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Outbound fromCardiff Central to Plymouth by train
It takes an average of 3h 34m to travel from Cardiff Central to Plymouth by train, over a distance of around 87 miles (140 km). There are normally 22 trains per day travelling from Cardiff Central to Plymouth and tickets for this journey start from £21.60 when you book in advance.
| First train | 06:59 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 19:00 | |
| Departure station | Cardiff Central | |
| Arrival station | Plymouth | |
| Journey time | From 3h 26m | |
| Distance | 87 miles (140 km) | |
| Frequency | 22 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £21.60 | |
| Train operators |
About the train journey from Cardiff Central to Plymouth
Want to travel from Cardiff Central to Plymouth by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth usually takes 3 hours 34 minutes on average to travel 87 miles (140 km), although the quickest services can take as little as 3 hours 26 minutes. You can expect to find 22 trains per day running on this popular route. Good news! There are direct trains available to Plymouth, so you can just make yourself comfortable as soon as you board the train and just enjoy the journey. All or part of your journey will be served by Great Western Railway, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.
You can save money on train tickets from Cardiff Central to Plymouth if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £21.60. You can also travel Off-Peak – tickets are usually cheaper during quieter times on weekdays and weekends – or get a Railcard and save up to 1/3 on eligible journeys for a whole year. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.
If you want to know more about the journey, scroll up for timetables and live train times, or keep reading for tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Cardiff Central to Plymouth? 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 Cardiff Central to Plymouth take?
The average journey time by train between Cardiff Central and Plymouth is 3 hours and 34 minutes, with around 22 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 Cardiff Central and Plymouth by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth is 3 hours and 26 minutes.
How much does the train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth cost?
Train ticket prices from Cardiff Central to Plymouth can start from as little as £21.60 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 Cardiff Central to Plymouth?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Cardiff Central to Plymouth without having to change trains. There are 22 direct trains from Cardiff Central to Plymouth each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth leave?
The first train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth leaves at 06:59. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth leave?
The last train from Cardiff Central to Plymouth leaves at 19:00. 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 Cardiff Central and Plymouth by train?
Trains travelling from Cardiff Central to Plymouth cover a distance of around 87 miles (140 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Plymouth to Cardiff Central.
Cheap train tickets from Cardiff Central to Plymouth
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 Cardiff Central to Plymouth 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.