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Cardiff Central to Bath Spa train times and prices
* Note: Lowest prices are based on an analysis of recent historical pricing data. Live fares fluctuate based on demand and how far in advance you book.
7-day train ticket price trend
€16.93
On Sat 24
Live timetable and departures
The journey from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa on the fastest train in 1h 4m, usually 1h 11m. Each day, 30 trains leave from Cardiff Central, starting at 05:07 and ending at 20:30. Get real-time updates on train schedules, delays, and cancellations. Save time, effort, and money with TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
05:07 Cardiff Central | 1h 50m, 1 change | 06:57 Bath Spa | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
05:53 Cardiff Central | 1h 35m, 2 change | 07:28 Bath Spa | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:28 Cardiff Central | 1h 6m, Direct | 07:34 Bath Spa | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
06:57 Cardiff Central | 1h 14m, 1 change | 08:11 Bath Spa | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
07:27 Cardiff Central | 1h 10m, Direct | 08:37 Bath Spa | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
Compare train operators from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa
- Great Western Railway
- CrossCountry
First Class
Standard
Essential onboard policies
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Luggage
- Most UK train operators allow passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage free of charge.
- This is commonly considered three items per passenger, typically 2 larger bags and 1 smaller bag. Larger items cover suitcases, backpacks, and other similarly-sized items.
- Bags go in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated floor-level luggage stacks.
- Occasionally, some providers have stricter policies, such as Lumo, which enforces a limit of 1 medium suitcase and 1 small under-seat bag per person.
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Bicycle
- Standard bicycles and folding bikes are generally allowed.
- Bike reservations are required on some services and are usually free.
- Some operators also permit tandems and e-bikes.
- Please note that e-scooters, motorcycles, tricycles, and bicycle trailers are not permitted.
- We strongly recommend checking the specific cycle policy on your train operator's website before you travel.
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Children
- Children under 5 usually travel free when accompanied by a fare-paying passenger.
- Children aged 5–15 get 50% off, and 16-year-olds can use the 16-17 Saver Railcard for 50% off.
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Pets
- Each provider generally allows up to two animals per passenger free of charge, but individual operators can have additional restrictions.
- Throughout the journey, dogs must be on a lead, and any other pets must remain in their carrier.
- Animals are not permitted on seats or in restaurant carriages.
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Passenger assistance
- Passengers with disabilities or additional needs can arrange free assistance with their train operator.
- This includes help at the station, boarding and leaving the train, and making connections. Assistance can also include ramps for wheelchair users and help finding accessible facilities or the correct platform.
- Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets are available on many trains, although facilities vary by service.
- To ensure support is available for your journey, this service should be booked in advance.
Departing from Cardiff Central
Address:
Central Square, Cardiff, CF10 1EP, United Kingdom
Public Transport Links:
Bus: Cardiff Bus Interchange is right by the station on Central Square and has 14 bus stands. Destinations include Llandaff, Penarth and Rhiwbina.
Taxi pick-up and drop-off: Cabs can pick you up and drop you off at the main taxi rank on Saunders Road off Central Square.
Platforms:
Eight platforms, numbered 0-4 and 6-8. Access to platform 0 is near M&S, whereas the other platforms can be reached from the two subways. Longer-distance regional and national services operated by Transport for Wales (TfW), Great Western Railway (GWR) and Cross Country tend to use platforms 0-4. Platforms 6-8 handle Valleys & Cardiff Local Routes serving the north of the city, the Valleys and the Vale of Glamorgan.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"On event days, the station gets extremely busy, and queue management systems are put in place. The regular routes through the main ticket barriers and subway can be cordoned off, meaning passengers may need to follow temporary one-way systems to move around the station or reach platform 1. Allow extra time and check local station staff directions on the day."
FAQs about Cardiff Central Station
When does Cardiff Central open?
Cardiff Central station opens at 04:00 from Monday to Saturday and at 07:00 on Sundays.
How far is Principality Stadium from Cardiff Central station?
