A train trip from Bournemouth to Cardiff Bay takes about 4hrs 27 mins on average, covering roughly 76 miles (122 kilometres). With around 19 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 £61.00, making it a budget-friendly option for those who plan ahead.
Arrival Station | Cardiff Bay |
|---|---|
Departure Station | Bournemouth |
Frequency | 19trains per day |
Journey Time | from4hrs 21 mins |
Changes | 3-3no direct trains |
First Train / Last Train | 05:43 / 20:58 |
Distance | 76miles (122 km) |
2 Routes | Via Southampton Central & Cardiff Central & Cardiff Queen Street Via Reading & Cardiff Central & Cardiff Queen Street |
4 Train Operators | CrossCountry, South Western Railway, GWR, Transport for Wales |
Prices | from£61.00 |
Hop on a Train from Bournemouth to Cardiff Bay – It’s Faster Than You Think!
Planning to travel from Bournemouth to Cardiff Bay 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 27 mins. But if you’re in a hurry (or just really eager to get to Cardiff Bay), the fastest trains can whisk you there in just 4hrs 21 mins. With roughly 19 trains running every day, you're spoiled for choice. This scenic 76-mile (122 km) journey usually requires just one change. You’ll be in the good hands of CrossCountry, South Western Railway, GWR, 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 £61.00 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 Cardiff Bay!
The travel time between Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay by train varies depending on the type of train and the route, but the average journey time is 4hrs 27 mins & the fastest journey takes 4hrs 21 mins.
The fastest journey time by train from Bournemouth to Cardiff Bay is 4hrs 21 mins.
Train ticket prices from Bournemouth to Cardiff Bay can start from as little as £61.00 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 Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay vary depending on the day of the week and the type of train. Generally, there are around 19 departures and arrivals throughout the day. The first departure is 05:43, and the last train of the day leaves at 20:58.
First class tickets on trains between Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay typically offer more space, complimentary food and drink, and other amenities compared to standard class.
Amenities on trains between Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay 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 Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay. On traintickets.com, we do all the work for you to find the cheapest way possible to get to Cardiff Bay, 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 Bournemouth & Cardiff Bay. However, there are 19 possible journeys which require a change.
CrossCountry, South Western Railway, GWR and Transport for Wales are the main train operating companies running services between Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay.
Yes, you can bring luggage on board trains between Bournemouth and Cardiff Bay, but there may be limits on the number of bags or the size and weight of your luggage.
| Tuesday 29th April | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Departs | Arrives | Changes | Via Stations | Duration | Operator | |
| 05:55 Bournemouth | 10:24 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Southampton Central Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 4 hrs 29 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 06:30 Bournemouth | 10:36 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 4 hrs 6 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 07:30 Bournemouth | 11:24 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Southampton Central Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 3 hrs 54 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 08:18 Bournemouth | 12:24 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Southampton Central Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 4 hrs 6 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 08:40 Bournemouth | 12:36 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 3 hrs 56 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:22 Bournemouth | 13:24 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Southampton Central Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 4 hrs 2 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 09:45 Bournemouth | 13:54 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 4 hrs 9 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 10:45 Bournemouth | 14:06 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 3 hrs 21 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 11:45 Bournemouth | 15:06 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 3 hrs 21 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:22 Bournemouth | 16:24 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Southampton Central Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 4 hrs 2 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 12:45 Bournemouth | 16:36 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 3 hrs 51 mins | Get Tickets | |
| 13:45 Bournemouth | 17:06 Cardiff Bay | 3 changes | Reading Cardiff Central Cardiff Queen Street | 3 hrs 21 mins | Get Tickets | |
Bournemouth Train Station is a bustling hub situated in the heart of Dorset, known for its proximity to the vibrant seaside town it serves. As a gateway to both the beautiful coasts of the South and larger cities, it's more than just a transit point—it's a portal to rich experiences and explorative adventures. Whether you're a local commuter or a traveller on a scenic journey through the English countryside, Bournemouth Station has something to offer each unique passenger.
