paddington & Cardiff Central Via Farringdon & London Paddington & Cardiff Central |
4 Train Operators | Thameslink, GWR, Elizabeth Line, Transport for Wales |
Prices | from£30.00 |
Hop on a Train from Balcombe to Cathays – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Balcombe to Cathays by train? Well, you've come to the right place – and don’t worry, it won’t take forever!
On average, the journey takes around 4hrs 7 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Cathays), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 3hrs 37 mins. With roughly 29 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 134-mile (217 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of Thameslink, GWR, Elizabeth Line, Transport for Wales, all of whom offer comfy seats and plenty of luggage space – because, let’s face it, nobody likes a cramped train!
The best part? Tickets start from just £30.00 if you book in advance, which is a much better deal than scrambling for tickets on the day. Want to save even more? Travelling during Off-Peak hours or flashing a Railcard can help you keep more money in your wallet.
So, ready to snag those cheap tickets? Use our Journey Planner to find the latest prices and make your wallet happy. Keep scrolling for more travel tips, or check out our timetable above for live train times. Time to choo-choo your way to Cathays!
The travel time between Balcombe and Cathays by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 7 mins & the fastest journey takes 3hrs 37 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Balcombe to Cathays is 3hrs 37 mins.
Train ticket prices from Balcombe to Cathays can start from as little as £30.00 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.
The departure and arrival times for trains between Balcombe and Cathays vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 29 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 00:28, and the last train of the day leaves at 00:50.
First class tickets on trains between Balcombe and Cathays typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Balcombe and Cathays can include free Wi-Fi, power outlets, onboard catering, and comfortable seating.
By booking your tickets on traintickets.com! There are many ways to save on the cost of train travel between Balcombe and Cathays. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Cathays, and can save you up to 90%! Simply search for your journey, and be assured we have found you the best possible price.
No, unfortunately there are no direct trains between Balcombe & Cathays. However, there are 29 possible journeys which require a change.
Thameslink, GWR, Elizabeth Line and Transport for Wales are the main train operating companies running services between Balcombe and Cathays.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Balcombe and Cathays, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Friday 2nd May | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 05:35 Balcombe | 09:32 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 57 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:25 Balcombe | 10:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:55 Balcombe | 10:32 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:25 Balcombe | 11:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 08:25 Balcombe | 12:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 08:55 Balcombe | 12:32 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:25 Balcombe | 13:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:55 Balcombe | 13:32 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 10:25 Balcombe | 14:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 11:25 Balcombe | 15:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 11:55 Balcombe | 15:32 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:25 Balcombe | 16:02 Cathays | 3 changes | Farringdon London Paddington Cardiff Central | 3 hrs 37 mins | Get Tickets | |
Nestled in the picturesque English countryside, Balcombe Train Station serves as a charming gateway to discovering both tranquil rural hideaways and bustling cityscapes. Whether you’re a commuter bound for the heart of London or an explorer seeking the delights of the South, Balcombe station is the ideal starting point for your journey.
Balcombe train station offers a range of facilities to make your travel experience comfortable and convenient. The ticket office is open from 6:30 AM to 2:30 PM Monday through Saturday. For those in need of purchasing or collecting tickets at other times, worry not, as the station boasts accessible ticket machines that offer transport with Disabled Persons Railcard discounts. If you’ve bought your tickets online, simply collect them at a designated machine.
The station is partially accessible, with step-free access available to platform 1 for trains heading to London. For those travelling towards Brighton, a footbridge access is required. Although Balcombe lacks certain amenities like waiting rooms and accessible toilets, it does have a comfortable seating area for travelers to relax while waiting for their trains. Additionally, CCTV at the station ensures added safety, while customer help points on the platforms provide assistance at any time of the day.
Upon arriving at Balcombe, travelers can easily transition to other modes of transport, ensuring a seamless journey. The station provides detailed onward travel information, including local bus services which can be referenced online. Although the station doesn’t host extensive car services, there is ample parking space operated by APCOA Parking UK, available 24/7. However, it's worth noting that while there are two accessible spaces, accessible equipment is not present.
Balcombe offers an excellent springboard for your travels with frequent services to a host of popular destinations. City lovers can hop on a train to iconic London locations such as London Bridge, London Blackfriars, and London Victoria. For seaside wanderers, a trip to Brighton or tranquil Hove provides an ideal escape.
Frequent connections also run from Balcombe to bustling hubs such as Gatwick Airport and East Croydon, making the station an excellent choice for convenience and accessibility. Consider Balcombe station when planning your next journey – rich in connectivity and charm, it’s a delightful connector to the vibrant network of UK's railroads.
Your adventure begins at Balcombe station. So why wait? Explore the vast array of destinations accessible from this quaint yet bustling node in the rail network. Plan your travels today and embark on a journey filled with the excitement of new places and familiar favorites. Happy travels!
Positioned within the dynamic city of Cardiff, Cathays station serves as a pivotal gateway for local commuters and travelers. Its strategic location near Cardiff University makes it an essential hub for students and visitors alike. As part of the wider UK rail network, Cathays provides efficient services that connect you effortlessly to an array of destinations within and beyond Wales. Whether you're catching a train to Cardiff Central for a city-center adventure or heading out to scenic Barry Island, Cathays station is your dependable departure point.
At Cathays, convenience is a priority. The station offers a ticket office open during weekdays from 06:30 to 19:30. On Saturdays, hours are reduced, yet adequate for a casual weekend jaunt. Automated ticket machines ensure ease of access outside these hours, and with the ability to collect tickets purchased online, your journey begins with minimal fuss. For those concerned with accessibility, the platform configuration may pose challenges with the absence of step-free access across platforms. However, helpful station staff and facilities like induction loops and customer help points are in place to ensure assistance is readily available. CCTV coverage adds an extra layer of security for all travelers.
Navigating beyond the rails is easy at Cathays. The rail replacement bus stop and regular local buses are conveniently located on Park Place, making it simple to plan an onward journey. Though Cathays does not provide ongoing taxi or cycle hire services directly, Cardiff's robust network of public transport ensures you're never far from your next connection.
While the station facilitates efficient ticketing, it misses amenities like shopping outlets, refreshment stands, and public Wi-Fi. Planning ahead by grabbing refreshments prior to arrival could be essential. For cyclists, safe bicycle storage with CCTV ensures your bicycles remain secure during extended visits. Though amenities such as a waiting room are lacking, available seating areas ensure a comfortable stopover.
Cathays is your starting point for an array of adventures. Why not explore Barry’s picturesque seaside or immerse yourself in Swansea’s vibrant culture? For those interested in urban exploration, a quick trip to Cardiff Queen Street offers central city excitement. Here are a few key routes to consider: take the scenic journey from Cathays to Barry Island or revel in the academic and cultural offerings just a train ride away, such as from Cathays to Cardiff Central.
Cathays train station is more than just a stop—it's the beginning of a journey, connecting you not only to Cardiff's rich offerings but also to broader locations across the UK. While it may lack some comforts, its strategic placement and robust connections ensure an efficient travel experience. Next time you're planning to venture from Cardiff, consider joining the many passengers who choose Cathays as their travel companion. Grab your tickets with ease, embark on an adventure, and explore the myriad of possibilities this charming station opens up.
With a plethora of destinations at your fingertips and the convenience of ticket purchases and travel updates at your disposal, Cathays station stands as a testament to efficient rail travel in the UK. Remember, wherever your journey takes you next, a smooth start begins with planning and an open mind. Happy travels!