Principality Stadium is only five minutes away from Cardiff Central on foot.
Does Cardiff Central station have luggage storage?
No, there are no lockers or left luggage facilities at Cardiff Central station.
What shops are at Cardiff Central station?
Outlets at Cardiff Central station include M&S, Gourmet Coffee Bar & Kitchen and Costa.
Where are the toilets at Cardiff Central station?
Platforms 1-7 have male and female toilets (except platforms 6 and 7, which only have male toilets). Accessible toilets are located by the south entrance and in the eastern subway (RADAR key required).
Arriving at Bath Spa
Address:
Dorchester Street, Bath Spa, Somerset, BA1 1SU
Onward Transit Options:
Bus: Bath bus station is directly adjacent to the railway station on Dorchester Street, offering local services across Bath as well as regional services to Bristol, Wales and surrounding Somerset towns. The A4 Airport Flyer to Bristol Airport also departs from here.
Taxi: A licensed taxi rank is located directly outside the main station entrance on Dorchester Street.
Car: 78 spaces are available in the station car park, while there is more parking available in the SouthGate car park on Dorchester Street, a short walk from the station. Note that Bath operates a clean air zone – check whether your vehicle is affected before driving into the city.
Top Things to Do & Nearby Attractions:
Roman baths (10-minute walk)
Thermae Bath Spa (15-minute walk)
Royal Crescent and the Circus (20-minute walk)
Pulteney Bridge and Great Pulteney Street (15-minute walk)
Bath Abbey (10-minute walk)
Airport Transfers:
For flights, Bristol Airport is the most convenient option. The A4 Airport Flyer runs from Bath bus station, directly adjacent to the railway station, to Bristol Airport in approximately 50 minutes. Services run throughout the day and into the night.
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"Franco Manca pizzeria is right next door to the station – a great option for a quick meal before or after your train, with their signature sourdough pizza at very reasonable prices.
For coffee, Café au Lait is a short walk from the station and one of Bath's most popular independent cafes. If you have a few minutes to spare, you can wander the city centre close by, spotting the city’s iconic red telephone boxes dotted across the city, now repurposed for a variety of uses."
FAQs: Bath Spa Station
Is Bath Spa the same as Bath train station?
Yes, Bath Spa is the official name for Bath's main railway station, located on Dorchester Street. It is sometimes referred to simply as Bath station, but Bath Spa is its correct National Rail name.
How far is Bath Spa from the train station?
While Bath Spa is the name of the train station, the Roman Baths, which are Bath's most famous attraction, are approximately a 10-minute walk from the station through the city centre. The city itself is extremely walkable, with most major sites within 15-20 minutes by foot.
Are there two stations in Bath?
Bath has two railway stations – Bath Spa on Dorchester Street is the main station for intercity services and is the one most visitors use. Oldfield Park is a smaller suburban station to the west of the city, served by local GWR services.
Is Bath walkable from the station?
Yes, Bath is one of the most walkable cities in the UK. The Roman Baths are a 10-minute walk, the Royal Crescent is around 20 minutes, and the Thermae Bath Spa is around 15 minutes. The entire compact city centre is accessible on foot from the station.
Great Western Railway trains from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa
Linking the Welsh capital with one of England’s most historic spa cities, Great Western Railway operates direct services between Cardiff Central and Bath Spa, its fastest trains completing the journey in around one hour.
What amenities are there in the Great Western Railway Standard Class?
In Great Western Railway’s Standard Class, passengers can expect comfortable seating with tables at many seats, along with power sockets and Wi-Fi on most services. Overhead racks and dedicated luggage areas provide space for bags, while large windows make it easy to enjoy the scenery along the way.
Is Great Western Railway First Class worth it?
Great Western Railway’s First Class service offers a quieter and more spacious travel environment with wider seats, additional legroom and reliable Wi-Fi. On some services, passengers may also receive complimentary refreshments, making it a worthwhile upgrade for the journey.
How much Great Western Railway luggage space is there?
