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Swansea, West Glamorgan to Cardiff, South Glamorgan from $5: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Swansea, United Kingdom
to
Cardiff, United Kingdom

How to Get from Swansea to Cardiff: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$5 RideshareBest price
54.4 kmDistance
48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Swansea to Cardiff with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Transport for Wales
Train
Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$20-65
Recommended
Company
BlaBlaCar
Rideshare
Average Duration
1h  7m
Estimated price
$5-9
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 54.4 km
Duration: 48m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
1h  20m
Estimated price
$11-16
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$13-20
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
$120-150

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Train $8 $7 $7 $8 $8 $6 $8
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Traveling From Swansea to Cardiff

Traveling between Swansea and Cardiff offers a rich contrast, with Swansea showcasing stunning coastal views and laid-back charm, while Cardiff boasts vibrant urban life and historical landmarks.

Best Neighbourhoods in Cardiff

Cardiff's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences to suit every traveler.

Cardiff Bay
• Home to the iconic Wales Millennium Centre.
• Scenic waterfront with numerous dining options.
The Castle Quarter
• Features Cardiff Castle and beautiful park areas.
• Rich in history and charming architecture.
Pontcanna
• Known for trendy cafes and independent shops.
• Offers lush parks for relaxing strolls.

Best Times To Visit Cardiff's Attractions

Timing can significantly enhance your experience at Cardiff's top spots.

Cardiff Castle
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for fewer crowds.
Cardiff Bay
Enjoy leisurely afternoons during the week for a calmer atmosphere.
National Museum Cardiff
Weekdays, especially late mornings, offer a quieter museum experience.

Cardiff Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Cardiff experiences a temperate maritime climate, with mild winters and cool summers, making it a year-round destination. Spring and early autumn present the best times to visit, as the pleasant weather enhances outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of Cardiff's vibrant culinary scene, try the traditional Welsh rarebit at The Potted Pig, where the rustic atmosphere and locally sourced ingredients create a distinctive experience unlike the coastal dishes found in Swansea. This rich and cheesy delight showcases Wales' flavors, offering a heartier option that contrasts beautifully with Swansea's seafood-centric fare.

Swansea - Cardiff operators

Explore transport companies operating between Swansea and Cardiff, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
03333 211 202
Website
https://tfw.wales/

Train from Swansea to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
20-30
Contact phone
+44 3457 000 125
Website
https://www.gwr.com/

Train from Swansea to Cardiff Central

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
27-65
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Swansea City Bus Station to Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music

Average Duration
1h 20m
Estimated price
8-13
Website
https://uk.megabus.com

Bus from Swansea Quadrant Bus Station to Cardiff North Road

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
11-16
Rideshare
Contact phone
+3 318 576 2228
Website
https://www.blablacar.com

Rideshare from Swansea to Cardiff

Average Duration
1h 7m
Estimated price
5-9
Taxi
Contact phone
+44 1792 644446
Website
https://yellowcabsltd.com

Taxi from Swansea to Cardiff

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
120-150
Contact phone
+44 1792585585
Website
http://newforestcabsswansea.co.uk

Taxi from Swansea to Cardiff

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
120-150
Contact phone
+44 1792 474 747
Website
http://datacabs.com

