Travelling from Cardiff Central to Hereford by train offers a smooth and scenic connection between South Wales and the English countryside. Whether you’re commuting, heading out for a relaxing day trip or exploring historic towns, this route combines comfort, speed and beautiful views. With Advance fares available on JurnyOn — including flexible Advance Flex options — booking early can make this journey both affordable and adaptable.

For live train times and ticket options, visit:

Cardiff Central to Hereford train times

Journey Time, Distance and Frequency

Cardiff Central and Hereford are approximately 45 miles (73 km) apart by rail. The fastest trains complete the journey in around 1 hour 1 minute, while most services take between 1 hour 5 minutes and 1 hour 15 minutes.

This is a frequent and direct route, with around 60+ trains per day, meaning you’ll have plenty of options throughout the day.

Most services run direct, making it a simple and convenient journey without the need to change trains. The route is primarily operated by Transport for Wales, offering reliable regional connectivity.

Ticket Prices and Advance Fare Savings

Ticket prices vary depending on demand and booking time. Across rail platforms, Advance fares can start from around £10–£14 when booked early, increasing closer to departure.

On JurnyOn, Advance fares start from just £6.50, giving you a more affordable way to travel when you plan ahead.

JurnyOn also offers Advance Flex fares, combining discounted travel with added flexibility — ideal if your return time isn’t fixed.

Remember: JurnyOn focuses on Advance fares only (no Off-Peak fares), so booking early is key to getting the best price.

Why Visit Hereford?

Hereford is a historic cathedral city known for its relaxed atmosphere and countryside charm. From the station, you can explore:

The famous Hereford Cathedral, home to the medieval Mappa Mundi
Independent shops, cafés and local markets
Easy access to the Wye Valley and surrounding countryside
A quieter, slower-paced contrast to city life

It’s a perfect destination for a day out or a peaceful weekend.

Interesting Facts About This Route

🛤️ Follows parts of the historic Welsh Marches Line, linking South Wales to the English borders
🌄 Known for its scenic countryside views, especially along the River Wye
🚄 One of the key regional routes connecting Cardiff with the Midlands and beyond
🔁 Offers seamless connections to Shrewsbury, Manchester and North Wales

Events & Things to Do Along the Route

This journey connects two regions full of culture and activity:

🎭 Events and festivals in Cardiff, including concerts and sporting events
🎶 Cultural experiences and local festivals in Hereford
🎪 Seasonal markets and countryside events
🌿 Outdoor activities in the Wye Valley and surrounding areas

Connections Beyond Both Stations

Cardiff Central is a major hub with connections to London, Bristol, Swansea and South Wales, making it a key starting point for many journeys.

Hereford connects to Shrewsbury, Worcester, Birmingham and the wider UK network, making this route ideal for both local and longer travel.

Book with JurnyOn

For a simple way to compare fares and secure Advance tickets, JurnyOn provides a streamlined booking experience for rail travel across the UK.

Plan your journey on the JurnyOn website

Download the app here:

• iOS: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/jurnyon/id6736894469

• Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jurnyon.jurnyonapp

Final Thoughts

The Cardiff Central to Hereford train route offers a perfect mix of convenience and scenery. With journey times of around 1 hour, frequent direct services and Advance fares starting from £6.50 on JurnyOn, it’s an excellent option for commuters, day trips and countryside escapes.

Add in Advance Flex fares, and you get both savings and flexibility — making this route even more practical for real-life travel.