There’s plenty of room for luggage onboard, with space for up to three items per passenger. Smaller bags can be easily stowed in overhead racks or under your seat, while larger suitcases can be stored in the designated luggage areas at the end of each carriage.
Is there food and drink on Great Western Railway trains?
Train travel from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa
The journey from Cardiff to Bath is one of the quickest cross-border rail trips in the UK. With frequent services and straightforward stations at both ends, travelling from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa is simple once you know a few local tips.
Cardiff Central: Getting to the Platform
- Pre-Departure: Inside the main ticket hall and concourse, you’ll find some coffee spots and convenience shops where you can grab a cuppa or a snack before boarding your train. The station is most easily reached from the city centre via the entrance on Central Square, which leads directly to the station’s ticket gates and platform subways.
Onboard trains from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa
- The View Alert: For the best scenery, try to sit on the left-hand side of the train as you head east towards Bath. After leaving Wales, the railway runs alongside the Severn Estuary, offering wide views across the water before heading inland.
- Key Landmarks: After leaving Cardiff, the train soon approaches the vast Severn Estuary before diving into the historic Severn Tunnel, one of Britain’s great Victorian engineering feats. Catch glimpses of the city’s honey-coloured Georgian architecture as your train crosses elegant bridges and viaducts on your approach into Bath.
Arriving at Bath Spa
Arriving at Bath Spa station, you’ll step off the train right into the heart of one of England’s most beautiful historic cities. The station sits on Dorchester Street, just a short walk from the River Avon and minutes from the city’s famous Georgian streets and Roman Baths.
- The City Centre Exit: The main exit leads directly onto Dorchester Street, from where it’s only a short 5-minute walk to the historic centre, including the world-famous Roman Baths and the grand Georgian architecture of Bath Abbey and the surrounding squares.
- Onward Travel: Taxis are available just outside the main exit, while local buses depart from nearby stops on Dorchester Street and the adjacent bus station. If you’re travelling light, most of Bath’s most important sights are within easy walking distance of the station.
FAQ
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How much is a train from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa?
Tickets from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa typically cost €34.93, but can be as cheap as €16.93 when booked in advance. Other factors that may affect the ticket price include time of day and ticket type, so be sure to research before purchasing.
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How long is the train from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa?
The journey should take, on average, 1h 11m, though it can be as quick as 1h 4m when booking specific services. Be sure to click the "Fastest" tab when searching your route to find out.
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Is there a direct train from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa?
Yes, there is a direct train between Cardiff Central and Bath Spa. However, you will find indirect services listed too, including where you will have to make a changeover. Check each listing for either ‘direct’ or how many stops are required when purchasing your ticket.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa?
You can typically book tickets from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Cardiff Central to Bath Spa trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa are equipped with Wi-Fi, as well as power sockets at your seat. However, please note that the availability of these services can vary depending on the train compan.
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How far is Cardiff Central from Bath Spa?
The distance between Cardiff Central and Bath Spa is approximately 36 miles (58km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa?
There is 30 train running from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa per day. Please note that trains run more regularly during peak hours.
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How can I buy the cheapest tickets from Cardiff Central to Bath Spa?
To get the cheapest ticket, we recommend buying in advance, as early as 12 weeks before departure. We'd also strongly suggest travelling during off-peak hours where possible and getting a Railcard, which typically offers ⅓ off your ticket cost and is available to most travellers!
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How do I check if my train is delayed or cancelled?
Keep a close eye on your journey via the TrainPal app, which offers real-time information on train status and notifications of any train strikes that will impact you.
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Can my tickets be refunded or changed?
In the UK, refund and change policies for train tickets vary by type. Advance tickets are generally non-refundable but may be changeable for a fee. Flexible tickets, like Anytime and Off-Peak tickets, offer more options for refunds and changes. Review the specific terms and conditions of your ticket or refer to UK train ticket types for precise details.
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* Prices are dynamic and subject to change. Ticket prices vary based on time of day, route, and class. This pricing does not apply to discounted Split tickets and Railcards.
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