Taxi from Swansea to Cardiff

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
120-150
Drive

Drive from Swansea to Cardiff

Average Duration
48m
Estimated price
13-20

Swansea to Cardiff: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Swansea and Cardiff offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Enjoy a picturesque drive from Swansea to Cardiff, covering a distance of 42 miles in just under 48 minutes. 💰 Prices to travel by car from Swansea to Cardiff range between £10 to £16, offering a cost-effective transportation option for your journey.
Average price
£10 - £16
🚆 The train journey from Swansea to Cardiff is convenient and efficient, with direct services departing every 30 minutes and operating daily. The trip takes approximately 56 minutes, offering a quick transportation option between these two cities. 🚆 The prices for a train ticket between Swansea and Cardiff can vary, ranging from £16 to £51. With frequent departures and a relatively short travel time, taking the train is a convenient and cost-effective option for those looking to explore both Swansea and Cardiff while enjoying a hassle-free journey.
Departure Point
Swansea station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Central station
Useful tips for train travellers
• When traveling from Swansea to Cardiff, you'll be using the Great Western Railway (GWR) line, which offers a catering service with refreshments such as sandwiches, snacks, and hot beverages available for purchase on board. Make sure to check their menu in advance on the GWR website so you know what to expect and to bring cash or a contactless card for payment.
• On the GWR services, seating options include Standard Class and First Class. Standard Class offers comfortable seating with a decent amount of legroom, while First Class provides more spacious seats, complimentary snacks and drinks, and quieter carriages. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, consider upgrading to First Class for a nominal fee.
• Upon arriving at Cardiff Central Station, you can take advantage of the left luggage services available for a small fee at the station. This is especially useful if you want to explore the city without your bags. Also, Cardiff Central has restrooms located near the main concourse. To quickly reach the city center from the station, simply walk—it's just a 10-15 minute stroll—or catch the Cardiff Metro (C1 or C2) from the adjacent bus station for a quick ride.
🚌 Departing from Swansea City Bus Station, the FlixBus service makes the journey to Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music five times a day, taking approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. 💰 Ticket prices for the bus between Swansea and Cardiff typically range from £9 to £13, offering an affordable and convenient transportation option for travelers in the United Kingdom.
Departure Point
Swansea City Bus Station
Arrival Point
Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your ticket in advance on the FlixBus website to secure the best prices, which range from £8.60 to £13 for your journey from Swansea to Cardiff: FlixBus Official Site.
• As the bus arrives at Cardiff Royal Welsh College of Music, familiarize yourself with the surrounding area on the station map to easily find nearby dining options like the popular Anna Loka vegan cafe or the Haberdashers' Aske's Café for a quick bite.
• Since the journey takes about 1h 20m and the buses depart five times daily, consider checking the FlixBus schedule beforehand to choose your preferred departure time: FlixBus Schedule.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Swansea to Cardiff.

Or choose the category:
The distance between Swansea and Cardiff is approximately 34 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 42.3 miles. The typical travel time by train from Swansea to Cardiff is around 1 hour. If traveling by car, it usually takes about 1 hour to reach Cardiff from Swansea. Another option is to take a bus, which typically takes 1 hour and 10 minutes to reach Cardiff from Swansea.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Swansea to Cardiff is to rideshare. It costs between £3 and £7 and takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes. This mode of transportation is both affordable and convenient, allowing travelers to save money and reach their destination in a reasonable amount of time. Another option is to take a taxi, which is quicker, taking around 48 minutes, but it is also more expensive, costing between £94 and £117.
The prices for travel between Swansea and Cardiff vary depending on the mode of transportation. For train travel, the prices range from £15 to £51. On the other hand, bus tickets between Cardiff and Swansea can cost anywhere from £9 to £20. It is important to check for any discounts or promotions that may be available to get the best deals on travel expenses.
To travel from Swansea to Cardiff without using public transportation, you can consider carpooling through BlaBlaCar, a rideshare service. Alternatively, you can drive the distance of 42 miles, which typically takes around 48 minutes. If you opt for carpooling, prices range from £10 to £16 for the journey. These options can be convenient if you are unable to drive or prefer to avoid public transport.
To travel from Swansea to Cardiff without a car, the best option is to take a train. The train journey takes approximately 56 minutes and tickets can cost between £15 and £51. This is a convenient and time-efficient way to make the journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenic route and avoid any traffic or parking hassles.
Yes, there is a direct link between Swansea and Cardiff. You can take a train from Swansea station to Cardiff Central, which operates every day and takes approximately 56 minutes. Alternatively, you can also take a bus from Swansea Bus Station Stand C to Sophia Gardens, which operates every day, with a journey time of around 1 hour and 10 minutes. Both options provide convenient and direct transportation between these two cities in the United Kingdom.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Cardiff. With over 1134 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices. Prices start at £33, offering budget-friendly options for those on a tight budget. From luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something to suit every traveler's preferences and budget.