The station ensures a seamless experience with a comprehensive array of facilities. Whether buying a ticket or picking up one pre-purchased online, passengers can utilize the ticket machines which are accessible for all, including those with disabilities. The station also offers smartcards for a modern touch to your travel needs. For any assistance, staff help is widely available through help points, information screens, and the dedicated Customer Service Centre, ensuring that a helpful hand is never far away. Additionally, there's step-free access throughout the station, including long ramps for ease of movement.
Bournemouth Train Station might lack a traditional waiting room, but there's ample seating available for travelers awaiting departure. While it does not offer lounge services, refreshments can be found on Platforms 2 and 3, including a Starbucks. Best not to rely on finding ATMs or shops here, however. For those needing to stay connected, complimentary public Wi-Fi is available, with helpful links to hotspots around the station.
Travelers will benefit from the station's excellent transport connectivity. For those moving onward by car, there are 362 parking spaces available and specially marked bays for Blue Badge holders. If you arrive by bike, there are 118 spaces with sheltered cycle storage under CCTV. For public transportation users, buses and taxis provide seamless travel to further destinations. The airport is easily accessible via Morebus service 737, while the station is a pivotal access point for rail replacement services reaching Southampton and Poole.
The station acts as a launchpad to many exciting destinations. Whether you're heading north to the bustling capital with trains from Bournemouth to London Waterloo, or exploring closer locales like traveling to Poole or Southampton Central, the options are as varied as the reasons for travel. For those seeking a coastal adventure, a train to Christchurch or venturing further to Weymouth might be just the ticket.
Whether you're merely passing through or starting an epic journey, Bournemouth Train Station is designed to cater to your travel needs. Balancing modern convenience with essential accessibility, it stands as a beacon of efficient travel in the heart of the South coast. So why wait? Begin your railway adventure and let Bournemouth Station guide you to new horizons, ensuring that every journey is a memorable one.
The station, vividly capturing the essence of the vibrant town it serves, is a delightful meeting point for travelers, commuters, and explorers alike. Dive into your journey from Bournemouth and discover where the rail will take you next.
Looking to explore the beautiful Cardiff Bay area or need a convenient station for your daily commute? Cardiff Bay Train Station is a hub poised to cater to every traveler, whether you're visiting for leisure or business. Although a smaller station, it offers essential services to kickstart your journey with ease.
While Cardiff Bay Train Station may not boast extensive amenities, it does efficiently cover the key necessities for travelers. You won't find a ticket office but don’t fret! Ticket machines are there to facilitate collection of pre-purchased tickets, accept both cash and cards, and are accessible for all travelers, including those who use wheelchairs. Notably, the station provides step-free access from Bute Street and Lloyd George Avenue, maintaining its 'Category A' accessibility status.
For those curious about smart travel, Cardiff Bay does not issue smartcards, but validators are available for use. And should you need assistance, a help point is there, alongside departure and arrival screens, ensuring you’re kept in the loop about train statuses. Be sure to take advantage of the assistance service, which permits bookings up to two hours before your trip starts. Whenever needed, contacting the Transport for Wales Customer Relations team is a few clicks away.
Effortlessly commute in and out of Cardiff Bay with the station’s array of transport links. A strategically placed rail replacement bus stop awaits on Bute Street, and bus services are conveniently available right outside the station. If you fancy cycling over public transport, Nextbike/Ovo bike sharing has you covered, with docking stations ready at Lloyd George Avenue for exploring the city on two wheels.
Cardiff Bay is more than just a starting point; it’s a gateway to numerous popular destinations throughout Wales. Plan a quick trip to Cardiff Queen Street for shopping or head towards Cardiff Central for further connections. Delight in a scenic ride to Barry Island, or join the cultural festivities in Swansea. Whether for work or pleasure, hopping on a train from Cardiff Bay will take you anywhere you need to go with ease.
While it may not resemble the grand European stations with vast facilities, Cardiff Bay Train Station still holds its charm. Simple, efficient, and conveniently located, it stands ready to cater to your travel needs without hassle. So, plan your trip, grab your tickets, and let Cardiff Bay Train Station be your gateway to exploring the vibrant scenes and serene landscapes of Wales.
Need more detailed travel information or want to organize your tickets beforehand? Visit National Rail's official website for a seamless experience.