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Cardiff Central to Perth train times and prices
Plan your journey from Cardiff Central to Perth with ease. Explore the first and last train times, departure and arrival stations, distance, journey time, and price options to make the most of your trip.
Price*
From £286.20
Departure station
Arrival station
Journey time
8h 1m
Distance
340 miles (547km)
First/last train
04:35 / 07:58
Frequency
7
Train operators
* 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
Travelling from Cardiff Central to Perth by train? Find fares from as low as £286.20. Benefit from Advance tickets, Off-Peak train tickets, and Railcards for extra savings. Enjoy the most cost-effective and pleasant journey with TrainPal. For more tips on saving money, visit our UK cheap train ticket guide.
Cheapest
£286.20
On Mon 9
Live timetable and departures
Travelling from Cardiff Central to Perth, the fastest train takes 8h 1m with an average travel time of 8h 15m. 7 trains are running daily, with the first departing at 04:35 and the last at 07:58. Stay updated with live train status, times, delays, and cancellations on TrainPal.
| Departs | Arrives | Operator | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
21:11 Cardiff Central | 13h 55m, 3 change | 11:06 Perth | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
21:11 Cardiff Central | 14h 37m, 2 change | 11:48 Perth | Transport for Wales | Find tickets |
21:20 Cardiff Central | 14h 28m, 3 change | 11:48 Perth | Great Western Railway | Find tickets |
View More Trains
Compare train operators from Cardiff Central to Perth
- ScotRail
- Transport for Wales
- Avanti West Coast
ScotRail is Scotland’s national train operator, connecting major cities, regional towns and rural communities across Scotland. You can take high-speed Inter7City trains on routes like Glasgow to Edinburgh for a city break, or relax on a scenic route across rugged terrain on their Highland Explorer service, with extra room onboard for your bike.
Standard
Comfortable airline-style seating, plush seats on newer trains
Spacious intercity trains, less space on regional trains
Optional seat reservations on some longer routes
Air conditioning available
Onboard trolley service on longer routes
Luggage
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
First Class
Ideal for business commuters who need extra space for working and travellers seeking lounge access
Large leather* reclining** seats; larger windows with curtains/blinds
More space and guaranteed table (for 4 or singles*)
Optional seat reservations on some longer routes
Air conditioning available
Hospitality on selected services**
First Class lounge access at Aberdeen station
*On Inter7City fleet
** On Inter7City and Intercity (Class 170) fleets
Luggage
Food & Drink
Seat Types
Pet
Onboard facilities
Bike
Accessibility
Seat Facilities
TrainPal's Travel Expert Experience
"If you’re into railway scenery, don’t miss taking a ScotRail train along the West Highland Main Line, which runs from Glasgow to Oban and Mallaig. In addition to lochs, steep mountains and heather moors, you can also spot the Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous curved bridge on the route to Hogwarts in Harry Potter!"
"Don’t expect catering to be a sure thing just because you’re on a long-distance route. Some routes have a trolley service (albeit with limited selection), and First Class passengers only get a free hot drink or water and a shortbread. Check the ScotRail website for which trains have a trolley in operation."
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).
Delay Repay & Refund Policies from Cardiff Central to Perth
Apply for ScotRail Delay Repay
If your ScotRail train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket.
1 hr–1 hr 59 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket.
2 hr or more: 100% of a single or return ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Transport for Wales Delay Repay
If your ScotRail train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
30–59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket.
1 hr–1 hr 59 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket.
2 hr or more: 100% of a single or return ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
Apply for Avanti West Coast Delay Repay
If your Avanti West Coast train is delayed, you can claim compensation depending on the length of your delay:
15-29 minutes: 25% of a single ticket, 12.5% of a return ticket and 25% of a Season ticket.
30-59 minutes: 50% of a single ticket, 25% of a return ticket or 50% of a season ticket.
60-119 minutes: 100% of a single ticket, 50% of a return ticket or 100% of a season ticket.
120 minutes or more: 100% of a single, return or Season ticket (Note: Two separate Advance Single tickets do not count as a return; you can only claim for the specific delayed ticket).
FAQ
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How much is a train from Cardiff Central to Perth?
Tickets from Cardiff Central to Perth typically cost £288.07, but can be as cheap as £286.20 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 Perth?
The journey should take, on average, 8h 15m, though it can be as quick as 8h 1m 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 Perth?
There is no direct service between Cardiff Central and Perth. Instead, when browsing routes, you will see our recommendations for changeover stations that are the most convenient and time-efficient.
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How far in advance can I book my train from Cardiff Central to Perth?
You can typically book tickets from Cardiff Central to Perth up to 12 weeks before departure.
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Do Cardiff Central to Perth trains offer Wi-Fi?
Yes, most trains on the route from Cardiff Central to Perth 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 Perth?
The distance between Cardiff Central and Perth is approximately 340 miles (547km), depending on the specific stations you travel between.
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How frequent are trains from Cardiff Central to Perth?
There is 7 train running from Cardiff Central to Perth 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 Perth?
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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