Cardiff Central to Swansea Trains From £2.90*

Travel from Cardiff Central to Swansea in under one hour on fast, affordable direct routes with Transport for Wales (TfW).

Whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, take the train between these two Welsh hotspots on frequent services that get you from Cardiff to Swansea without the stress of driving.

The journey takes you through beautiful south Wales, passing through Port Talbot, Bridgend, and miles of Welsh countryside before arriving in the capital city. Whatever your travel plans, get the best prices when you buy cheap train tickets with TrainPal.

Transport for Wales is a publicly owned train operating company, which manages 248 National Rail stations, and operates all passenger mainline services wholly within Wales.

Departing from Cardiff Central

From Cardiff Central to Swansea, you’ll have no trouble starting your journey at the largest and busiest station in Wales.

Set in a magnificent Grade II listed building, the station is also well equipped with all the amenities you need before you board, from comfortable waiting rooms and seating areas, to accessible toilets and baby changing facilities. There are also a variety of shops and refreshments should you wish to purchase supplies before your journey.

Getting to Cardiff Central is easy on Cardiff’s array of local buses. Conveniently located in the city centre, right next to the Principality Stadium, walking to Cardiff Central is also easy from around the city centre.

Main stops

The Transport for Wales service from Cardiff Central to Swansea stops at Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway, and Neath, before arriving at Swansea. After this, the train continues to Milford Haven, via Llanelli, Pembrey & Burry Port, Kidwelly, Ferryside, Carmarthen, Clunderwen, and Haverfordwest, among others.

Arriving at Swansea

Swansea Station is the arrival point for passengers travelling to the city from Cardiff. Located to the north of Swansea city centre, the station is the third busiest in Wales, after Cardiff Central and Newport.

When arriving at Swansea Station, you will have access to a range of refreshment counters and shops, plus seating areas and accessibility features like step-free access and induction loops that allow everyone to have a comfortable start to their journey. 

Bicycle hire is available from the station, while local buses and taxis can take you to wherever you want to go in Swansea. For onward travel, take trains from Swansea to other major cities like London, Newport (South Wales), and Carmarthen.

Transport for Wales train classes

• Standard Class: For a comfortable onboard experience at the best prices, book Cardiff to Swansea Standard Class tickets with Transport for Wales. Buy snacks onboard, or just sit back and relax in comfortable seats with Wales’ national operator.
• First Class: If you are seeking more luxury on your trip, upgrade to Cardiff Central to Swansea First Class tickets for the highest comfort and customer service. With extra spacious seats, exclusive food and drink offerings on your journey, and the finest treatment onboard, this is the way to enhance your travel experience at a premium price.

Transport for Wales travel advice

• Bicycles: Reserve a spot for your bike on Transport for Wales trains before you travel for free, subject to space limitations. Only standard bikes and folding bikes are permitted (no e-scooters, e-unicycles, electric bikes, motorcycles, or mopeds).
• Children: On Cardiff to Swansea days out by train, take the whole family for less. Under 11s travel free at any time on Transport for Wales trains, with free tickets fpr under 16s at off-peak times when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
• Luggage: Passengers can bring up to three items of luggage onboard. Larger items must measure no more than 90cm x 70cm x 30cm, and must be stored in designated luggage areas.
• Pets: Dogs, cats and other small animals are welcome onboard Transport for Wales services, up to a maximum of two per passenger. Remember to keep them safely on a lead or in a carrier so as not to inconvenience other passengers or staff.
• Passenger Assist: For travellers with additional needs, arrange assistance before your journey, whether you need extra support boarding trains, navigating the station, or something else.

Another way to get from Cardiff to Swansea is to take the direct route operated by Great Western Railway, which also takes passengers between these major cities in under one hour.

Great Western Railway is a train operating company that offers a mix of long-distance, regional and commuter services around the Southwest of England and South Wales.

Main stops

The direct route from Cardiff Central to Swansea with Great Western Railway typically calls at Bridgend, Port Talbot Parkway, Neath, and Swansea, your destination. Exact stops may vary according to the train times and route.

Great Western Railway train classes

GWR offers two classes of train tickets, so every passenger can choose the price and seat type that suits their travel requirements:

• Standard Class: Comfy seats and free Wi-Fi will make your journey from Cardiff to Swansea pass in the blink of an eye. Benefit from power sockets at every seat, and spacious tables on one of the UK’s most premium train operating companies. If desired, buy food and drink from a wide selection of onboard refreshments.
• First Class: For the most luxurious GWR travel experience, upgrade to Cardiff Central to Swansea First Class tickets to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks from the GWR First Class menu, additional legroom and reclining extra-wide seats.

GWR train journey details from Cardiff to Swansea

On direct Great Western Railway routes from Cardiff Central to Swansea, enjoy comfortable travel, generous luggage allowances and child discounts. Here’s what you need to know:

• Luggage: Bring up to three bags onto Cardiff to Swansea Great Western Railway trains. Store your items in overhead racks or under seats, or use the large luggage space at carriage doors.
• Pets: There’s no need to leave your pets at home: travel with up to two domestic animals at no extra cost, but remember that pets must be kept on a lead or in a carrier at all times.
• Bicycles: All Great Western Railway trains feature at least two bike spaces; reservations are recommended for cyclists wanting to board with their two-wheeler.
• Children: Under 5s travel free from Cardiff to Swansea with GWR, so you can enjoy family days out by train for less. Children aged 5 to 15 can travel with a 50% discount.
• Railcards: Take the train with a Railcard and save even more, with one-third off all fares on off-peak trains. Choose from the 16-25 Railcard, 26-30 Railcard, Senior Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Disabled Persons Railcard, or Family & Friends Railcard, subject to eligibility.
• Passenger Assist: For help with your journey, book GWR Passenger Assist. Whether it’s planning and booking your trip, or boarding or disembarking from the train, the friendly train staff will be happy to assist. 

*Information is subject to change. Please check the latest train timetable before your trip.