The average train between Cardiff and Barnstaple takes 4h 39m and the fastest train takes 3h 28m. There is a train service every few hours from Cardiff to Barnstaple. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays; use the search form on this page to search for a specific travel date.
Trains run hourly between Cardiff and Barnstaple. The earliest departure is at 6:57 AM in the morning, and the last departure from Cardiff is at 11:30 PM which arrives into Barnstaple at 8:25 AM. All services require a transfer at Bristol Temple Meads and take an average of 4h 39m. The schedules shown below are for the next available departures.


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Want to know about travelling from Cardiff to Barnstaple? We have put together a list of the most frequently asked questions from our users such as: What is the cheapest mode of transport? What is the quickest option? How much do tickets usually cost? and many more.
No, there is no direct train from Cardiff to Barnstaple. However, there are services departing from Cardiff station and arriving at Barnstaple station via Bristol Temple Meads. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 4h 39m.
Cardiff to Barnstaple train services, operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), depart from Cardiff Central station.
Cardiff to Barnstaple train services, operated by Great Western Railway (GWR), arrive at Barnstaple station.
Book your Cardiff to Barnstaple train tickets online with Great Western Railway (GWR) and Cross Country.
The distance between Cardiff and Barnstaple is 75.5 km. The road distance is 244 km.
You can take a train from Cardiff Central to Barnstaple via Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter St Davids in around 4h 4m.